Step III as first thermal plane? [Archive]

Peter Young

Jun 25, 2003, 09:44 PM

Hi

I have some flying experience (glow, foamies, New Timer) and want to get into thermal flying. Our lhs has a nice looking second hand plane - a 3 metre glider called a Step III. It comes with spoilers (scissor type) and spoiler servo.

I'll get help initially from our local gliding club with learning the ropes, but wondered whether this would be a suitable intro to thermal soaring? I had thought more along the lines of a 2 metre to start with, but this one is available.

Any thoughts?

many thanks

Peter
Australia

portfoxdesign

Jun 27, 2003, 01:45 AM

Peter
I have the plans for the Step III, which i'm planning on building soon. I think it would be fine to start with since you have flown before. I fly a light 2.5m which has the same characteristics as the Step3. You should be OK.
The larger wing will help pick those thermals. And the spoilers are enough to slow her up.
I see your in brisbane, i'm on the north side - Strathpine to be exact. If you are close we should organise a fly day.

Steve

Peter Young

Jun 27, 2003, 02:29 AM

Thanks Steve

Someone has since told me that these are locally made planes (Adelaide?). It might explain why you are the only response I have had to this question. Thanks for the invitation to get together - I'd appreciate some gliding tips.

Peter

Flint

Jun 27, 2003, 04:07 AM

Yes they are made in Adelaide, they fly well but have a few bugs. I would not get one as a first thermal glider as they are a bit of a handful for a beginner and cant be launched with a standard high start. My friend could not launch his on a heavy duty high start but an extra heavy duty might do it, typically they are winched. You'd be much better off with a 2 meter glider like the Great Planes Spirit.

Cheers

http://www.modelflight.com.au/rc_model_sailplanes_gliders/sailplanes_rc_thermal_modelflight_stepp.htm

Peter Young

Jun 27, 2003, 08:07 AM

Thanks Flint - that's really helpful to know.

Flint

Jun 27, 2003, 05:01 PM

They do thermal very well but the inconvenience of not being able to bungie launch it and needing a big space to fly it in make it not practical. You cant just go fly at a park or oval.

Cheers

Peter Young

Jun 27, 2003, 07:43 PM

Is the Spirit ARF or kit built? I've made a couple of glow plane ARFs, but I'm not a great modeller (so the easier the better). Any thoughts on who would have these at a good price in Australia?

many thanks

Peter

Flint

Jun 27, 2003, 09:45 PM

You can get the Spirit in both kit or ARF, Kit is ~$120 ARF ~$280

http://www.modelflight.com.au/rc_model_sailplanes_gliders/sailplanes_rc_thermal_greatplanes_spirit.htm

http://www.ozshops.com/cgi-bin/RT_Resp.cgi?application=radio

I have seen the ARF version for less than $280 though.

Most hobby shops would have them, they are a popular glider and not hard to build.

Flint

Jun 27, 2003, 11:01 PM

Your in luck! there is one on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3136714298&category=2563

Peter Young

Jun 28, 2003, 01:18 AM

Nice one flint - youre a champ! The seller is suggesting local pick up only...hmmm, I'm going to Sydney in a couple of weeks. Could I carry this back on Qantas? (maybe tow behind the 737?)

Flint

Jun 28, 2003, 04:36 AM

No problem, I hope you get it.

Cheers

portfoxdesign

Jun 30, 2003, 01:13 AM

Peter
If your still having problems deciding on a first machine, get an Aerofylte Albatross, i have one of these, you can launch it of a home made Histart.
It thermals very well and can land it on a thumb tack. $120.00 will get you the full kit.
I modified mine slightly, due to having some wing flutter at speed. It will pull off a vertical dive with about 4 loops without a prob.
I capped the LE to Spar with 1.5mm and made the spars spruce.
I have a pic at http://www.rcsailplanes.tk - model gliders link and then albatross.
Aeroflyte also have the brolga, its al ittle old like the albatross, but for under $100 its alright, i guess.

Steve

Peter Young

Jun 30, 2003, 01:23 AM

Thanks Steve - that's a nice looking plane. I'm no builder - was really looking for an ARF or second hand plane. I'm starting to wonder about the Spirit Elite ARF - no one seems to stock it though.

Peter

portfoxdesign

Jun 30, 2003, 01:35 AM

Peter
There around, you could try emailing the guys at http://www.rebelflyingclub.com/ they fly with them. they have a few pics as well and also a for sale section, may be lucky.

Steve

Flint

Jun 30, 2003, 02:08 AM

The Spirit Elite ARF is very nice! A guy had one here for a while before he moved to Melbourne, I was impressed with this kit, I never got a chance to fly it though. Any hobby shop should be able to get you one thru http://www.dawntrading.com.au/.

Cheers

Peter Young

Jun 30, 2003, 05:03 AM

Thanks all - much appreciated

Flint

Jun 30, 2003, 05:14 AM

The Nebula 2000 is a good ARF glider and cheap to, has the plastic fuselage. There ia a picture of one here

http://www.alshobbiesstore.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Ripmax_83.html

Its hard to find any good info on this glider but I have seen them in 2 different hobby shops so they cant be to hard to come by.

Flint

Jun 30, 2003, 05:17 AM

http://www.perthhobbies.com/catalog/052.shtml $199.95

Peter Young

Jun 30, 2003, 05:19 AM

yeah - I've seen their stuff in the shops - the Reno Racer and the Easy Street are in every RC shop in Brissie.

Flint

Jun 30, 2003, 05:27 AM

Really? I'd be very tempted by an ARF Easy Street, haven't seen one yet.

SlopeKing

Jul 04, 2003, 11:28 PM

Not bad, but I am also starting thermalling, but with a Runaway II (the unmodded version is http://www.rcmmagazine.com/ plan #1113) 3.5m.

I have been flying slope for 2 yrs.

this was also a scond hand glider, made by a club member and shifted off the workbench to make room for "some of those plastic models form europe" but it was rated by a particularly well known Junior pilot as 'will definitely wind lotsa competitions'

Its big and dwarfs its new owner (me)

but Auckland weather doesnt often permit thermalling

davidleitch

Jul 05, 2003, 03:40 AM

Peter if you are still looking I have a new in box FVK K2 Light. Its a 3 metre plane with good reviews and an MH32 airfoil and flaps. Maybe too much for you but if interested let me know.

As far as I know its designed to run off a high start. If I build it I'll put an electric nose on it.

Flint

Jul 05, 2003, 06:52 AM

What other FVK models do you have tucked away David?

davidleitch

Jul 05, 2003, 08:20 AM

a boomerang, a smallish 1.5 m balsa veneer asw scale glider and a tango.

one of these days i'll build em all. Also coming is a diablotin mini super

Peter Young

Jul 10, 2003, 06:27 AM

Thanks David - I think I have settled on a Great Planes Spirit Elite ARF - I think 2 metres might be my limit for the time being.

Masterpiece

Jul 10, 2003, 08:14 AM

Dave,

Just out of interest sake, how much are you selling the K2 light for??? I have always loved this model but never thought I'd meet somebody with one to sell, so I went and bought the JK Thermic instead. Slower and more gentle and smaller too at 2.5m

Anyway catch ya at the club one day (I'll try and get up to the club one day soon)

Later,
Glen