Glen Watson's Precision RC Aerobatics Blog

New arrival, Anthem 2.0

2026-10-29T19:03:30.930-05:00

BJ Craft Anthem 2.0 with Rombaut T-Brake and custom scheme ordered from RombautRC...

Anthem 1.0

Hangar Sale

2026-09-06T19:16:45.250-05:00

It's time to make room in the hangar for new projects. The items listed are located in the Houston, TX, area and are in working condition. Shipping will be at the buyer's expense.

Questions? Email Glen Watson @ rcprecision@gmail.com...

Qty	Item	Condition	Price	Details
1	Hacker C-50 14XL (1 of 2)	Used	$150	Includes Grease, Hardware, Manual
1	Hacker C-50 14XL (2 of 2)	Used	$150	Includes Grease, Hardware, Manual
1	~~Castle Creation ICE2 HV80~~	~~Used~~	~~$50~~	~~USB interface cable and instructions~~
1	~~Castle Creation Phoenix Edge Lite HV120~~	~~Used~~	~~$75~~	~~Instructions included~~
1	Futaba S9157	Used	$25	Used as F3A rudder servo in an ePower Integral
1	Futaba S9551 (1 of 2)	Used	$35	Used as F3A aileron servo in an ePower Integral
1	Futaba S9551 (2 of 2)	Used	$35	Used as F3A aileron servo in an ePower Integral
1	Bolly F3A Carbon swept gear legs	Used	$25	9.5' tall
1	YS FZ-140	Used	$125	Includes Ck valve, needle valve, and mount
1	YS 45 side exhaust muffler	Used	$50	eBay purchase, no longer needed
1	~~T-Hobby AM480 3D Motor 900KV~~	~~New~~	~~$150~~	~~Motor info~~
1	~~T-Hobby AM66A ESC~~	~~New~~	~~$150~~	~~ESC info~~

Hacker C50

~~Castle HV80~~

~~Castle Lite Edge 120~~

Futaba S9157

Futaba S9551

Bolly F3A Landing Gear

YS 140-FZ

YS 45 Muffler

~~T-Hobby Motor/ESC Combo~~

Angel's Shadow V20 Bipe Update

2026-07-03T08:30:50.209-05:00

In early 2022, I took delivery of the ASB bipe, just before the Ukraine/Russia war broke out. It was made ready to fly soon after delivery with the same equipment configuration used in my BJ mono planes I was flying. i.e., Futaba servos/receiver, Hacker C54, D3 controller, etc. The plane sat until its maiden early fall 2025. The initial flights went well. The C54 performed well, but I felt it was time to upgrade the power system by trying something different. I considered PAP's PCK 4 bld, but it would be challenging to fabricate a mount to accommodate the nose configuration. I emailed Vladimir in Russia, the designer of the ASB, about retrofitting the ASB with a Dualsky 3500 contra. Asking if he could make a nose ring to properly mount that motor. To my surprise, he replied yes.

The DS 3500 was purchased from Rombaut RC and installed. For peace of mind, the radio system was upgraded to a 2 receiver configuration on Futaba's Fasst Multi protocol using PowerBox's PBR-12x. I started using this in two other F3A models with great success to guard against frame loss and potential signal fades in congested ambient areas. The re-maiden of the ASB/Dualsky combo went very well. After 20 or so flights and several radio parameter flight control changes, the ASB feels locked. There is a learning curve in understanding throttle management with the Contra, along with biplane rudder input. Even though this is my first true Contra setup after a few flights this week, I see the benefits of both a bipe and contra power. The wait was worth it...Looking forward to logging more P-27 practice after the 4th holiday.

PCK Update - Precision Aero Products F3A Contra Killer

2026-06-25T11:17:01.938-05:00

Originally, the PCK drive was installed in the BJ Craft Strato, which first flew in July of 2025. After 71 flights and numerous setup changes, I struggled to achieve flight characteristics to my liking. During the fall of 2025, I acquired a PAP F3A single-prop 2-bld low-KV drive from a buddy and decided to try it in the Strato. The motor swap made an instant improvement. I can only assume the PCK was not a good match for the Strato.

