Model Airplane News – August 2019

I

f there is anything that

experienced and successful

RC modelers have in com-

mon, it’s that they’ve learned to use

what works and gets the job done.

Before beginning to build your new

RC airplane, you should gather all the

things you’ll need for your project. The

list of materials for any build will include

hardware, and for that, you can’t go wrong

with Du-Bro Products.

BUILDING

WITH

QUALITY

Get the job done right

with Du-Bro

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To be successful, you have

to start with quality (made

in the USA) hardware.

CONTROL

LINKAGES

Th e phrase “a chain is only as strong as its weakest

link” applies to the production of strong, bind-free

control linkages. Du-Bro Products has many types

of specially designed control-linkage hardware,

and the two most popular for attaching linkages

to your servos are the E/Z Connector and the

Swivel Ball Link.

For light-duty linkages, such as for the engine

throttle, E/Z Connectors are great for short wire-

pushrod runs or fl exible cable pushrods. Just attach

one set to your servo arm and the other to the engine’s

throttle arm. Slide the fl ex cable and guide tube into

place, then tighten the setscrews; fi ne-tune by adjusting

your servo’s throw and endpoints. E/Z Connectors

(#121) are available in packages of two for $2.10. Th e

Kwik Grip E/Z Connector (#608) is designed to be used

with the Kwik Grip E/Z Connector Wrench (#609) for

extra-snug tightening; both are priced at $2.30.

If you want heavy-duty pushrods for your control

linkages (for the elevator, rudder, and large gas-engine

throttle arms), then Swivel Ball Links are the perfect

solution. Available in several sizes for use with 2-56,

2mm, and 4-40 threaded rods, they also come with

various attachment-bolt sizes and lengths. Th ey

are available in single and double packs (from $2.

to $4.35) as well as in 12-count packages ($21.00).

Stronger and more secure that standard clevises, the

Swivel Ball Links allow for a variable attachment angle

so that your control linkage won’t bind throughout the

servo arm’s travel.

Above: Th e Swivel Ball Links shown come with and without hard-

ware and for 4-40 and 2-56 attachment bolt. Right: For a really

secure installation, you can add a jam nut on the wire pushrod and

a no. 2 washer under the head of the attachment screw to prevent

the link body from coming off the ball swivel.

Above: Th e E/Z Connectors

are easy to use and come with

both plastic and metal retain-

ers. Below: Th e E/Z Connector

is shown attached to the

throttle servo arm.

Th ree important items that you don’t want to guess about when it comes to your

model airplane are hinges, control linkages, and a properly balanced propeller.

Let’s take a closer look at them.