For me it is probably the Graupner Cirrus, as I have such great memories of 18 year old me flying one. However I wonder what I would think if I flew one now?

Does our brain somehow get imprinted by the first really good glider we have, and that shape (whatever it is), becomes the archetype we compare all other models to?

Neil.

Originally Posted by Neil Stainton

For me it is probably the Graupner Cirrus, as I have such great memories of 18 year old me flying one. However I wonder what I would think if I flew one now?

Does our brain somehow get imprinted by the first really good glider we have, and that shape (whatever it is), becomes the archetype we compare all other models to?

Neil.

Interesting point Neil. If that were the case then my first choice would be my American Eagle, but being a poor teen with the love of soaring I always dreamed of owning a Sagitta. Now that I'm 10 years from retirement I finally will get to fulfill my dream.... Funny how that is.
FYI the Cirrus was high on my list and I saw it in the winner circle quite a lot.
Kurt

My Xperience Pro. And......it flies wonderfully!!!

Tap

My most favorite model sailplane is obviously the Aquila. Still have one which was built in my dorm room in 1979 (needs a little repair to one wing inner leading edge... damn fence jumped out in front of me.... ). Have a Grande N.I.B. to build sometime.

I also love the Graupner Cirrus. I still have one I got used in the early '80's and flew in Open Class, plus have the remains of a second.

Also on my build list: Magnum 12 (have one N.I.B.), a Mirage (always loved the look of the original color scheme), and a bunch of scale ships: a large scale Orlik (Polish sailplane from the '30's, actually got to work on the only surviving full size), Libelle, Kestral, and last but definately not least the Slingsby Petel.

Ellipse 2T - beautiful curvy shape - looks great in the air - flies superbly

in fact - I like it so much I just built a brand-new one

New Years Day 2013 - Ellipse 2T maiden flight (3 min 14 sec)

Phil.

Originally Posted by Neil Stainton

For me it is probably the Graupner Cirrus, as I have such great memories of 18 year old me flying one. However I wonder what I would think if I flew one now?

Does our brain somehow get imprinted by the first really good glider we have, and that shape (whatever it is), becomes the archetype we compare all other models to?

Neil.

I would say not exactly.
The first time a saw a HobieHawk fly I was smitten by it's grace and elegance as the owner piloted it around.Yet it was years later before I owned & flew my own HH.
There is certainly an imprint from that 'first' experience.No argument there.
And then there's sloping my MPX DG-600 around.I just go to the zone when I'm flying it around.Usually in 40min chunks.Several times for 2hrs. plus.
Skies
Jay

Originally Posted by AirBornOne

I would say not exactly.
The first time a saw a HobieHawk fly I was smitten by it's grace and elegance as the owner piloted it around.Yet it was years later before I owned & flew my own HH.
There is certainly an imprint from that 'first' experience.No argument there.
And then there's sloping my MPX DG-600 around.I just go to the zone when I'm flying it around.Usually in 40min chunks.Several times for 2hrs. plus.
Skies
Jay

Jay;
I flew a Hobie Hawk for quite a number of years. I will agree with you about grace and elegance. I found this youtube video which has also been floating around here on RC Groups.
I agree.... one of the best looking planes of it's time.

Kurt

Hobie Hawk / Hobie Model Company 1975 promo video

Chrysalis 2m



Big Bird

Originally Posted by Neil Stainton

For me it is probably the Graupner Cirrus, as I have such great memories of 18 year old me flying one. However I wonder what I would think if I flew one now?

Does our brain somehow get imprinted by the first really good glider we have, and that shape (whatever it is), becomes the archetype we compare all other models to?

Neil.

Neil, I think you may have hit upon the perfect explanation for my total lack of repentance.....

• Airtronics Legend
• Airtronics Sapphire

Sailaire
grande esprit
legionair
all are currently flying and all look good at any altitude!

For beauty in flight you can't beat scale ships. The long skinny forward sweeping wings of the Duo Discus or the DG 1000 look the best in my opinion.

Dodgson Windsong/Lovesong. Actually, anything Bob designed and kitted, including early works of art llike Maestro and Todi.

Originally Posted by psounder

Dodgson Windsong/Lovesong. Actually, anything Bob designed and kitted, including early works of art llike Maestro and Todi.

I always wanted a Saber, after reading a build article/review of it in RC Modeler.

Originally Posted by psounder

Dodgson Windsong/Lovesong. Actually, anything Bob designed and kitted, including early works of art llike Maestro and Todi.

Yes, he was a great one... WAAYYY ahead of his time...