Fast forward to May 2026. I decided to try the PCK again in my contest-proven Hacker C54-powered Anthem. After minor surgery to the nose ring and rear supports, the F3A drive was installed. After only a few trim flights and tweaks to the throttle curve and rudder trim, I was able to fly the P-27 sequence very respectably. Because the PCK is very quiet compared to the Hacker, I was tending to overspeed, causing the Anthem to seem unsettled in horizontal and vertical uplines. The PCK 4-bld is even quieter than the 2-bld F3A drive. RC pilots rely on visual ground speed vs knowing actual airspeed. Adjusting to the lack of sound and focusing on a lower ground speed made the plane lock and return to the flight traits I was accustomed to with the Anthem. Overall, the PCK is a good power system match for the Anthem.

I’ve proven to myself that single-prop systems continue to be competitive in AMA Masters, to the ever-so-popular Contra power drives. I’ll continue to learn and improve utilization of the PAP F3A and PCK drive drives in the Strato and Anthem. Will post performance reviews on the PAP F3A and PCK drives soon.

Time to move on to the next projects involving Contra Drives mounted and ready to go in an Angel's Shadow V20 and Aurora biplanes.

Anthem with PCK Drive

Smallmouth Fishing Trip

2026-05-22T22:38:22.934-05:00

Hooked up with my brother to fish smallmouth on the Juniata River in Mifflintown PA. This is day one, travel day from Lake Ridge airpark in Raleigh, NC, to our destination, Mifflintown’s airpark. Then on to the VRBO on the river.

Day two…Monday’s fishing adventure with our guide Jay. The day started slowly due to cool water temps, but improved as the day progressed. Here are pics of the two nice size smallies I caught…with warmer water temps tomorrow, the fishing should pick up…

Day three…2nd day of fishing for smallies on the Janiata River. Fishing started slowly but improved as the air and water temperatures warmed. Had a first, hooking two smallies on the same lure at the same time. The scenery here is breathtaking. Had an amazing time fishing with my brother. Now it’s on to the third part of our journey to South Carolina to attend the Joe Nall RC event at the Triple Tree Aerodome.

Space City's 16th Annual Pattern Event April 25-26, 2026

2026-04-28T11:21:12.454-05:00

Had a successful weekend competing in Space City RC Club's 16th pattern event. My BJ Craft Strato performed flawlessly.

Strato Configuration:

Futaba 32MZ
Ail=A704, Rud=A501 (pull-pull), Elev=S173
(2) R7108SB RX (FASST Multi)
PowerBox PBR-12X
Precision Aero Products F3A Drive (low KV)
D3 Controller
TP ProliteX 10S 5000
APC Carbojn 22x13
Falcon Spinner
PT Landing Gear and Pants

Friday Practice

Angel's Shadow V20 Bipe - Update

2026-04-19T14:21:00.006-05:00

Man, time passes fast. In early 2022, I took delivery of an ASB (Angel's Shadow v20 Bipe). This was just before the Ukraine-Russia war broke out, freezing international bank transfers and shipping logistics. I'm very grateful my transaction was not impacted by the war. It was made ready-to-fly shortly after taking delivery. At the time, I was very happy with the BJ designs I was flying, so the ASB sat on the shelf waiting for its time.

Three years later, in September 2025 the ASB's maiden flight took place. The maiden was flawless. After a couple of flights and a few tweaks to flight parameters, the ASB was feeling fairly comfortable. The C54 swinging a 22x13 performed well, although I felt it was time to try a Contra system. Sent an email to Valdamir in Russia, the designer, enquiring about a new carbon nose to accommodate a Dualsky CRS3500. He replied yes and shipped it to me.

