Hi! My name is Jasper. I am taking on the ambitious project of building an RC Glider for my Science Fair, and don't know where to start. I do not just want to assemble a kit, I sort of want to scratch build... But cheaply! I have the tiniest bit of experience in RC flying, and have taken one flying lesson in a proper aircraft, and have definitely caught the flying bug. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction, such as plans, tutorials, tips?
Thanks in advance,
Jasper

Hi Jasper, welcome to the nut house. Your project is quite do-able, and time may be your largest hurdle. So, depending on when your science fair is scheduled will help you decide how to proceed. You can look online at proven designs, Olympic, Wanderer, etc. Copy the basic design: airfoil, incidence, balance, etc. Build from there following what others have done. If time restrictions don't allow this approach, then a kit might be the way to go.

Good luck!
John

Here are the plans to a proven slope glider. It is basic enough for a beginner yet advanced enough to grow into.

http://www.inlandsloperebels.com/isrplans.htm

Sherpa

Thanks for the quick reply guys.
The science fair doesn't have a set date yet, but will be during the first 1/4 of 2013. As I'm in New Zealand, this gives me the whole summer holidays to make, test, and fly it. I was just wondering, is there a way to make scratch build foamies? I was thinking this because it could withstand more un-perfect flying.

Try posting here
http://www.parkflyers.org.nz/

Lots of local guys who can help out and provide advice.

Easy to make, and great in dobbel size 1,8 meter span.
(The mega)
Just made of foam, no spar in the wing and covered with packing tape.
Ailerons just cut out of the trailing edge of the wing.
Fin is cardboard with a fiberglass rod, covered with tape.
Servo: 2 x standard size. metal gear.

Mega maiden. (2 min 5 sec)

Mega Wiesel, mini DS. (1 min 27 sec)

Building thread with plan:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1456458

Good luck
S

Do what Schwemmer says , you'll actually learn something , it looks nice and will probably fly well.
Merry Christmas , it's just what you asked for .

Originally Posted by CaptChilko

Hi! My name is Jasper. I am taking on the ambitious project of building an RC Glider for my Science Fair, and don't know where to start. I do not just want to assemble a kit, I sort of want to scratch build... But cheaply! I have the tiniest bit of experience in RC flying, and have taken one flying lesson in a proper aircraft, and have definitely caught the flying bug. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction, such as plans, tutorials, tips?
Thanks in advance,
Jasper

Simple, cheap and can be built as pure sailplane or electric.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1747387