Looking for a Bigger Glider

[IwantaJet]

I'm looking for a larger model to bring to the Alpine Soaring weekend (http://www.alpinesoaring.us/home/) sponsored by quietflyer.com. I found this Ventus (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19164&item=5967781811&rd=1) and a couple of similar kits on eBay. Any opinons on or experience with this? The price is certainly right.

My criteria are good price, fast build (ARF), easy to fly thermal and slope, and it has to fit in a Toyota Corolla wagon. I can fit a 78" wing in with the back seats down, a two piece wing means I can get a larger glider. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
R.C.

[aeajr]

This wing is probably 3.6M or about 140 inches so the individual wings are about 68 inches, I woud estmate. Thsi is not a small plane.

If you can get it for $120 plust $45 shipping and it is well made, that is a nice package.

[AirBornOne]

These planes have recieved 'heated' discussion.
Search 'AMD' and then Ventus or Discus.
I think this will get you what you need.
Skies.
Jay.

[aeajr]

If you want fiberglass, that's fine. As long as you are an experienced pilot and can land it gently in less than perfect conditions. That is what most slope sites offer, less than perfect landing conditions.

However if you want a 2M or 3M plane, perhaps one of these larger EPP planes would be of interest.

[ejett]

I have to agree with AirBorneOne. I believe you will be disappointed in the quality of these planes and the quality will be evident in the flying characteristics. These planes (AMD Ventus) are no bargain. Do your homework before you buy.

EJ

[IwantaJet]

Do your homework before you buy.EJ

Good advice, that's why I'm here. :)

Thanks all for your opinions. I thought the price was too good. "You get what you pay for" seems to be truer in R/C than most anywhere else. I'm not looking for contest winning performance, just an easy flying semi scale glider I can use for fun flying and trying new things without a huge investment in either building time or money. I'm ok with modifying a cheap kit or spending a bit more for quality but not too much either way.

aeajr mentions larger EPP planes. I haven't found a big EPP plane that can thermal worth a damn mentioned anywhere on rcGroups. Any specific ideas on this?

R.C.

[emersunn]

I was suprised to find some scale models in the 200-500 range here:

http://www.scalesoaring.net/EMM/asw.htm#LET

I think the distributor is of the knowledgeable sort who would not sell junk. They have all sizes, some should fit in a Toyota Wagon.

[aeajr]

Good advice, that's why I'm here. :)

aeajr mentions larger EPP planes. I haven't found a big EPP plane that can thermal worth a damn mentioned anywhere on rcGroups. Any specific ideas on this?

R.C.

Thermal? Sorry, I thought you were looking for a slope plane.