To date, 10 flights have been logged with a Dualsky Contra. Transitioning from a single prop to a Contra has a learning curve, both in how to fly the plane overall and how to set a throttle curve and use the throttle in flight. Currently, the DulaSky is swinging 22x20s F&R. I sense the need for more thrust and braking. The next flying session, the DulaSky will be swinging 23x20s F&R.

It is easy to recognize the ASB's potential now outfitted with a Contra. I look forward to logging more time and fine-tuning this setup to my liking.

Links

Maiden Flight

Equipment Installation

BJ Craft Strato Update

2026-02-10T12:20:00.001-06:00

The Strato was originally equipped with the PAP (Precision Aero Products) PCK 4bld drive. After logging 71 flights with the PCK drive and making many configuration changes. I continued to be unsatisfied with the Strato's flight behavior. A few months back, I did some horse trading with a buddy for a PAP 2bld drive, so I decided to install the 2bld drive. Right away, the flight behavior was more to my liking. The Strato was more locked, especially when executing radii. Rudder was less sensitive. After tweaking the throttle curve, constant speed control was easier to manage.

The Strato now performs like the previous BJ Craft designs I've built. The PCK drive ran flawlessly. Maybe it's not the best match for the Strato. I'll try it again on a future product. For now, I look forward to logging more time on the PAP 2bld drive-powered Strato.

Strato Equipment List:

Futaba

32MZ
7108rx (2) using PBR-12x, Mode = FASST Multi
HPS-704 aileron
BLS173SV elevator
S-A501 rudder (pull-pull) vs tail-mounted servo
S.BUS

Power setup

~~PCK 4-bld~~ -> PAP 2Bld (49gr lighter)
D3 controller
Falcon carbon spinner
APC Carbon 22x13

Landing gear

PT carbon mains and pants
Self-designed tail wheel
Central Hobbies Titanium axles

Misc.

F3AU removable battery tray
Batteries
TP 10s 5000mah/6000mah ProLiteX and FAI
TP 2s 910mah ProLiteX
Radio South hinges

Next up for testing, Angel's Shadow DualSky 3500 10s contra upgrade

BJ Craft Epilogue For Sale - SOLD

2026-01-26T17:28:00.003-06:00

***Sold*** BJ Craft Epilogue for sale RTF, less RX and batteries. It is in very good condition, no damage or hard landings, just normal wear from use. Shipping possible, prefer local delivery. The Epilogue is in a flight-ready condition. A hands-on test flight is doable if you are in or around the Houston, TX area.

~~$2350~~ $~~2150~~ $1850 + shipping

~~$225~~ $175 Revoc custom covers, wing+stab+vertical stabilizer

Contact Glen Watson @ rcprecision@gmail.com

Equipment List

Futaba Digital servos (BLS171,BLS153,S9172)
Motor/ESC Hacker C54 14XL Comp
Adam Debowski's D3 Controller
APC 22x13 Carbon

Upgrades

Budd Engineering soft motor mount system
Budd Engineering rear support
Carbon spinner
PT carbon landing gear
PT carbon wheel pants
Central Hobbies titanium axles
Titanium pushrods (ail,elev)
Carbon control horns (ail,elev,rud)
Kevcord pull-pull rudder
Two T-Can wings, 1 stock, 1 smaller (Acuity 2M)
Custom removal battery tray

Custom Color Scheme - Wings West paint/Monokote

Original RTF weight with TP 10s 5000mah / 2s 910mah 4828gr

Epilogue Ready for Maiden

Initial Flight Report

Canilizer Test

Competition Report (Jetero 2024)

Competition Report (Jetero 2023)

P-27 Airborne Maneuvers

2026-01-19T13:21:00.006-06:00

Click the links below to launch videos. Flown by Christian NiklaB of Germany.

