Sophisticated lady

[billrcpilot]

Will back again to the old building board, this time to start with wing building. this kit has all the main parts lazer cut, the only problem i'am having at this point are the ribs, it seem that on the plans it calls for a 1/8 X 1/4 bass wood rear spar on the inboard panel and 1/8 X 1/4 balsa wood spar on the outer panel. Now i don't know if there has been a modification to the kit or not, but the wood for the spars are 1/8 X 3/8 so have to elongate the rear spar notchs for the spars on all ribs??? has anyone else had this problem. other an that this plane has been a pleasure to build. Here are a few more pictures of where i'am at on the building. Oh yes that's a picture of SON building his NOMAD 2m sailplane.

Bill :)

[Brew Glider]

I just noticed that this thread looks to be part II. Way to go. The build thread is looking good. Keep up the good work!

Brew Glider

[oracle_9]

Hello, nice thread, you dont see much on the S.L., so this is nice to see.

My first plane was a Gentle Lady, and since I am not familar with the Sophisticated Lady nor the Electra, how is the airfoil and overall strength of the wings for the SL compared to the GL? or anyone else who knows this?

[Brew Glider]

Hey oracle_9,

I am a SL and GL flier. You Q is a good one. I just recently finished my GL and when I noticed the suttle differences in the wing I took note. I am actually repairing my SL wing this evening.

The Electra was my first Sailplane and I loved it! The GL has the same wing including the FULL leading edge top sheeting. The GL is minus this. In theory the covering can flex a bit(inward to the wing center) and slightly reduce lift. This might very well be true. I am repairing my wing so that I can give this a test. Fly both wing on the same Fuse and see if I can tell any difference.

The spare measure the same and the basic construction including the rib shape(minus the sheeting cutouts) are also the same.

I also mod my wings for winch launches and zooms by adding the spar cap of spruce as per in directions...


Lift On,

Brew Glider

[oracle_9]

Thanks for the info. Let us know if there is any difference in performance as you mentioned you will test.

As a modification idea to fix the tail fragility of the SL, I was thinking of basically, adding a solid piece balsa to fit exactly in the tail section of the fuse, maybe like 3 or 4 inches long, and then drilling holes in for the pushrod tubes.....i am not sure if this was mentioned or not, but if so, sorry.


Sidenote. I maybe thinking of building a SL too. My mind saids yes, but my wallet thinks otherwise. :)