RC Groups - Scale Sailplanes

Discussion Visalia Aerotow Nov. 20.21

s2000 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:50:53 GMT

We are flying this weekend, the half scale TG-2 will be there, and other large models as well.

Build Log Tangent/Graupner ASG-29

JoseLG — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:26:02 GMT

Hi.
I`ve been working for a few months now in a Tangent ASG-29 (3 meters version). I`ve made a few mods in the plane:

Added an electric motor in the nose (Hacker A-30 12XL with Aeronaut 14x9 prop). I`ve also made a custom retractable landing gear. Actually I`m making a carbon cabin frame.

If you think that this thread must go in "Electric Sailplanes", please tell me and I change it over.
Thanks in advance.
Jos� Luis G.

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Question Grob 4 meter Graupner

dhcody — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:02:51 GMT

Hey guys need some advise.

I have a friend that has a Grob Graupner 4 meter Kit. I was thinking about buying this kit from him at a great price. Does anyone know anything about this kit, Example when was it made, how hard is it to build, what year did the kit come out, and problems I might encounter.... Is this a relic or a great plane???
My experience to date has been on 2 meter sailplanes and want to move to something larger.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dennis

Discussion NitroPlanes ASH-26 2600mm

Joespeeder — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:24:29 GMT

Hey Guys,

Is there a thread for this

http://www.nitroplanes.com/56chas26arfr.html

I get really confused as to who's kits are whose when looking at this style of sailplane.

Do you think this would be a good one to convert to electric and have any chance to thermal?

Joe

www.thecaterhamproject.com

Discussion 40% pawnee update

Big Nuts 181 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:17:38 GMT

hey guys just thought I would give you a glimps of the progress of 40% Pawnee. The lightening pannels in the fuse combined with loads of holes in the formers has shed 2.2lb so far. The tube structure at rear, is from aluminium arrow shaft and is proving to be a good simple building method, so far so good.

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Gallery The Flamingo flies again...

chris williams — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:53:04 GMT

My recently completed project, the HW-4 Flamingo has been successfully flown. Here's the vid from last Sunday at White Sheet Hill...

THE FLAMINGO FLIES AGAIN (6 min 55 sec)

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Help! Aluminum tube versus brass tube, what to use?

planefun — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:38:11 GMT

Hello everyone,

Is it acceptable to use aluminum instead of brass for the stabilizer tube? The aluminum tube cut to size is 2 grams versus 7 grams for the brass tube. I�ll be using a carbon rod inside the aluminum tube instead of the solid steel bar. This will keep the tail light but strong. I have attached some pictures.

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Build Log TMRC 1/4-scale Schweizer 1-26E build

dgliderguy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:29:19 GMT

I started my next project-- a quarter-scale 1-26E from the TMRC partial kit. This is a beta build for Tom Martin, meaning I expect to take notes along the way and pass them on to TMRC, so they can be incorporated where helpful. The partial kit includes only the laser-cut balsa and ply parts, plus canopy (when it becomes available). I will supply all the sheet and strip stock, plus little things like the landing wheel and control hardware. Tom will be sending me a cockpit detail kit with instruments when it is ready, and I will be flying with a Premier Pilots full-body pilot at the controls, available from Ren DiLeo. http://www.premierpilots.net/

I decided to start with the tail feathers. Normally I like to build the wings first, to get them out of the way, but first I need to score a nice stack of 3/32" balsa sheet for the wing skins. It's the only thickness I don't have aplenty in my stash (wouldn't you know it).

The plans are nicely done, with lots of helpful section views and annotation to guide the build. A step-by-step instruction booklet would be helpful, but not really essential. I've done a few other builds like this one, so I know my way through it, but it did require a good hour of studying the plans thoroughly before I felt I was in full control of the process. I expect I'll miss a few things along the way, but that's all part of the fun, isn't it.

The horizontal tail went together without problems. The tail feathers have a (scale) wedge-shaped cross-section, with a thickness taper in the hingeline spars, so you can't build flat on the board like most kits. I managed to install the diagonal ribs "in the air" (i.e., without any support) and was able to keep it all warp-free, by constantly checking the edges to make sure they stayed planar to the centerline.