Full P-27 Videos

BJ Craft Strato Trimming Continues

2025-12-22T16:48:00.006-06:00

Last flights were 11/19. Besides being under the weather the last couple of weeks, I've been busy with life tasks, providing professional building services on new F3A planes for friends, and performing some in-house fleet maintenance. Today, the weather was too good to pass up. Went out to Bomberfield and logged flights on the Strato. Following the last session on 11/19, I remeasured the CG with the 10s 6k and 10s 5k packs. To my surprise, this repositioned the CG about 1/2" back from where I had been flying. Although this improved the feel on some elements, I'm still not completely satisfied. Between flights, I continued to adjust throws and expo to obtain the desired feel. After the last flight, I added one turn of positive incidence, which I'll test tomorrow.

Flying Sites

2025-12-02T18:52:00.028-06:00

Fortunate to have multiple FRIA sites within 10 to 45 minutes from my front door in Cypress, TX.

http://www.sparksrc.com

https://www.modelaircraft.org/club/space-city-rc

Best grass runway combined with a perfect overfly area for pattern I have ever flown from in my 30+ years as an RC pilot. Been a member since 2005.

http://www.bomberfieldusa.com

www.bayoucityflyersrc.com

http://www.nwrcc.com

Strato and Angel's Shadow V20

2025-11-23T13:27:00.006-06:00

SE Texas Autumn weather is perfect for getting a jump start on next year's pattern season. Conditions on 11/19 were ideal for testing and continuing the trimming process for two of the newest planes in the fleet.

BJ Craft Strato

I wrote in an earlier post that the BJ Craft Strato has been a challenge for me to trim to my preferences. Even though, to my surprise, I've already logged 60 flights on the Strato, I'm still testing and changing setups. Most recently, I've added wing fences to improve the spin entry. Before the fences were added, when slowing and increasing the angle of attack, an unexpected wing would drop in a direction that wasn't planned. Adding the fences, along with mixing flaperons in the spin conditions, has made spin entries more predictable. The fences also improved the overall tracking throughout the flight, especially when executing radii. The trimming process continues. Following the 11/19 flying session, I decided to recheck wing incidence and CG. Using the Sky RC Gauge, I reset the balance point to the midpoint of the suggested CG range (160mm-220mm), measured from the wing's trailing edge. I'm also considering changing out the PCK 4-bld drive for a PAP Precision Low KV 2-bld drive.

Angel's Shadow Bipe V20

This was the 2nd outing for the V20. Flying a biplane is going to take some getting used to. First, the positives. It's very stable but responsive. Rolls and pitch feel are good. No real coupling is detectable with rudder. The size of the silhouette, combined with the color scheme, makes it very visible.

Adjustments and or change.

Very draggy, with the reduction of power, there's a rapid loss of airspeed.
Much slower snap-roll rate compared to mono designs.
Excessive braking with the current power system. Will change from 22x13 to a 21.5x13 next outing, plus some throttle curve fine-tuning.

Considering swapping out the Hacker C54 for a Contra system

Angels' Shadow Bipe

2025-09-29T15:13:00.001-05:00

The Angel's Shadow Bipe v20 (ASB) has been ready to fly since mid-2022. At the time, I had other solid performing competitive airframes and didn't feel the need to take on the task of flight trimming another one. Especially a biplane, with which I have limited experience in flight trimming. The ASB was configured with my go-to power setup, Hacker C54, with the D3 controller. I wanted a change, so I ordered the PCK 4-bld drive system from CK Aero. However, I didn't invest the time or have the motivation to retrofit the ASB's power system. This past Saturday, I decided it had sat long enough collecting shop dust.

After assembly at the field, I thoroughly reviewed the radio setup and ran up the motor to check amp draw. All systems worked as expected. I carried it out to the runway, took a deep breath, and powered down the runway. The ASB lifted off beautifully. I did a couple of circuits around the field, adding small amounts of trim to achieve hands-off level flight at cruise speed. This was followed by a few basic aerobatic maneuvers to evaluate CG, incidence, and thrust alignment. The maiden went so well, I flew through the P-25 sequence for the next 3 flights.

My initial impression is that it will not take much effort to flight trim the ASB for competition. I am looking forward to spending some quality time with the ASB, getting it ready for the 2026 season to fly the AMA Masters P-27 sequence.

