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Review of Megatech RTF Merlin Ultralite, published March 2001

The Merlin is a charmer. With the design simplicity of an ultralight, the visual appeal of a vintage aeroplane and the graceful performance of a stick model, this park flyer/slow flyer/indoor RC flyer's performance and allure span generations.

The Merlin is practically ready to fly as it comes. Final assembly takes less than half an-hour, and consists of pressing the one-piece, geared motor unit onto the stick fuselage, installing the lightweight carbon rod undercarriage, mounting the foam stab and fin, and inserting the wing panels into their pockets on the fuselage. Without exaggeration, it takes almost twice as long to apply the markings as it does to assemble this entire airplane.

" The Merlin's geared motor and large diameter propeller provide plenty of pull for instant climbout under full power. Proportional motor speed control allows the model to be flown in appropriate park flyer, slow flyer and indoor venus. "

Megatech has done an outstanding job with the Merlin's markings. Following a pseudo-scale U. S. Navy theme, the model's two large decal sheets provide enough colorfW graphic items to decorate a NASCAR driver's wardrobe, and then some. The finished result transforms the Merlin's graceful form into a very impressive "military" airplane.

On the performance side, the Merlin really shines. There's plenty of power in the geared motor unit, and the 8A-Volt NiMH battery assures modelers of gentle 10-minute or longer flights.

The Merlin's RC system provides fully proportional rudder and elevator control for direction, and its on-board electronic speed control permits fully proportional control of the motor. In addition to the on-off switch, a safety button for the motor is provided on the Merlin's equipment pod.

Megatech's Merlin is an ideal park flyer. It also flies slowly, gently and surely enough to be safely flown indoors. The Merlin builds quickly. It looks great, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable model in the air.

The Merlin comes in two versions. For first timers, there's the complete ready-to-fly package, where everything needed for the model is right there in the box. This version comes with a factoryinstalled, three-channel radio system, an SA-Volt NiMI1 flight battery and a 12-Volt DC peak charger. An airplanc-only version is also available for modelers who already own their own radio systems, motor packs and chargers. Both setups provide a geared electric motor, two props and a spare geared propeller shaft.

assembly features

• The two motor leads connect to the equipment pod on the fuselage.

• Carbon rods and plastic three-spoke wheels keep the Merlin undercarriage exceptionally light and surprisingly strong.

• The vacuum-formed equipment pod houses two servos, receiver and switch, and the electronic speed control. It also secures the motor battery with a hook & loop strip on the underside.

• Two wing panels, a stabilizer and rudder, carbon landing gear and a geared motor assembly all fit onto the Merlin's square carbon fuselage tube. Assembly takes approximately 20 minutes.

• Decal quality is high and their application is unique. Unlike the usual `stickies' that accompon many RTF kits, the Merlin's reverse-image markings are cut from the sheet (11 and the clear protective film is liked away (111. The markings are pressed onto the model with their backings still in place, then water is applied to soften the backing (3). The backing is peeled (41, the excess moisture gendy blotted (51 and the job is done. There's no weight penalty here, the Merlin's markings are very thin and very light.
HOBBY MERCHANDISER MARCH 2001