So far, everything is fitting up really well. Ah, the benefits of CAD-design and laser-cutting, no? I have been looking over some pictures of the full-scale 1-26, and I'm impressed with the dedication to scale fidelity this kit shows. No shortcuts here, such as flat tail surfaces or wrongly placed hinge points, etc. I'm not fussy about the non-visible stuff, but I get bugged by the obvious deviations some kits try to get away with.

Next up is the fin and rudder, then on to the wings. This should be a fun build, with lots of planking and shaping and detailing. Pig Heaven to a scale woodie fan like me!

Don.

(BTW, I am also featuring this build on my blog on the Aerosente website http://www.aerosente.com/ )

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Discussion Robbe ASW 27 3.5m

davidjensen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:14:45 GMT

I just picked up one of these in its original kit form. I have the instructions but do not have the plans. Anyone out there have a set of plans or know anything about this ship?

News Wingspan Envy and A Guinness World Record

SteveR — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:25:53 GMT

Marcus Frey, one of Switzerland's finest RC builders and fliers has set a Guinness World Record with his half scale Austria first flown in Switzerland and then at the Wasse Kuppe in Germany.

Urs Pircher (Fly Hard) has made a fantastic documentary of this achievement:

http://www.flyhard.ch/filme/Austria-...-1024-576b.wmv

Enjoy,

Steve

Question Bringing a 1/3 scale kit on commercial passenger flight from Germany.

tommyt — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:30:36 GMT

I know some of the European guys have brought their 1/3 scale ships to the States for scale events like Elmira and vice versa. Some of you guys here in the States have probably also brought 1/3 scale kits back with you from Europe.

I am planning a trip to Germany from Florida in April and thought that I might save some money, time and possible damage by bringing a 1/3 scale 6m ship back with me as oversize luggage or freight on the same flight. I did this with a couple 4m ships in the early 90's without much expense or trouble.

Has anyone done this recently, what did it cost and with what airline did you travel?

Regards,
Tom

Discussion Martin Simons

fudi50 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:01:57 GMT

Would like to obtain a set of 1/4 scale plans of the "Helios"
Please contact
ddalchin@comcast.net

Help! 1934 Helios

fudi50 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:15:18 GMT

1934 Helios
Any one got information on this rare sailplane, searched the web without success
The Brit

Discussion Huntsville Aerotow 2010 date set!

HotdogX — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:27:31 GMT

Folks,

The North Alabama Radio Control Association (NARCA) will once again host the next aerotow event in Huntsville, AL. The dates for the 2010 event have been approved by the NARCA club and it will take place September 24, 25, and 26 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Please mark your calendars, and get busy on your latest project! Next September will be here before you know it.

Al Clark

Question Lo-100

Ben D Wing — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:22:57 GMT

Has anyone had experience building a 1/4 scale Lo-100 from the Cliff Charlesworth plan?
I'm thinking of having a go at building one and just wondered if there were any points to watch out for during the build. Any tips or thoughts gratefully recieved. :)

Discussion Aussie Aero Tow

rustytumbles — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:20:11 GMT

G'day all,

Thought I would start an Aussie aero tow thread. Just a place to post your pics, vids, builds, events/adventures etc.

Cheers

Rusty:cool:

Discussion Full Size Cherokee II Blog

tonycondon — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:33:25 GMT

I've begun a full size Cherokee II Blog that i think many of you will find interesting and useful. And hopefully some of you can help contribute! I'm doing this blog to document the recovery process of my full size Cherokee II, N373Y. HotdogX here has a really gorgeous TMRC model of 373Y. Additionally thought I'd like to make the blog a repository of all things Cherokee II. I've got a bunch of photos and various flight reports on my home computer that I'll be slowly uploading to the blog. Enjoy! and feel free to contact me with any info that you think should be there.

http://cherokeesailplanes.blogspot.com

Tony

Link Scale Documentaion

bigslopegrin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:44:02 GMT

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1139313

thanks for looking.

Discussion Still researching the Airspeed Tern

jhraley — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:58:13 GMT

Still working on 1/3 scale plans for the Airspeed Tern. I have included all I could fine on the internet. I also have Martin Simons' 3 view. Martin's plans are a little vague and things like rib spacing and the diagonal bracing seem suspect. He only gives it a "C" rating in his book. Is there anything out there I am missing before I commit to what I have?

