Chris Foss Middle Phase Build

[Whurleybird]

Hi Ive got hold of a complete Chris Foss Middle Phase advanced trainer kit for £35 I really want to do the model justice and assemble it correctly from the off. I am looking for a possible build thread ( I'm hoping ) or at least some solid advice on assembly as I am sure there are mods for this model ie bolting the wing on rather than rubber bands etc. I realise this is an old model but I think it deserves a quality build rather than just chucking it all together. If anyone can offer any advice it will be appreciated. Thanks Glen.

[Gary Binnie]

Hi Glen,

I learnt to slope soar with a Middle Phase, it was the rudder only version, You must have the aileron version (primary/advanced).

I still have the Middle Phase, it is still just flyable but in a very bad state, will take a photo of it, you will laugh!

Was a fairly easy build from what I remember, I think there was an option to mount the tailplane with rubber bands which I would not bother with. It would be possible to bolt the wing on and would be ok for people who can already fly.

It's a sloper really, does not bungee launch very well and it would have to catch a fair size thermal to go up.

If you start a build thread in 'Slope' I can help/chime in and I'm sure others will, you can always PM me as well.

Cheers

Gary

[Whurleybird]

Hi Glen,

I learnt to slope soar with a Middle Phase, it was the rudder only version, You must have the aileron version (primary/advanced).

I still have the Middle Phase, it is still just flyable but in a very bad state, will take a photo of it, you will laugh!

Was a fairly easy build from what I remember, I think there was an option to mount the tailplane with rubber bands which I would not bother with. It would be possible to bolt the wing on and would be ok for people who can already fly.

It's a sloper really, does not bungee launch very well and it would have to catch a fair size thermal to go up.

If you start a build thread in 'Slope' I can help/chime in and I'm sure others will, you can always PM me as well.

Cheers

Gary

Hi Gary thanks for the advice dunno if I would do a build thread, its quite an old model and I dont think the modern builders have much interest in built up models do they ? I'll think about it anyways. Thanks for the reply. Glen

[mhodgson]

Had one of the aileron versions, learnt to fly aileron style with it. Great model until it tried to clap wingtips forgot that the ground is hard, or perhaps it was the church roof I piled into it. Still have the wings though which are in the slow process of being refurbished and put on another fuz.

I think you will find plenty of interest in a thread. There are still a lot of builders out there.

The best advice I can give is follow the instructions. Chris Foss knew what he was doing when he wrote them. I fact the only thing I would change today would be to put one servo per aileron instead of the torque rods. If I recal mine was solarfilmed on wings and tail surfaces and solartex on the fuz (wraped round in one piece- boy was I proud of that bit of covering).

If you haven't flown much off the slope I would band the wings on, I did and they survived many a rough landing.

[Gary Binnie]

I would go for a build thread Glen, I don't see one on the Middle Phase, if there was then I wouldn't bother.

There are loads of good reasons to do a build thread on any type of model.

1. There is always someone who is interested, even if it is only one person then that's good enough for me.

2. A build thread gives a potential buyer the opportunity to see whether the build is within their ability and if the builder is unbiased any faults or problems, with a kit for instance, get aired.

3. Building it publicly with photos and being honest about any little mistakes made 'forces' the builder to be neat and improve their own workmanship quality standard. I feel that and it has got to be a good thing.

4. You get a wealth of advice from the community here, sometimes you get advice that you might choose not to take, don't feel pressured, take it all in but just do your own thing if you want to.

5. It's a free permanent record of how you did it.

6. It's fun!!

Others can think of more reasons, I'm sure.

The Middle Phase might be an old design but it is still produced and a very popular trainer. Youngsters coming into the hobby would not know any different.

I am building a wooden thermal soarer here if you want an idea what to do: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=870066

I probably go into too much detail but that is what I personally like to see in a build thread, there are plenty of other threads to read if it does not interest anybody.

A good camera helps.

This is a fantastic free facility, all we had up to maybe 10 years ago and earlier was magazine reviews and talking to people at the local club.

So, go for it! Remember it's a family show (so no colourful language) and don't call people names or you rightly get sent to the 'sin bin'!!

Cheers

Gary (who occasionally expresses an opinion!)

[erich]

Always loved to see Chris Foss' designs, and planes in the Thermal literature. Would watch a build thread on any of his planes with great enthusiasm. You would have many onlookers, myself being on the list. I say, DO IT, on line.

erich

[Whurleybird]

Hi Guys, I am currently in the "early assembly stage" mid way through Fuz assembly. I have photographed from the beginning ermmmm...... not too sure (yet) how to put the piccys up but mate will show me how to do it. I just didnt want anyone to think this thread was dead its work still in progress.
I'm only going to post on the one thread Slope which is here :- http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=873010&page=2
Hopefully posting one the one thread will make it a bit easier for me and a bit neater too. Pictures will follow in a day or so up to where I am in the build.
I am finding the build quite straightforward but thats not to say i havent made the odd mistake or errrrrrr three. Thanks for your patience. Glen

[Ligumo]

Hi Whurleybird, I've just been using my Middle Phase 2 to reintroduce myself to the hobby after a good while out. The MP2 is an excellent plane, and I've had many a happy hour flying it this year, first finding my feet, then practicing some aerobatics and on sunday I caught some thermals with it which was a great experience! Good luck with your build, I'm sure you'll be happy with the plane, CF models have got a really good reputation and you still see them on the slope quite a lot.

[Barnsey]

Hi Ive got hold of a complete Chris Foss Middle Phase advanced trainer kit for £35 I really want to do the model justice and assemble it correctly from the off. I am looking for a possible build thread ( I'm hoping ) or at least some solid advice on assembly as I am sure there are mods for this model ie bolting the wing on rather than rubber bands etc. I realise this is an old model but I think it deserves a quality build rather than just chucking it all together. If anyone can offer any advice it will be appreciated. Thanks Glen.Chris designs great models. The only tip (from Chris) I'd mention is one which may not have appeared in early kit instructions as I recollect, and that's to lightly sand the ply parts to remove a release agent (which could cause bonding problems and auto re-kitting if not removed).

Good luck with the build and the build thread.

John

[Whurleybird]

Hi Whurleybird, I've just been using my Middle Phase 2 to reintroduce myself to the hobby after a good while out. The MP2 is an excellent plane, and I've had many a happy hour flying it this year, first finding my feet, then practicing some aerobatics and on sunday I caught some thermals with it which was a great experience! Good luck with your build, I'm sure you'll be happy with the plane, CF models have got a really good reputation and you still see them on the slope quite a lot.
Hi Ligumo good to hear you're coming back to the hobby :D I'm hoping to progress to more exotic gliders but have started with the basics. I'm flying EPP gliders at the mo made by SAS which I love ! all credit to Alan Head. I have learned a lot in fact all i know from these models as they are so crash proof !
The build is going slowly as I dont want to rush it and am trying to not make too many mistakes :o . Thanks for your reply. Glen.

[Ligumo]

I remember SAS planes from my old flying days, they made the Thing if I remember correctly? They seem to be the forerunner to today's combat wings - someone has lent me theirs but I haven't tried to fly it yet.

[MCarlton]

SAS did indeed make the Thing, which was a brilliant little model. I had a Cygnus too, which was a 60" wing with a proper fus (originally a duralene sexy one, but mine was the ply version). They did the Aggressor, Apache, Blob, Ace, Star Jet too :)

Nostalgia time :)