Construction

Equipment List

Strato Trimming Continued

2025-08-29T21:49:00.004-05:00

Unlike the previous BJ designs I have owned and competed with, the Strato has presented the most challenge to trim to my liking. Not sure why. The two outstanding differences are the 4-blade PCK power drive plus the additional sweep in the wings.

To date, ~40 or so flights have been logged where I have changed wing incidence, throttle curve, CG, and other variables to achieve the overall feel I desire. I am a firm believer that at some point, you have to settle on the changes made and log numerous flights to become accustomed to and compensate for the plane's behavior throughout the sequence. I believe I have reached that plateau. Any further setup changes will be minimal from this point forward.

Positives

Predictable negative snaps
Constant speed control
Pitch and roll feel
Low flight weight with 6000mAh batteries
Super quiet PCK 4-bld drive/prop

Negatives

Narrow fuselage, minimal equipment space
Flight trimming challenges
Transition to the lack of sound feed from PCK drive
Relocation of the rudder servo from tail-mounted to a traditional pull-pull location for CG purposes

Strato Revoc Protective Covers

2025-07-19T17:08:00.002-05:00

This is my third set of Revoc covers. As before, the quality is outstanding. The Strato was not in their catalog, so I submitted dimensions. They sent test covers to validate fit. Production turnaround time exceeded expectations. If you want/need protective covers, I highly encourage contacting Revoc.

Strato by BJ Craft

2025-07-07T21:41:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday evening, I maiden the Strato by BJ Craft. Yeah, I know it looks like all the other planes I fly, which is a good thing for these aging eyes. The initial test flight was uneventful. This was followed by three more flights during which a few settings were tweaked. Hopefully, I’ll be able to continue trimming flights this week in between forecasted afternoon rain showers.

Strato equipment/specs

Futaba 32MZ SBus

2-Futaba 7108 RXs on FASST Multi linked using PowerBox PBR-12X

Ail = 2-A704

Rud = A501, changed from tail mounted to pull-pull

Elev = 2-BLS 173

Motor = PCK 4-Bld

ESC = D3 v2.1

Batteries = TP10S 6000/TP 2S 910

Landing gear/pants = PT

Colors = WingsWest RC paint fuse/wings, stabs, and rudder Monokote

Spinner = Falcon

Takeoff weight = 4920grams

BJ Craft Strato Progress

2025-06-14T07:52:00.003-05:00

The Strato, first cousin to the Anthem, is nearing completion. All that's left is to complete the radio installation, primarily the location and positioning of the two receivers and RX battery, followed by a CG check.

BJ Craft Strato Progress Update - Paint Process

2025-04-21T15:31:00.008-05:00

The paint process has begun. Again, I'm using Wings West RC paint. It's a base/clear coat system that is very easy to apply. This is the only paint I see on the market that meets the following criteria:

available in Monokote and Ultracote, matching colors
available in small 4-oz bottles
pre-mixed ready to spray

Currently, the Wings West RC website is down for maintenance. However, Kevin, the owner, is taking orders by contacting him directly at kevin@onebuttoninc.com

Web wingswestrc.com

Facebook Wings West RC

BJ Craft Strato Progress Update

2025-04-17T19:31:00.006-05:00

Wings and stabs done. I recently picked up an H9 digital iron, which made applying Monokote so much easier vs the original TopFlite iron I've used for years. Even though Monokote instructions say 150F, I have learned different colors like Dark Red require lower heat, like 115F, to achieve the results I'm after. The digital indicator makes setting the iron to the desired temperature a breeze.

The colors and scheme layout work so well for visibility on the Anthem, I decided to duplicate it on the Strato. Simple works best for me.

Honda Odyssey Pattern Plane Hauler

2025-02-26T20:23:00.004-06:00

In December 2024 I replaced the trusty 2008 LX Odyssey plane hauler. Because of the outstanding, reliable performance of the 2008 LX, it was an easy decision to go with a new 2025 Odyssey EXL model. I'm slowly configuring it for road trips for the wife and me in future years, in addition to local and long-distance airplane events. This time, the plane rack is made from black PVC to match the van's interior.

