Olympic II or IIS Build?

[mikewrx]

Anyone who's done one of the above and can offer some sage wisdom is welcome to reply. The Oly IIS kit is on the way from Skybench.

[FrogChief]

I built an OLY II when I was 16 and have since built many other planes.

I had the OLY IIS on preorder, but cancelled in favor of a different plane. It should be straightforward and easy to build, especially since Ray Hayes kits the plane with laser-cut parts.

You should have an easy time with it as the IIS is even easier than the II to construct. Plus it has a MUCH better wing design. Better airfoil and stronger spar system. You'll be pleased with it's performance.

-Sean

[cn0rris]

I just finished an Oly II S from SkyBench, and I recommend it highly.

[mikewrx]

Any tips / suggested mods from people who've built them?

[FrogChief]

Any tips / suggested mods from people who've built them?


Well...I have some general advice. You stated in another thread that you've built a couple of planes. So you do have experience.

Wait until you get the plane and go over the instructions a couple of times (I ALWAYS do that) so that you're familiar with the build. Then once you start building, hit us up with specific questions accompanied by a photo/s.

Before the kit arrives, make sure you have the following:

Alot of fresh #11 blades and an X-acto knife

Razor saw and miter box

Sandpaper 80, 140, 200, 400 and 800 grit

Glue: Titebond II wood glue, Thin, Medium and thick (slow cure) CA
(superglue), Bottle of CA accelerator, 15 and 30 min epoxy.

Bottle of microballons

2x Rolls of Cutrite wax-paper

roll of masking tape

Etc.


Having a fully stocked workshop makes the process much more enjoyable and quick. Hope that helps and didn't insult your intelligence. Hit us up when the kit arrives.

-Sean :)

[mikewrx]

I've got all that, thanks. I'm also a big fan of old school Ambroid cement. I always use it anywhere sanding will reveal a glue transition between 2 pieces of wood. IMHO it cannot be beat.

[lincoln]

I think that for purposes of training, it's going to be very hard to beat the original Oly II. For a second glider, perhaps the IIS is better. The IIS airfoil is, I suspect, probably better for someone who already knows how to fly a bit, but the original airfoil makes it harder to go too fast. I can't compare the handling because I haven't flown the IIS, but the only RC aircraft I ever flew that I thought had gentler/better handling than the orinal Oly 2 was the Kadet Senior, which thermals nicely after you let the engine lean out and die. It doesn't thermal as well as the Oly II, but perhaps if you removed all those draggy bits sticking out...
snip.

You should have an easy time with it as the IIS is even easier than the II to construct. Plus it has a MUCH better wing design. Better airfoil and stronger spar system. You'll be pleased with it's performance.

-Sean

[cn0rris]

If you're interested, my Oly II S build log is here:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=952885