Ep 209: The Beginner’s Lounge, Trailer Upgrades, and the RACores Yak‑55 Assembly

In this episode we talk about the sudden closure of WACO Aircraft Company and what it means for full‑scale aviation fans. Ron goes over the latest trailer upgrades, including the rooftop AC and the new Spektrum S450 charging setup. Dave makes progress assembling Ron’s RACores Yak‑55, and we wrap up with an update on the new Beginner’s Lounge on RCPlaneLab.com. Head over to https://beginnerslounge.rcplanelab.com!

Tune in to hear how the 2026 Toledo RC Swap Meet and Expo went for the guys!

In this episode, Dave kicks things off with the story behind his April Model Aviation article, “From Trash to Treasure,” and finally shares the full tale behind the project that inspired it. From there, the guys dive into a wave of new releases hitting the RC world: Dynam’s E‑2C Hawkeye with its rotating radar dome E‑flite’s latest lineup — Beechcraft D18/RC‑45J 1.5m, V1200 1.2m, 2m Conscendo, and the new HobbyZone Trojan Motion RC’s Flightline P‑51 HobbyKing’s Tundra TPX 3D profile plane and the Durafly Brewster F2A Buffalo V2 Banana Hobby’s massive JetRuler 1/9 F‑22 Raptor 2.1m composite turbine jet The conversation takes a reflective turn as the crew talks about Dumas closing its doors after 75 years — a tough loss for the hobby, especially for fans of their classic rubber-powered airplanes and iconic boat kits. Then it’s on to swap‑meet season. The guys recap the Eli Swap Meet and why the small shows still deliver some of the best surprises and deals. With Toledo right around the corner, Ron shares the fleet he’s bringing to sell — from the V‑22 Osprey and UMX Beast to the Freewing F‑35, FMS Explorer, and more — and debates whether it’s finally time to pull receivers now that prices have dropped again.    

In this episode, we sit down once again with Hank Rauhaus, the man behind the Toledo R/C Swap Meet & Expo, to get an inside look at what’s new for 2026. Hank shares how the event has evolved since last year, the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps a 700‑plus‑table swap meet running smoothly, and the trends he’s seeing across the hobby. We talk vendors, volunteers, rare finds, and the static contest, along with some other fun things thrown in. Whether you’re a first‑time attendee or a Toledo regular, this conversation offers a fun and informative look at one of the Midwest’s biggest R/C traditions.   **************** Get your Electrostreak Short Kit from RC Plane Lab! Join our Discord server: https://rcplanelab.com/discord Take a moment to fill out our listener survey: https://rcplanelab.com/listener-survey/ Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​ Or Support us through Paypal https://paypal.me/rcplanelab Questions, comments? Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Text or leave a voicemail: (818) 351-9846 Website: https://rcplanelab.com​​​

A bittersweet week in the RC world as we announce the BF‑109 kit winner, talk through the closing of Grayson Hobby after two decades, and recap the Fox Valley Aero swap meet—including a couple of irresistible new additions to the hangar.   **************** Get your Electrostreak Short Kit from RC Plane Lab! Join our Discord server: https://rcplanelab.com/discord Take a moment to fill out our listener survey: https://rcplanelab.com/listener-survey/ Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​ Or Support us through Paypal https://paypal.me/rcplanelab Questions, comments? Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Text or leave a voicemail: (818) 351-9846 Website: https://rcplanelab.com​​​

This week we remind listeners that Electro‑Streak short kits are back on the bench and available now. We take a quick look at Banana Hobby’s X‑Fly new 4‑channel business jet, the new little E‑Flite UMX GeeBee, and talk through Dave’s rebuild of Ron’s old E‑Flite Cub. Then we wrap with a fresh “What’s in Our Hangar?” rundown. Dave's Cub Pic X-Fly J-65 Twin Jet UMX Gee Bee R-2   **************** Get your Electrostreak Short Kit from RC Plane Lab! 13th Squadron BF109 Giveaway Join our Discord server: https://rcplanelab.com/discord Take a moment to fill out our listener survey: https://rcplanelab.com/listener-survey/ Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​ Or Support us through Paypal https://paypal.me/rcplanelab Questions, comments? Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Text or leave a voicemail: (818) 351-9846 Website: https://rcplanelab.com​​​

Happy New Year! Tune in as we talk ElectroStreak kits, the BF109 giveaway, FCC rule changes, new plane releases, RRAMS (Beloit, WI) swap meet finds (a flying fish!?!?), Brazilian flying friends, and a handy Spektrum battery checker!   Get your Electrostreak Short Kit from RC Plane Lab!   13th Squadron BF109 Giveaway   XBC200 Battery Checker   E-Flite UMX Viper   Skynetic “Havok” Racer   FMS 800mm Beaver   E-flite Timber 1.5m 10th Anniversary Special Edition   E-Flite Sportix   **************** Join our Discord server: https://rcplanelab.com/discord   Take a moment to fill out our listener survey: https://rcplanelab.com/listener-survey/   Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​   Or Support us through Paypal https://paypal.me/rcplanelab   Questions, comments? Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]   Text or leave a voicemail: (818) 351-9846   Website: https://rcplanelab.com​​​

Ron & Dave chat with Jack and Steve Niezgoda from the 13th Squadron about squadron life, RC aviation, and building passion that lasts. 🎁 Plus—we’re giving away a 13th Squadron BF109 kit! Enter now at 👉 https://rcplanelab.com/bf109giveaway Tune in, join the fun, and don’t miss your chance to win! Visit them at https://13thsquadron.com/

Tune in to hear our annual Wive's Episode!  Here's to a wonderful 2026! 

Tune in as Ron and Dave answer listener questions and talk about some things that are coming up.   E-Flite Gee Bee 1.0m: https://www.horizonhobby.com/e-flite-gee-bee-r-2-1.0m-rc-airplane/