The hum of high-performance engines, the crisp snap of control surfaces slicing through the air, and the collective gasp of an appreciative crowd—this is the symphony of a major RC aerobatic event. At the heart of this world, where precision engineering meets piloting artistry, certain aircraft capture the imagination. One such model is the WrongWayRc 20cc LamBach, a machine that blends classic design with modern performance. When this aircraft took to the skies at the renowned 3D Farm-P Hucked event, it wasn’t just another flight; it was a demonstration of passion, power, and the vibrant culture that defines the RC community.
Introducing the WrongWayRc 20cc LamBach
For those deeply invested in the RC aerobatics scene, the name LamBach evokes a sense of nostalgia and respect. Based on the full-scale German aerobatic aircraft, the Lambach HL II, its design is a departure from the ubiquitous Extra and Edge airframes that dominate the 3D flying landscape. WrongWayRc has masterfully scaled down this classic, creating an ARF (Almost-Ready-to-Fly) kit that honors its heritage while being optimized for today’s aggressive 3D and precision aerobatics.
The 20cc LamBach is a study in thoughtful design. With a wingspan typically around 74 inches, it occupies a popular and manageable size class. This size allows it to be powered by a 20cc gas engine, offering pilots the thrilling sound, smell, and longer flight times associated with gasoline power, without the logistical challenges of larger, giant-scale models. Alternatively, it can be configured for an equivalent electric power system, providing versatility for different pilot preferences.
What makes the LamBach so appealing? It’s a combination of aesthetics and performance. The mid-wing design, rounded fuselage, and classic tail shape give it a distinctive, almost vintage, look in the air. Yet, this classic form hides a modern performance beast. The aircraft is constructed from a lightweight but strong blend of balsa and plywood, often incorporating carbon fiber reinforcements in critical areas like the landing gear mount and wing spar. Large control surfaces—ailerons, elevator, and rudder—are essential for the extreme maneuvers of 3D flying, and the LamBach delivers. These surfaces provide immense authority, allowing pilots to perform everything from graceful, slow rolls to violent, high-alpha harriers and dizzying crankshafts. WrongWayRc has engineered it to be a stable precision flyer that can, at a moment’s notice, transform into an aggressive 3D monster.
The Significance of 3D Farm-P Hucked
To understand the LamBach’s performance, you must first understand the stage. 3D Farm-P Hucked isn’t just any RC fly-in; it’s a pilgrimage for serious aerobatic pilots. Held at a dedicated facility with pristine grass runways and wide-open airspace, it’s an event designed by pilots, for pilots. The “Hucked” in the name is RC slang for flying with extreme, aggressive abandon, and that’s exactly the spirit of the event. It’s less about formal competition and more about pushing the limits of both pilot skill and aircraft capability in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Pilots and spectators flock to events like this for several reasons. First is the spectacle. Watching dozens of the world’s most advanced RC aircraft, flown by incredibly skilled pilots, is a breathtaking experience. The air is constantly filled with the roar of engines and the blur of colorful airframes tumbling through the sky. Second is the community. It’s a place to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share a common passion. The pits are as much a part of the event as the flight line, buzzing with conversation, tuning tips, and laughter. Finally, it’s a hub of innovation. Pilots and manufacturers bring their latest creations, showcase new products, and share building techniques. You can see firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and what the future of the hobby looks like.
The LamBach’s Performance in the Spotlight
Against this backdrop, the WrongWayRc 20cc LamBach made its presence known. While larger, 100cc and 150cc aircraft often steal the show with their sheer size and noise, the 20cc LamBach carved out its own niche. Several pilots brought their LamBachs to the event, each with a slightly different setup, offering a fascinating look at the airframe’s versatility.
One of the most notable aspects of its performance was its incredible stability in post-stall, or high-alpha, flight. Pilots expertly brought the aircraft to a near-standstill in the air, nose pointing skyward, and held it there in a perfect harrier. The LamBach showed minimal wing rock, a testament to its well-balanced aerodynamic design. From this stable high-alpha state, pilots could effortlessly transition into other maneuvers. We saw it perform breathtaking rolling harriers, where the plane rolls in a continuous barrel while maintaining forward flight with a high angle of attack.
The power of the 20cc gas engines was on full display during vertical uplines. Pilots would punch the throttle, and the LamBach would rocket skyward, pulling out of hovers with authority. This power-to-weight ratio is crucial for 3D flying, and the LamBach proved it had power to spare. This allowed for spectacular maneuvers like the “waterfall,” where the plane tumbles end-over-end, and the “crankshaft,” a series of tight, sequential snap rolls that looks as violent as it sounds.
Feedback from pilots on the flight line was overwhelmingly positive. Many praised its unique flight characteristics, noting that it “flies different” from the more common Extras and Edges. Its tracking was lauded; during high-speed passes and precision maneuvers like slow rolls and point rolls, the plane flew as if on rails. This dual personality—a precise pattern ship one moment and an agile 3D freestyler the next—is the LamBach’s greatest strength. It allows pilots to practice a wide range of disciplines without needing to switch aircraft.
A Culture of Camaraderie and Innovation
Watching the LamBach pilots interact was a perfect microcosm of the RC community. A pilot struggling with a rough-running engine would quickly be surrounded by three or four others offering advice, tools, and spare parts. When one pilot executed a particularly challenging new maneuver, others would gather to ask how it was done, what control inputs were used, and how the plane was set up. This open exchange of knowledge is the lifeblood of the hobby.
This skill-sharing is not limited to flying. In the pits, you could see pilots showing off custom modifications to their LamBachs—upgraded landing gear, custom-printed baffling for better engine cooling, or unique radio programming setups to fine-tune control throws. This culture of tinkering and innovation pushes the hobby forward. Manufacturers like WrongWayRc pay close attention to this feedback loop, often incorporating popular user modifications into future versions of their kits. Events like 3D Farm-P Hucked serve as a real-world research and development lab.
The camaraderie extends beyond the technical aspects. It’s about shared experience. It’s the cheers from the flight line when a pilot nails a low-level pass. It’s the shared meal at the end of a long day of flying, recounting the best flights and the most spectacular crashes. This sense of belonging is why people drive or fly hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles to attend.
A Lasting Impression
As the sun set on the final day of 3D Farm-P Hucked, the impact of both the event and standout aircraft like the WrongWayRc 20cc LamBach was clear. This aircraft proved that innovation isn’t just about creating the biggest or fastest model. It’s also about revisiting classic designs with modern technology to create a unique and rewarding flying experience. It offers a perfect blend of performance, aesthetics, and versatility that appeals to a broad range of pilots.
Events like 3D Farm-P Hucked are the heart and soul of the RC world. They are where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and the passion for flight is celebrated. The LamBach’s stellar performance was not just a win for its pilots or its manufacturer; it was a win for the community. It showcased the magic that happens when a great design is put in the hands of skilled pilots at an event that celebrates pushing boundaries. For everyone who witnessed it, the LamBach wasn’t just another RC plane—it was a source of inspiration and a reminder of why we all fell in love with this incredible hobby.