R/Cast

Just when you thought you'd seen every type of Blade helicopter imaginable from E-flite, they've raised the bar yet again. E-flite is taking micro helicopters to a whole new level with the new Blade mSR. Similar in size to the mCX, the mSR is a totally different flying experience. Ryan Witchey and Mark Padilla paid the R/Cast studios a visit to discuss the mSR this week. Jim and Gary were able to find out what makes this the sharpest micro-class Blade to-date.

Few things in this hobby can be considered game changers, but the introduction of lithium polymer batteries has totally revolutionized RC modeling. LiPo batteries are extremely lightweight, deliver gobs of power and can be used over and over in a single day without degrading. With any new technology there can be questions, confusion, myths and misstatements. We've caught up with one of the foremost LiPo experts in the US, Associate Technical Director for ROAR Ling Kang-Tong. Ling eats and sleeps battery technology as it?s something he is involved with every day. Jim and Gary got Ling on the phone to try to dispel some of the most common LiPo myths.

After a short sabbatical, Gary is back in the studio with Jim for this week's show. In this episode the guys have caught up with Keith Whisler, lead Losi Designer on the new 1/10-scale Losi Short Course Truck called the Strike. This truck has many innovative features to separate it from the other trucks in the category, and Keith sheds some insight as to why certain design elements were used. As always, the guys also take time to respond to your comments and e-mails.

One of Horizon Hobby's signature events of the year took place recently with the 2009 JR Aerotow. Glider and sailplane pilots from all around the country descended upon Monticello, IL to take part in this early summer tradition. We've been lucky to catch up with two people that have been there since the first Aerotow in Team JR's John Diniz and Caroline Goldsmith. From his multiple appearances on the R/Cast John is well-known as a sailplane enthusiast and Caroline has competed in the Cross Country portion of the event many times. Rick Shelly was also at the event and came by to share his experiences at the Aerotow.

Last week we broke the news about the marine radio gear from Spektrum, and this week we have two of the men behind the scenes on-hand to answer questions you may have about this breakthrough. Blake Good from Spektrum and Derek Wagner from Pro Boat came by to try to help demystify this new technology for everyone. The guys also discuss a new 1/10-scale nitro truck from Losi, the Speed-NT.

There are big product announcements and then there are product announcements that change the industry. Sure, this might sound like hyperbole but it is hard to argue that the new Spektrum Marine Radio Gear doesn't fit this description. If you're going to have a marine radio system you need a killer boat to put it in, and the newly announced Pro Boat HyperSport fits the bill to a "T" as it includes this new radio system right in the box. Also new this week is part two of our interview with ROAR President Dawn Sanchez.

Summer is officially here in full swing with flying fields and race tracks buzzing with energy. Jim and Gary have both been very busy working with many of the newest RC gear out there and churning out some great videos and articles. Gary also managed to track down Dawn Sanchez, the current President of ROAR, in an effort to get some clarity when it comes to organized racing in the US. As always the guys answer your e-mails and questions to keep you in the loop for all your RC information, air or surface.

Quique Somenzini has been an icon in our industry, both as a pilot and as a designer. Quique has recently become a closer member of the Horizon Hobby family as he has taken a role inside the company itself. What exactly will he be doing and what brands will he be working with? Well, Jim and Gary have gone straight to the source and tracked Quique down asking him exactly why he's here, what he's looking to do and what the future holds for both Quique and Horizon Hobby.

There are special guests and then there are special guests. We're lucky to have Losi's Todd Hodge in-house this week and we were able to convince him that he needed to appear here on the R/Cast. Todd shares some insight on the 2009 RC Car Action Car of the Year Team Losi Racing 8IGHT 2.0, how he got into RC, got hooked up with Losi in the first place and even the origins of "Hodgimoto". Jim and Gary also discuss the latest release from ParkZone, the T-28D, new articles from both the guys and more.

The Joe Nall has its place in RC aviation history, and that place is well deserved---especially in the giant-scale arena. This year's event featured some exciting changes and innovations, including a dedicated flight line, a JR 12X "try-me" area, and perhaps the largest squadron of ParkZone T-28 Trojans flying at one time. We've caught up with Team JR's Peter Goldsmith and Kim Payne to discuss the happenings at this year's Joe Nall.

People are coming and going to a number of events now that the warmth of spring is here. Jim and Gary managed to catch up with Matt Andren and Nichole Rhodes between unpacking from SEFF and re-packing to attend Joe Nall. Both share their experiences from the SEFF event---Matt, having attended previously, and Nichole, who had never been there before.

Spring is finally here in full force and we're thankful to be able to get outside and enjoy the warmth. Jim and Gary also had a chance to speak with a unique member of the AMA. Keith Sievers is the president of a SIG, or Special Interest Group, within the AMA. His specialty deals with some of the fastest and most complex airplanes out there, Turbine Jets. Keith called in to talk about his background, this unique segment of the hobby, and how to help attract more people to the hobby.

It?s time to head back to the skies with a number of new and exciting products from HobbyZone, ParkZone, E-flite and more. ParkZone and HobbyZone product developer Eric Johnson stopped by the studio to share some in-depth information on the latest warbird to fly out of the hangar, the P-51D Mustang BL. We also spend a few moments talking about the latest Super Cub from HobbyZone, the Super Cub LP and one of the hottest accessories that will be available for it.

With Jim out of the office Jeff Pittelkow slides into the co-host chair for this week's show. Visiting with Losi's resident rock crawling expert, Rich Trujillo, we discuss how he got interested in crawling, his initial crawling creations, how the Mini-Rock Crawler and the 1/10-scale Comp Crawler came into being along with some basic tips and tricks. Then we'll answer your e-mails and questions and post a question to the audience.

Another week has come and gone with a number of new releases and exciting news. Losi and Pro Boat have both announced new products this week, and Jim and Gary also discuss some new articles and videos that have gone live. This week also features part two of the interview with Scotty Ernst that Gary recently conducted. The guys also answer your e-mails and announce a new survey that may change the face of the R/Cast in the future.