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Discussion Need 1/3 Hutter H-17 Plan

HotdogX — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:52:39 GMT

Anyone have a Cliff Charlesworth 1/3 size Hutter H-17 plan they want to sell? PM me please.

Al Clark

Help! Kit Wanted

k4to.dave — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:35:27 GMT

I am looking for a large balsa kit for a winter project. The Sailaire, Sagitta XC, or something scale would fit the bill, but I would like something with a wingspan of 12 feet plus. I would consider an electric powered model also. Retracts, speed brakes, flaps, etc�no problem.

I have looked for new balsa kits that fit this description until I am cross-eyed and have come up with nothing. Any suggestions for new kits will also be welcome.

I am posting this on three forums, Thermal, electric, and Scale, trying for the widest possible audience.

Please don�t suggest Epay. I have closed my account and it�s Siamese brother, Paypal. I won�t use either again. The last straw was when they wouldn�t allow me to say �no paypal� in my postings.

Thanks for reading. I really need something to keep me off the street and out of the bars for the Winter.

Cheers,

Dave

Help! 10mm carbon fiber wing rod

Slope P — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:14:15 GMT

Anyone know of a good source for carbon rod? Trying to save 12oz on my 2.2 meter Fox by replacing the heavy steel rod.

Discussion new spoilers for scale sailplanes

RetoF3X — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:46:09 GMT

Hello Folks

I just found this spoilers that come with an integrated actuator (kind of an inline proportional servo):

http://www.topmodel.co.jp/150_1869.html

Elektrische Landeklappen (1 min 5 sec)

I think this is a very good idea.

First you don't need additional openings in the wing for normal servos that are linked with conventional spoilers. Installation in a wing should be straight forward.

You don't have to do cumbersome linkage between a servo and the spoilers.

Two of these spoilers should move synchronously automatically, so you don't need any mixing on the radio (or adjustements on the linkage).

Best regards:
Reto

Discussion Pilatus Porter 3.2 Meter Modification and Photos

Lbuff1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:43:46 GMT

I'm though I would start a thread where we can all offer idea's and comments on the Pilatus Porter from Top Models. Icare in CANADA is the supplier and offer it in three different sizes.
The plane has proven to be an excellent tow plane and a dream to fly with NO bad habits. There are a few things I would recommend to some of my friends out there who are getting this plane or thinking about it.
Right out of the box, its a home run. High quality parts and a nice covering job, There is a new version coming out now with some more scale detail and bigger side doors.

This thread will assume you know what the basic plane is, and I will talk about what we have done to get it to where we have a trouble free and very reliable tow plane.

Starting with the fuel system, go with a bigger fuel tank than what is provided. We have a 50 oz tank and get about 8 tows to 1500 feet before we need to refuel. I have a Fuel Dot for a fueling point, simple, clean and affective. Put fuel barbs on the brass tubes inside the tank, tygon, tends to get a little loose when it gets wet. Also, zip tie the lines to the brass tubes on the outside of the tank to help them stay on too.

The landing gear is very nice on this plane, however, you MUST red-locktite the aluminum spring cover to the lower landing gear fitting. This fitting has been known to unscrew in flight, its then makes the gear hang down on that side and the SPRING will be lost, It is not easy at all to get that spring.

The other landing gear issue is where it attaches to the side of the fuse. There is an eye bolt that screws into a wooden bock in the cabin, this area needs to be reinforced. I have not has a major problem, however, the guys who fly this plane are pretty god pilots and landings are typically less than 5 bounces. ( just kidding )
The best way to do this is to take a large area washer and put it over the eyebolt before attaching it. It helps to spread the load out.
On the inside, I have just added a cross support to carry the side load and help keep the gear from ever pushing through on a real bad landing.
See the pictures.

Nose access.
Getting up into the nose of this plane is tough. I have the electronic ignition box there and the throttle and choke servo up there. To get there now, I have to remove the windshield and then hold a yoga meeting to get my arm in the fuse and hand up into the nose.
I plan to add a removable hatch in the front fuse top area this winter. I will lay up a carbon fiber one over the existing area, then cut out the deck area for it to fit. I will probably hold it on with magnets or a micro piano hinge.

