From an everyday RC pilot’s perspective, the concept of a Plug-n-Play model might not catch one’s attention….unless you just crashed. And tomorrow is the big year-end RC club fun-fly that you were really looking forward to participating in. Well, Hangar 9 PNP airplanes are here to save the day.
You might be thinking, "So, what’s the big deal? There are many ARFs available that a person can assemble and have flying in little time." A Hangar 9 PNP is more than just an ARF with servos. Everything comes to you in the box, already installed. The engine and fuel tank are in place as well as the servos, linkages and a myriad of other small, time consuming things you would normally have to do yourself to finish an ARF model. You just plug the servos into a receiver from the radio system you already own and the radio installation is complete. All the control linkages are adjusted to the correct lengths so you can bolt on the wing and tail to complete the model for flight without any extra setup time required.
Of course, now you might be thinking, "Well, if I’m going to let someone do that much work for me, why not just get an RTF?" For some, that may be the way to go, but most RTFs come with a radio that is usually not as full featured as the one you already own. Besides, why pay for another radio you don’t need when all that’s required to use the one you have is to plug in a receiver? Any way you figure it, the PNP model is significantly more complete in every way than an ARF and more advantageous than some RTFs because you get to use a more sophisticated radio.
Saving time, saving money, and saving equipment is a big plus when going to a PNP model. There is a significant savings over having to purchase new servos, battery and switch to complete an ARF model and you get quality name brand parts in a Hangar 9 Plug-n-Play model, already installed and setup ready to use. Using your own transmitter and receiver really keeps costs down, and you won’t end up with any extra radio equipment.
Another important consideration that might make a PNP a better choice vs. an ARF is how much building room you have. When your workbench is the kitchen table, Plug-N-Play is a great way to go. Many people simply don’t have space to build an ARF model, but a Plug-n-Play model can be finished in your lap while watching late night TV.
So if fate has left you model-less and the fly-in is tomorrow, why waste any more time? The hobby shop across town can show you what the PNP model looks like. Also, Horizonhobby.com has information on each one. The great thing is there is a PNP for just about every type of flying you want to do.
- ¼-Scale J-3 Cub PNP: A scale lover’s dream coupled with a Zenoah 20cc engine.
- Pulse XT 40 PNP: A super-flying airplane; great on any Sunday at the field
- Piper J-3 Cub 40 PNP Common size; excellent price point
- Twist 40 PNP: Common size; great fun fly airplane for crazy 3D aerobatics
- Tribute 36 PNP: The true fun fly model
With any of these models, you WILL be at the fun fly and even have time to meet the guys for breakfast on the way. Plug-N-Play is here to get you "in the air" quickly and easily. But, it is also here for the multitude of modelers that really don’t have a place or space to build airplanes—no bench, no glue on the couch, no mess in the kitchen—just a couple screws and nuts and its done. If you can put a nut on a screw and tighten it up, you have all the skills necessary.
