which epp thermal plane?

[skratt]

Hi, I fly various epp combat and 60' race models but have nothing to fly on light wind days.
I like the simplicity of elevon only epp planes and was wondering if there was a thermal alternative.
Any advice muchly appreciated. Cheers :D

[Solcat]

I know of only two:
http://www.mtntoys.com/gf.html
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=1445

[ejett]

Take a look at Bowman's Javelin HLG.

http://www.bowmanshobbies.com/javelin.html

and liftworx seeker:

http://www.liftworx.com/

and Upslope sailplanes has a couple of possibilities:

http://www.upslopesailplanes.com/


EJ

[scififlyer]

The Zagi THL may be what you're looking for, a non-combat wing with elevon control:

zagi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4

EPP leading edge, the rest of the wing is bead foam. Lots of tips for improving the thing at:

www.charlesriverrc.org/articles/zagithl/zagithl.htm

I have seen the UpSlope Spinner in flight, a great light-lift plane if you decide to go with a WTF sloper.

[ejett]

You might be interested in the Boomer as well, but I can't find the website address for it.

EJ

[webguyjv]

I know you're savvy with elevon planes, but I think this might be a good time for you to move up a bit. You might be ready to move away from EPP for this type of plane.

If you want EPP because your flying skills are like mine (where you still crash once in a while), I can understand that. If, on the other hand, if you're wanting to go EPP because you fly with a combat crowd, I think you simply need to consider changing your flying habits when doing your thermal work.

What I mean by this is that I recommend that you buy a crunchie thermal plane (like a balsa ARF or a fiberglass plane), and after you glide test it and maiden it, from that point on, when you're flying with your buddies, and you break out the thermal plane, simply fly away from them -- stay away from the furball.

At most of the slope sites I fly at, the glass guys know to stay away from the foamie combatters, and when the glass guys are doing their speed runs, the foamie guys fly wide around them and stay clear.

If Dave's Aircraft Works were stil in business I'd recommend that you purchase a DAW Schweiser 1-26 2M or 1-26 HLG (or even the big 3M Ka-6e). These were EXCELLENT EPP sailplane trainers. I have two of htem myself. I know that SkyKing RC will be bringing these kits back to the market in the coming months, but until then, you have to find a used one, or get a different type of kit.

If you're thinking about my suggestion of trying a crunchie for your thermal plane, the whole world is at your doorstep - there are hundreds of models - some as cheap as $120 or so - in sizes ranging from 1.5M to 2M. A good place to get an idea of what's available is Northeast Sailplane Products - take a look and then shop around from there.

Happy Flying ;-)

Webguyjv