If I built this plane again, which I would in a heartbeat if something happens to this one, I would make the vertical fin and rudder removable. The fin comes with a thick piece of balsa which gets glues into the fin then into the fuse like a tongue. I would replace this with a Ply piece and then add two hardpoints to the fuse side. once in place, drill through and attach with small bolts.
I may modify the one I have now by cutting the rudder and fin about 1/2 way down, then make a carbon joining sleeve, like a wing rod. This would allow me to get the plane in the trailer without always hitting the rudder on the top.

Split the elevator in two. Its one piece now has two servos, you need to match the servos so it wont bind. there is no reason it cant be two pieces. It will make it more redundant and a quicker setup.

I put a DA 85 on my plane. I used a stock header and then modified it to wrap as tight as possile and exit on the centerline of the fuse in bottom, I then attached a can, Its real quiet.
To do this is pretty easy. You need a hot hot hot torch and some silver solder.

Wing struts.
Get some rubber and metal washers. They will back out if not and it will be a disaster if it happens in flight.
These are available from the local hobby shop or any industrial supply store. Mcmaster Carr, Grainger, etc

I attached the center spar in with bolts. The spar stays in all the time. Due to the new trailer being set up more efficient, I plan to look into using Pip Pins as we do on our racing sailboats. This would allow a fast assembly and disassembly at the field.

I also wired the wing servos to a deans pin connector and a mating one in the fuse root. There is no servo wires to hook up at the field. ( one of the best things I did)

Make sure the pushrods are locktited good, we had a flap one unscrew in flight. And if I remember right, we had an aileron one do it too, the plane flies fine on one aileron.

Thats about it for starters, These improvements have been figured out over a few months of continuous towing. Many different pilots have flown this plane and many more will in the future. Its a wonderful plane and its only going to get better.

Please post Idea's and mods you might have made.. Also, lets get a list of other power options going with flight reports and how it holds up with bigger motors.

thanks.

LEN

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Discussion World Models Minimoa

AC5FF — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:52:54 GMT

Does anyone have any experience with this Minimoa from World Models??

I - by chance - happened to get my hands on a fuse. But that is all I received. It has a few minor cosmetic issues that I am fixing, but I need wings!! :D

I have looked at the website/manuals/etc and can't find any reference to airfoils. I would like to cut a set to make this bird fly, but I need to find the right templates so it'll match up with the fuse correctly.

Does anyone happen to know the right airfoil/numbers I should be using?

Discussion Building a scale landing gear for my cub1/6

kikesif — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:25:36 GMT

Hi All!!
I've just finished to build a scale landing gear like "robart" for a 1/6 peper cub, because they don't sell it....
It weights 127gr. I guess if it is a good weight and iif my piper can flight with it attached???.
the motor is a power 32 e-flite with (770kv) with 4s2500 Lipo Batt.

Please send any suggestrions.
KRegards.
Kike

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Build Log Building a classic - the 1929 Wien

SoarScale2 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:16:17 GMT

So, I thought I would post some information about a project that I have had in the design stage for several months now. It's been on and off due to many other life commitments but it is now ready for the laser.

The subject is the 1929 Lippisch designed Wien (pronounced veen). This is a 19.1 meter wooden sailplane that boasted some excellent performance enhancements over its predecessor the Professor.

Now, as most of you know, I have this thing about large sailplanes. I like them large because of how they fly. The larger they are the more graceful they fly so this one I am building at 1:2 scale - 9.55m. The root chord is about 30 inches and the wings will be built using my favorite airfoils - Quabecks. One of the other reasons for the scale is that I have a 1:2 scale vintage axel pilot! I’ve had it for years and he simply looks like he needs to be flying – so I’m building a plane for him ;)

At 1:2 scale, weight is a very important factor for me. You’ll perhaps recal my other post regarding low cost, low weight alternatives to ply for sheeting. I’m still researching an alternative that will aid in my weight goal. I have built an aircraft over 55lbs in the past (my 10.6m SB-10) and while it is not too difficult to get it inspected each year for AMA insurance, it can become an irritation. So, while I don't think for one minute that I will achieve this goal, I am shooting for less than 55lb AUW “dry”.