BJ Craft Strato progress update

2025-02-12T14:39:00.019-06:00

Mounting of the motor has been completed along with the initial fitment of wings, wing adjusters, stabs, and canilizer wing. Air inlet and outlet cutouts are done. This was done using a Dremel tool as a handheld router with BJ's provided templates. The main landing gear has been installed. Like the Anthem, I selected gear by PT. They are longer, and lighter than the stock gear and fit the original cutouts without modifying. I've also fabricated and installed my DIY tailwheel assembly pictured below. This assembly is low-cost and robust. It is made from common RC accessories and is fully serviceable and easily duplicated. Most recently the battery tray was made from carbon/lite ply sandwich panel and mounted in the fuse using Gator RC's removal supports. As a safeguard, the tray is also anchored with a screw to the landing gear mount. Rudder servo plus the D3 controller mounts have been created and installed.

Custom Cutting and Laser Engraving Solutions

2025-01-29T18:44:00.003-06:00

Just received my customized transmitter case from Custom Cutting and Laser Engraving Solutions by Mike Bargman. The finished quality is fantastic. Mike is a good communicator, he shares proofs before engraving to ensure accuracy. Mike can customize the inside of the case to meet your needs. I opted for a standard configuration that accommodates my 32MZ or 18SZ plus tools and batteries. If you desire a quality TX case please contact Mike at Custom Cutting and Laser Engraving Solutions.

BJ Craft Strato

2025-01-19T14:13:00.006-06:00

In mid-December 2024, I took delivery of an early release version of BJ Craft's Strato. Like the previous BJ's ARC kits I built, the fit and finish, balsa quality, and prep work are very well done. Given the recent low temps here in SE Texas instead of flying, I am making steady progress on the Strato. The plan is to outfit it using the same/similar products and methods that proved successful with other BJ designs I completed.

Here is a list of items I currently plan to use...

Futaba

32MZ
7108rx (2) using PBR-12x
HPS-704 aileron
BLS173SV elevator
S-A501 rudder (pull-pull) vs tail-mounted servo
S.BUS
SBD-3 decoder

Power setup

PCK 4-bld
D3 controller
Falcon carbon spinner

Landing gear

PT carbon mains
Self designed tail wheel
Central Hobbies Titanium axles

F3AU removable battery tray
Batteries

TP 10s 5000mah/6000mah ProLiteX and FAI
TP 2s 910mah ProLiteX

Radio South hinges

Notable design differences compared to the Invitation, Epilogue and Anthem.

More narrow fuse
Taller fuse between the T-can and Fin
Flat bottom fuse vs rounded
Elimination of sub-fin molded into fuse
Smaller T-can wing

A few progress pics...

Kaos 60 GP ARF

2024-11-18T14:25:00.009-06:00

Back to basics. I recently completed a GP Kaos 60 ARF. Originally, I planned to power it with a 60-glo motor, but after reading reviews of Innov8tive Designs BassAss electric motors, I decided to try one of their offerings.

Innovative Designs does a great job of providing the information needed to select a power setup that matches your airframe. I went with the following for the Kaos.

BadAss 3530/570kv
Jeti Spinn75 Pro (prefer powering RX with a separate battery)
RoaringTop 6s 5000mah 25c batteries
APC ~~13x8~~ ->13X10-E prop (13x10 better vert, horizontal speed)
2 3/4 Air Flow spinner

This power setup is capable of performing the current SPA sequences with ease. It is an efficient setup, with the timer set at 6.5 minutes I'm landing with an average of 35% battery capacity remaining. My goal was to have a low-maintenance aerobatic sport plane available in the hangar for in-prompt to flying sessions. This fits the need perfectly.

Radio Setup

Futaba 18SZ
Futaba R3104SB RX
Futaba S-Bus
4 - Futaba S-U301 servos ail, elev, rudd
1 - Futaba S3172 servo nose wheel steering