Scratch-building an EPP Waco CG-4A...advice sought

[surfimp]

I am in the planning stages of scratch building a Waco CG-4A (http://www.pointvista.com/WW2GliderPilots/wacodrawings.htm), a *real* combat glider from WWII. I intend to construct the fuselage and wings entirely from EPP, most likely using 1.9 density foam for the fuse and 1.3 for the wings, as seems to be common practice.

In the interest of scale accuracy, I would like to include the wing and stab struts, as well as the landing gear. However, this plane is primarily intended as a slope glider, so how negatively should I expect the struts and landing gear to affect its slope performance, and specifically penetration? I know there will be big drag, but does anyone here have experience building scale sailplanes with struts, and how was the outcome?

Thanks for any and all help!

[alibodin]

I ahve built a 1/4 scale K3 and it has struts and flies fine.

A freind of mine built a 1/6 scale I think Tiger Moth with struts, free spinning prop and under cassraige and it struggled to penetrate. He took of the prop and under carraige and and it fly but he had to always turn out from the slope.

Looking at those drawing you will have quite a bit of drag from struts and bulky fuz, however on the slope with good lift anything will fly.

All the best

Alistair

[surfimp]

Construction has begun on my project; a couple of pictures:

http://www.stevelange.net/waco/images/project/waco_fuse.jpg

http://www.stevelange.net/waco/images/project/waco_fuse_wing.jpg

Only one wing half is pictured in the photo above. Actual wingspan will be 63".

Construction of the fuse & wings is all 1.3# EPP. Tail surfaces will be made from 1/4" Coroplast.

Plane is going to be R/E/A. Considered adding spoilers and aerotow release, but those were determined to be too much work for a plane that's already going to be a slow flyer and will be used primarily on the slope.