What highstart for a Bird of Time ARF?

[amike_321]

I just bought a BOT ARF. I have heard that the wing was sub par and that a winch was out of the question. I have never used or even seen a winch launch or a highstart in action. I have searched and found that the heavy duty high start is probably the best one to get for this glider. I also have a GL that can be used with the highstart. Does anyone have any other suggestions before I buy a highstart? What about the ones that North East Sailplanes offer, I believe they are Pinnacle brand. I have a club member who can instruct me on the highstart.

[tunabiker]

I have used the Northeast Sailplanes "Standard" high start for this plane and it is at least adequate...into a breeze, it rises somewhat slowly, but high and then floats off the line. They have a "large" size that will work, too, but considering the complaints of many about the wings of the plane, it might be best to stick with the "standard".

Both use 100' of surgical tubing and adequate lengths of string. That much tubing allows a bit of calibrating the degree of pull. So, a few fewer paces on the large will make the launch gentler, but still high.

Good luck! High Start is a good way to go.

Bill

[aeajr]

I have a NESailplanes XLarge hi-start, 100' of 1/2" rubber with 3/32 wall.

I use it to launch a GP Spirit 2M and a Sagitta 600. These are both built up balsa floaters. I pull it back till I can just barely hold the planes. Measured that pull at 12-14 pounds one day on a fish scale. These two planes have no problem launching off ths hi-start.

The XL is really much stronger than I need for them but I got a really good deal on it. I just don't pull it back as far as I would the Standard or Large. However it is strong enough to launch an 80 ounce Airtronics Legend.

The 3M pilots at our sailplane club use the NESail Large most of the time. That should be very good for the BOT but I would not hesitate to launch it off the XLarge as well. You just don't NEED it. I was launching my Sagitta off the Large last weekend with great results.

NESail Large would be my recommendation. BOT will have no problem with it.

[aeajr]

You may find this thread helpful. Includes a video of a hi-start launch.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178766

[RCFlybry]

I have heard that the wing was sub par and that a winch was out of the question.

All depend's on who's running the winch pedal and how much experience they have with it. A guy that we fly with has the BoT ARF and has a good 15 to 20 launches off the winch with no problem. If your able to "Tap" it up the line correctly, You'll put no more stress on the wing than a high start.
However, if you've got a lead shoe It'll be toothpicks in no time.

Bryan

[aeajr]

RCFlybyr is exactly right. There are lighter, more fragile planes than the BOT ARF being launced off of winches every day. But it takes skill and it is easy to over power it. Personally I like launching off a hi-stat so I don't see it as a negative.

[amike_321]

I have no experience with either method of launching. A winch really scares me as I have heard horror stories from other users but I guess it all comes down to experience. I wouldnt trust an everday Joe to be able to handle a car with a lot of horsepower...Sounds like the Nesail Xlarge will be the way to go, I'm getting into bigger ships everyday!

[RCFlybry]

I think the Nesail Xlarge would be a good way for you to get the feel of launching a sailplane. I also fly a Bird of Time built from the kit and love the way that it goes up the line. It climbs high and tracks very nicely. But don't stop there! Once you get some experience off the high start, give the winch a shot if you have access to one.
Get someone that's had some experience with them to work the pedal for you for the first little while. Even going lightly on the winch pedal, you can still come out with some really high launches. Best of luck with the Bird of Time. I've put more than 300 flights on mine and it's still my favorite plane in the hangar. Very easy to thermal and that wing is a thing of beauty in the air.
One thing that I think that needs to be pointed out is not to just get the plane on the line and let it go. Hold the plane where it feels most comfortable in your hand, keep the wings level and give it a sturdy throw. I've seen too many people just let the plane go and stall a wing after about 5 feet out of their hands. You can get away with this on lighter planes like Gentle Ladys but a 3 meter plane like the BoT needs to be thrown for a safer approach to launching.

Bryan

[amike_321]

Got the major assembly done this evening, MAN this thing is HUGE compared to all my other models. Starting to look good, I cant wait to fly it.

[Eyefly]

I have an NSP L size if you are interested. Great shape and never used. I ordered it but it turns out I dont need it. drabunich@hotmail.com

Alex

[amike_321]

Sent email to above address. I didn't know you were in NC when I sent the message. Maybe shipping wont be so bad after all.

Amike_321

[Eyefly]

Mike,

Check your email for a response.

Alex

[Alex J]

www.aerofoam.com

Ask Mark.

[amike_321]

Just for a size reference, heres the BOT next to my 72 VW Beetle. Pretty nice to be able to break the wing down into three sections for transport. You can see my mascot in the right of the picture.....he likes to bark at all my new planes!

[warren hulbert]

Check out the Little Big Winch as I have one and it really works even on 14lb gliders. wo

[dion9146]

Just for a size reference, heres the BOT next to my 72 VW Beetle. Pretty nice to be able to break the wing down into three sections for transport. You can see my mascot in the right of the picture.....he likes to bark at all my new planes!

nice air cooled car with an air powered plane....my preferences exactly. :)

Dion

[at7driver]

Hi,

Please post a review of your BOT when you have the chance.. I like the looks of them but have been hesitant to order from others posts about the wings etc.. seems like alot of plane for the money.

Look forward to hearing from you..

Nice bug. dion946 good looking 914.

david