Scratch build Grand Esprit is finished.

[jbrandon]

Here is a link to the compete build (http://theshope.net/hobby.aspx) if you are interested. From fabricating the boom to the first flights. She was a joy to build!

I deviated from the original only in airfoil selection and spar construction. Boom is 1/8” larger than the one supplied in the kit due to me starting at the large (was going to use the b word but you know the censors are out) end.

After these pictures were taken I took her out to the field and hand tossed, flew but just a little nose light (planned). First launch was okay, tow hook too far forward (planned). Added 1oz on weight and move the hook back 1/4”, launch was again okay. Flight lasted 7 min 40 sec. Move the hook back another 1/8", launched and she climbed to the sky! Air was calm and after a 40 minute flight I landed her and took her home so we could play another day!

Wingspan: 134”
Wing Area: 1100sqin
Aspect Ratio: 16.6:1
Flying weight: 80oz
Airfoil: E205 root to E193 tip

[schrederman]

Beautiful. I think you asked me for plans and I let you down. I apologise for that. Looks like you got her done in spite of my fumbling and forgetting.

Jack Womack

[jbrandon]

Jack, thanks for the complement! I do like the way she looks but like the way she flies even better! It was a fun, fast build. For some reason everything went like the plan I had in my head, everything fit and it was fun. But I like to build and the Grand has always been one of those planes I wanted but back when it was available I could not afford one. Now I have one and a pristine kit to boot!

If you have flown a LJMP Meteor then you know how this Grand flies. About the only difference is the Grand does not have the rudder authority as the Meteor. She turns flat and tight and when pushed will come up on step and move out nicely. I am a little over weight but not for this airfoil, my thoughts.

Watch the board, my friend Thermalier (hope this is spelled right) is building one and will be posting soon.

I don’t remember asking you for the plans but if I did you did not let me down.

Beautiful. I think you asked me for plans and I let you down. I apologise for that. Looks like you got her done in spite of my fumbling and forgetting.

Jack Womack

[John Cole]

Your motivation for building this model must have been rooted from the times we flew together at the SULA field in the '80's... or not. ;^)

I still have that old Esprit, recovered and refinished. It doesn't fly much anymore, but perhaps someday..

John

[Esprit2]

JBrandon,
Great job... It turned out very well. Thanks for posting the photos, I never get tired of looking at the Grand Esprit.

John Cole,
I'm with you in that I have a GE that was built (?) in the late 70's / early 80's and is still in flying trim. I've got to admit it doesn't get much air-time anymore, but it's ready. Spring seems to be coming to Minnesota and I'm really getting the bug to fly... maybe the GE should be first up.

Tim

[John Cole]

Tim, I'm just worried about losing the dang thing to a crash. I don't know why, it's lasted this long. It's my oldest existing model, I built it in '78. But I'm with you; I should get it out and fly it this season!

John

[schrederman]

I have a Dreamcatcher kit and 2 tailbooms. I would love to build one with the alternate airfoils, but I'm having a problem finding enough time to do everything my job entails and all the things I want to do. It's gotta be the nicest GE I've ever seen.

Jack

[jbrandon]

John, I am ashamed as I cannot place you at SULA. I did fly there often and really miss the field and the guys, especially the “Thursday” bunch. I had injured my back and was out of work for almost a year so I flew with them. I was Googleing Earth that area and was amazed to find no more open ground there, filled with ball fields and other courts of some type. Sad!

I am trying to remember one name of any of the guys I flew with at SULA and for the live of me I cannot! I remember some of the people but cannot put a name to any face. A mind is a terrible thing to waste!

I have a picture hanging just above my desk of the PSA bunch taken at a Torrey Pines contest probably in ’82 or ’83 and I can only name about five of the flyers in it. How many can you name? I have been in touch with several of the older PSA guys through this board and have been following the trials and tribulations of HSS and another field that has more or less been lost to soaring.

The Grand was a plane I had always wanted but could not afford back in its day and so now having the time I built one. I do now have an original Airtronics kit but may sell it as I just could never build it. Next on my list are a LJMP Pantera and later this year another Meteor.

This Grand handles a lot like the Meteor but I think it flies a little slower. The three landings I did yesterday I did notice that it wanted to wander just a little on the down wind leg and then balloon once I turned back into the wind. The wander I attribute to the V tail and the balloon because I fly nose light and had not changed the trims for landing. Still learning!

To John and Esprit2, get those Grand’s out there and get them in the air! One of the guys I use to fly with always told me that every time you let go of the plane you must figure it is gone for good. Now this was back in my free flight days but it is still a fact, every time you throw it out it could be its last so enjoy this flight.

Jack, the booms you have, would you want to part with one? Are they fiberglass or carbon?

Your motivation for building this model must have been rooted from the times we flew together at the SULA field in the '80's... or not. ;^)

I still have that old Esprit, recovered and refinished. It doesn't fly much anymore, but perhaps someday..

John

[schrederman]

The booms are carbon. Sorry but I wouldn't part with one. They're too hard to come by.

Jack

[jbrandon]

Totally understand and do not blame you for wanting to keep hold of them! I would not want carbon anyway. Thanks.

The booms are carbon. Sorry but I wouldn't part with one. They're too hard to come by.

Jack

[John Cole]

Jim,
Great looking GE, BTW! Sometimes, it's easier to remember past flying folks with what they flew, and when.
I was in the club from '85-'88, flew my Esprit, of course. Trans blue monokote. Also flew my Oly II, with that weirdo dyed transparent Monokote job. Let's see, what else.. Oh yes, my Graupner Cirrus 75 was flown then, and I built a Windsong while living there, and flew it a lot. I brought my hang glider to one of the club meetings. That was an odd show-and-tell. :rolleyes:
I can remember a few of the guys... Randy Spencer, Larry Jolly, Roy Stokes, Cyr Rahm, Joe Rosenthal, John Bruce, and that cool old guy from Rancho Palos Verdes Estates...built the UltiMoose, or something like that. Jim perhaps? Great modeler.
Yes, I WILL get mine going again. I refinished it about 8 years ago, and flew it only a few times after that.

John