Olympic II

[SamCarter]

Hi,
I've recently dug up a plane I was given a while back. It has a 2.75m wingspan and the bits I've got (rudder, nose section, tailplane and wings) make me think it is an Olympic II, the only difference I can see is that the wing has leading edge sheeting (on the upper surface) right to the tips.
Can anyone tell me what sort of fuselage I should use on this model (does it matter?). I have sketched out a plan for an Olympic II fuselage but it looks suspect to damage from anything but a perfect landing.
The only part I intend to keep is the wing as everything else is in bad condition so I don't mind scratch building.
Last question...is an Olympic II suitable for a beginner? My Gentle Lady is at the top of an unclimbable totora and I can't afford a replacement yet...

SamC

[AcintSpec]

Sam

Oly II's are used by some clubs as the 'club trainer' so it is well suited to the beginner IMHO. That extra 1/2 meter wing span makes it easier to see and this is good for those of us that can't see the proverbial barn door. A new fuselage can be built using Radio Control Modler Plans for the Oly if you want to go with the original looks. Not sure what to say about 'scratch' building another and what it should look like, etc. I had thought about modifying the wings on mine by D Tubing the leading edge but went with the original. Now I wish I had as it would probably have strengthened the wing somewhat.

Good Luck

Gene

[Terry Lyttle]

... is right: I built to plan years ago, and fought with rejigging and flutter until I finally tore off the covering and D-tubed, end of problems. After that it would dive to terminal, and "rough" landings never affected the wing. Check the postings on histarts to see what is possible with a properly-trimmed Oly 11.

[ramair]

you bet the oly 2 is a great plane to replace your gentle lady!! you would be walking a path that many have walked before you!
i also suggest strengthing the wing a bit but dont go over board by adding to much weight
most gliders from the 70-80 focused on gliders with;1st sink rate [floaters]
2nd l/d,the oly is a better floater than an l/d machine but in my oppion,that whats sooo sweet about it!!! very enjoyiable plane to fly!!!!!
ramair

[SamCarter]

Thanks for the advice guys! I have managed to salvage the ply nose section and am scratch building the rest of the fuse from memory. Is it okay to cover something like this with Sig Koverall?

Sam

[ramair]

sure, cover it with what everworks,most coverings are fairly close in weight and as far as i can remember the koverall is very strong.
im a little concered about your comment;building fuse buy memory;;;;
whatever you do take the time to find out the original measurements for the tail moment! and wing incidence,every thing else is fairly cosmetic.
i also know that on this site in the photo section there is a real nice pic of the oly 2,try doing some sizing from it!!! ramair

[ramair]

under sailplane,thermal,[ post your pics]you will find the pic that i mentioed in any earlier post!!!! cheers ramair

[Michael Heer]

Are you sure it is an Oly II? I have had a bunch of Oly IIs over the years for myself and family and they are designed as a 2.5 meter plane or standard class glider at 99 inches. When you say 2.75 you are adding about 10 inches to the wing of a normal Oly II. I know many people who stretched the design and modified the name such as an Olygon. The Oly is a great glider. I sold one that has traveled the Pacific Ocean with the guy who bought it from me. Mike

[SamCarter]

I am not sure it is an Oly II, I was given it in a rather bad state by someone who had been given it...
The basic wing planform matches an Oly II and so does the tail group, I think it may have ben built from plans as some of the ribs are a little inaccurate. I am not too worried about designing the fuse myself as the wing sits on the rear part of the nose section (which I am not building) and the bottom of the fuselage is flat (I also have the rear part of the fuselage where the tailplane sits.

Sam

[denete]

You could just call Ray Hayes at Skybench Aero and get the info from him. You might even spend a couple of dollars and get a set of plans and instructions from him while you are at it.

http://www.skybench.com/

- David