Southern Sailplanes???

[snaggers]

Hey all,

Does anyone know whatever happened to Ralph at Southern Sailplanes in Victoria. His website is still up but price lists are from 2001 and no response from his email.

Cheers,

Andy

[olmod]

Dont know but there is a good chance he will attend this as it is a very special 40th year aniversary,
Saturday 10th May is the well advertised day at the VARMS home field (Brigg’s Field)

[Steve.650]

I Heard Ralph is no longer producing kits. Dunno if its true but its sad to see another Aussie business close up if its true. My first glider was A Prelude Plus, followed on with 2 Riccos aswell.
Cheers Steve :confused:

[samotage]

I don't think there has been any real development in the SS range for almost 15 years. Things have moved along quite a bit since then. In any business, one can't expect to stand still and survive.

[r/c junkie]

I don't think there has been any real development in the SS range for almost 15 years. Things have moved along quite a bit since then. In any business, one can't expect to stand still and survive.


I agree i wonder how some of his models would fly with an updated airfoil and cremate those linkages and replaced with a 4 servo wing na just buy somthin new but i wouldnt mind on of his kestrals.

Shane

[Swoopdown]

I don't think there has been any real development in the SS range for almost 15 years. Things have moved along quite a bit since then. In any business, one can't expect to stand still and survive.

The fueslage still has more style and is sexier than any of the current crop moldies. Im with RC Junkie. New bagged wings and servos in the wings and you would have an awesome model.

I believe Ralf no longer makes models anymore

[jason H]

I got a Kestrel 17 from Ralf about 12 months ago (took him 12 months to make the bloddy thing). He stated that he would never close his doors to modellers wanting kits or parts.

[samotage]

I think the raw fuz shape is very nice, as Mick said. It needs to be made of more modern materials than chopped strand. The whole fin and tail assembly would need revision too to update it to more modern and efficient designs.

I think it would look great with a modern set of wings with proper tapers instead of that glarish rake back and silly looking dihedral.

[snaggers]

Thanks for the response guys. I bought a multi-function T-bird about 10 years ago and it was a fantastic plane for when it was developed. I agree that if he updated the materials, airfoil, and stuffed some servo's in the wings he would have a great fleet to choose from.

I remember the ricochet used to be the "bees knees" of soaring on the slopes.

A.

[offair]

Im picking up my mgo6 cores today from Southern Sailplanes, Ralph cut the tube holes for me, rico should go good with 4 servo wing. I got my Bullit a few months ago. Flys great for a 82 mod. Been trying to get Ralph to come and see some DS action at the rock garden.

[offair]

The older section RG15 suits DS, nice and thick, Just add carbon and glass.

[khan_01]

Ralph is still operational.....he only makes gliders to order now
His email on the site is incorrect, I spoke to him and he indicated he would fix it shortly.

For those of you who cant wait that long, you can contact him by phone or on his current email

rlearmont@optusnet.com.au