Due to the size and the potential issues of transportation, I am also building this aircraft with transportation in mind. The wings will be in four pieces separated at the root and at the primary break (aileron root). The fuselage will be built in two sections - each about 6.5 feet long. The rudder will stay attached to the aft section of the fuse.

Lastly, the airframe is designed so that I can add a extendable/retractable, self launching capability. This too is designed and I have already started the build process for the custom components required for this. It is not my intent to make this a commercially available item so I will share the details of this as I go along. The high, pylon mounted wing of the Wien makes this propulsion system very feasible because of the space available under the wing. I'll describe the system later in the thread for those that are interested.

The propulsion system has two functions. Where I live today I have no local tow pilots but I do have plenty of asphalt runways. This will allow me to fly the plane without a tow pilot which will be of great personal value. A releasable dolly will aid greatly with this goal and so too is in the build plan.

Also, I am a fan of alpine soaring. Throwing a 9.5m, 1:2 scale vintage sailplane off the top of a mountain certainly makes the adrenalin flow. Having some way to recover from a loss of lift in this flying format is a great benefit!

Anyway, the plane has not yet gone to the laser but hopefully will in the next week or so. As I start the build, I will post here so that you can all verify that I am crazy!! It is very likely to be a slow build also due to other business activities I have on my plate. Here's a few renders of the project so far. Enjoy.

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Help! FlyFly DG1000 wing joiner diameter

Tonystott — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:55:09 GMT

I seem to be the only person who got a stainless steel joiner which is only 4.45mm thick for my DG1000. The expanded diagram "manual" shows it to be 6mm carbon, and I have only read anywhere of it being 6mm diameter, whether steel or carbon.

My question is... should I just accept this to be the new specs for this aircraft, or should I try to get a replacement airframe and wings from HobbyKing, if 4.45mm won't be strong enough?

thanks in advance

Discussion DFS-230 Attack Glider

No Step — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:42:09 GMT

Oh baby! I'm excited about this one. Is this great or what?! Simple construction all around will mean it will build very fast and very light,... should fly well. I'm still ankle deep into the build of my Mue-123 motor glider - http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=960090 . But when it's done , about mid January, this will get my full attention. Until then this is just a discussion thread. Right now, I'm collecting pics, 3-views, and plans. I have a set of plans coming from flyingscalemodels.com, but they are for a 98" model. I will blow them up to 133" ws and 66" fuselage length. I'm not counting on them being very good plans, scale wise, and I'll be double checking everything against 3-views and making necessary changes.

The only down side is choice of color schemes. I've have my choice of green camouflage with a grey lower fuselage or green camouflage with a blue lower fuselage. UGH! I did see a variation all white, but it was converted to a low wing'd bird,.. talk about instantly ugly!

It has wheels,... or not, a very robust landing skid. The fuselage is narrow, and the wings are large. It has a drag parachute option. And, it has machine guns for crying out loud! Also a commando can pop out of the top of the fuselage and fire and/or there's a side mounted machine gun fired by the pilot by sticking his hand through a slit in the fuselage. It even an option for reverse fired ROCKETS in the nose, fired in to assist in short field landings! I can't resist this one. This baby is going to get built and I'll terrorize the local aerotow events.

I've spent >way< too much time researching pics on the internet this past week. I'm sure I have them all. I have a couple 3-views, plans coming from the UK, and a book that will arrive in a few days about German wartime gliders. I'm set. This will turn into a build thread mid-winter, until then I'll post pics and use as a place to discuss the model. Oh Man! I'm going to enjoy this one.

It's an Attack Glider,..... An attack glider!!

Fred Guilfoyle
https://home.comcast.net/~guilfoyle72/

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Data Sgs 1-26!

Libelle201B — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:37:39 GMT

For those interested in the Schweizer 1-26, there is a great article and a great plan view drawn by Martin Simons from Schweizer info in the November 2009 publication of Soaring Society of America. (SSA) A bonus for me in that I used to own a 1-26 (D) and the front cover photo is of a fellow pilot that I share the sky with here in central FL. :)