Big Things at SIG
Published: November 9, 2011
Article
Herb Rizzo (President/Partner, SIG Mfg) and David Martin (Vice President/Partner, SIG Mfg) were interviewed at this year's iHobby Expo by Jay Smith of Model Aviation magazine (AMA's monthly print publication) to discuss changes at the company since its transition to new ownership. Rizzo and Martin purchased the company in Feburary 2011 along with Ron Petterec and have plans to bring new ideas and new life to one of the model aviation industry's oldest and most nostalgic brands.
In a 5-minute-plus interview posted on Youtube (and viewable here in this article) Jay gives Herb and David a nice opportunity to explain some of their past years efforts. The company has brought back their full line of balsa wood -- that is used by scratch builders in the hobby -- along with bolstering their SIG-branded lines of fuel, dope, CA, and other accessory products.
The new team have brought fresh updates to several new ARF models including changes to their Kadet LT-40, high-wing airplane. The LT-40 will now be an "EG" model which stands for "electric-glow" and will come with written instructions for building the kit out as either a glow-powered model or an electric-powered model (using brushless outrunner and LiPo power). The same "EG" upgrades has been given to the Kadet Senior ARF as well as a new coating (Ultracoat) for both models.
The SIG Rascal 110 also received the new coating plus it now comes stock with flaps and the Rascal EP-49 is going to now include a brushless outrunner motor in the kit.
The company have invested heavily in the new kits and plan to maintain a healthy stock of kits and products. The new versions of the kits are due to begin shipping from SIG Manufacturing in November with the Rascal EP-49 due to be available in January.
For more information on the transition of ownership at SIG Manufacturing, the following articles are a great resource.
