Marv's Notes
We're still working on our Site
Biographical Information
I have always been interested in model aircraft, for that matter, all aeronautical things. From the age of about 9 (I can relate to an age time frame by comparing what grade that I remember being in when an event happened, and then adding 6 years). One day, I saw a slender model plane that was literally filled, it seemed, with "stuff". I mean it looked like it had gears, motors, and other mechanical "stuff" in the fuselage. Although this plane was at a junk-yard,in those days I still didn't have enough money to buy it, but I remember thinking to myself that the "stuff" I saw in that plane must have something to do with controlling it somehow. So that I don't appear to be completely stupid here, I have to explain that the only planes besides "U" control that I had ever seen or played with, at that point, was those little slide together gliders, that even kids today get to enjoy. I also have to go ahead and tell you that the year this happened was about 1947/48. I have of course since learned that on that day, in that junk yard, I had probably seen my first Radio (escapement) Controlled model.
I joined the U.S. Navy in 1955. You guessed it, I became an Aircraft Structural Mechanic, and also flew as an Aircrewman; was Commissioned in 1965 as an Aviation Maintenance Officer. I retired from the Service in 1975. Every chance I could get, even during my tours on the Aircraft Carriers, I was building/flying planes. In about 1956/57 I saw my first "Proportional Control".
So by now, you must surely know that I'm an "old Curmudgeon", I just wanted you to know that I have tried to stay current and active in model aircraft as well as all aviation matters. I sometimes wonder why, as a kid, did I get fascinated with planes; because when I was about 5 years old, I witnessed a high-speed, mid-air collision at an Air Show at Spokane, WA. I didn't know what type of planes they were then, but that collision has been so vivid in my mind that I can remember the planes features in my minds eye enough to now know that they were two P-51s.
A couple of the things have always bugged me a little. One is the fact that you generally have to go to several different sources for the plane (if you don,t design and build your own), the engine, and all the various accessories. If you do build your own from scratch, you send off and get balsa from here and engine mounts from there, and landing gear from another place. You might say: "What about some of the larger hobby supply houses?" Yes, that has helped, but it brings up the second thing that bugs me. That is prices. I have always gritted my teeth when it comes to pricing of model supplies. Most guys I know don't even bother with local hobby stores. As a general rule, their prices are absolutely out of this world. There are exceptions to this statement of course. I have a very good relationship with a local Hobby Shop in Havelock, NC, as well as a good guy far away in Grand Junction, CO. A small mail order supply house that will treet you right is J&C Hobbies. I will be placing their "links" in our LINKS Page.
We are specializing in five Giant Scale Models, four of which are Ducted Fan. We will, however, carry other sized kits. We want to make a pledge, to all who reads this: Our prices will be the most reasonable, economical, and affordable prices that there are anywhere. We intend to beat any and all prices that you may encounter for the same or like product that we handle.
Current Projects
We will be producing two models at first. They are:
A Giant Scale A-10 that is described in detail in our Products A-10 Warthog Page. This plane was originally developed by Buzz Evans of Sunset Models, Suzanville, CA. The reason for producing it? I like it!! I saw a demonstration flight of the real plane one time. It was demonstrating how it could do the low altitude, low speed prosecution maneuvers against a tank. Wow!! Awesome!! I'm glad it is on our side!
A giant scale F7U-3 (Modified). For those of you who may not know about this unique plane that was produced by the old Chance Vought Aircraft Co., we suggest that you go to:
While I was going through Navy Boot Camp at San Diego, CA in early 1955, we were out on a rifle range at a location near Miramar Naval Air Station, CA. I can remember these planes coming in on landing finals with the canopy open. I didn't know why at the time. I figured out then that it probably wasn't for ventilation. I have since learned that the ejection seats they had in those days could not eject through the canopy, and at that low altitude, the pilot did not have time to open the canopy prior to the ejection sequence. This plane was notorious for flaming out for just about any and everything (even when firing its own guns). The pilot needed all the split seconds he could get to eject, which was his only alternative for flame-out at low altitude. In spite of all the bad press this plane got, pilots loved to fly it. When the engines were running good and you had a lot of altitude, it is claimed to have been a very high performer to fly, as well as a neat looking "flying wing". The planes major sin was that the airframe was ahead of engine technology of the day. As I see some of the later designs i.e. the F-4, there is strong evidence that with enough power, you can get a boxcar to travel at Mach II.
Our third initial model will either be the F8 Crusader or the ER-2 (U2) spyplane. The developement of these two are in a neck and neck race at the present time.
As things develop, I will be updating and adding to this page. Everyone have all good flying days, and enjoy the sport as much as I do. One of my personal projects at the moment is to get my Granddaughter SOLOed in R/C. She's coming right along, thanks in part to Simulators.
May all of your landings be Saaawft ones!
Marv Jensen AMA# 56571
Update #1 July 25 2001
Great news!! On this date we have authorization to package and sell Kits of Gordon Anderson's MicroStar 2000 Encoder. This is a wonderfull piece of work! You may go to Microstar 2000 (M*2K) Computerized RC to see the descriptions and prices of the various components.
Update #2 Aug 5 2001
We will be Installing The Smiley RC Power Duck Antenna on all our new Transmitters that we produce, and we can retrofit/upgrade other existing transmitters. We will be adding this Rubber Duck antenna to our available parts list as well.
Update #3 Dec 13, 2001
Two great pieces of news:
(1) We are now selling a Single Axis Control Stick Assembly. This neat little piece of machinery can be used as a self centering rudder stick, ratcheted, or a friction (smooth, clutch style) throttle control. Either mode may be mounted horizontally or vertically. comes complete with a 5K pot and it's own bezel. Take a closer look at: Click on Single Axis Stick Assembly
(2) We have found a source for the vinyl clad aluminum, in the original color and texture of the Ace Micro Pro 8000 transmitters. We have added this finish to our other choices of case finishes.
Update #4 Jan 8, 2002
1. We have the distinct pleasure of offering Ron Chidgey's engineered Single Stick Gimbals. They have been added to our line of transmitter controls. At the present time they will only be available by Special Order.
Update #5 Oct 12, 2002
We have purchased the 1/7 scale F/A 18 molds from Jet-Mart USA. This plane was originally produced and shipped in two piece fuselage sections. We will be producing it in one piece fuselage configuration; having joined it in a factory alignment fixture. We will be updating our product pages shortly to show you all of the specs and accessories available for this awsome plane.
Update #6 July 30, 2004
We are working up final stages of offering complete M*2K transmitter kits. Yup, just like the good old Heathkit days. The kits will be offered in:
Two metal case styles, similar to the Ace MP8K and JR Century VII, both will be Single Stick transmitters. Either one will be available in Right and Left hand versions. Although we are devoted to Single Stick design; we can provide Dual Stick cases on special requests.There are two choices of Gimbals that we manufacture.
1. The Cadillac of Gimbals of course is the Chidgey Precision Ball Bearing, with "easy centering set" control pots. These Gimbals will be available in 5K and 10K Pots.
3. The Pressure molded Zytel FMA style Gimbals. Available only in 10k control pots at the present time.
MicroStar 2000 Encoder Internals. There will be several options for this encoder that will be used for these kits. See the descriptions to the products pages when they are published.
One of the neat things about these kit packages, is that they can be ordered complete or in increments. Besides the three main components herein above described. You will be able to separately order the following groups of components:
1. Switch sets
2. Wiring sets
3. Cabling sets
4. LCD sets
5. RF Deck(s) and Crystals
6. Antenna sets, both telescoping or Rubber Duck Styles.
7 Battery packs, both NiCad and LiPo styles, with the appropriate type(s) of chargers.
We will let you know when all of these are ready to go and what the prices are.
Update #7 Aug 12, 2004
Well, we finally had to do it. We have had a few price increases for our materials/parts that we use. We had to pass this on to potential customers. This is our first price increase since we started four years ago. Sorry. Browse through our site and enjoy the items that we offer. Don't be reluctant to send us an Email with any questions.
Update # Sept 20, 2007
We have discontinued the production of the Ace all metal gimbals
