I haven't posted here in awhile so I thought I'd post an update about the huge success I've had flying Red Merle during this contest season.

So far with some very stiff competition from around the state I've been able to finish on top with her in each contest! I have one or two contests left this season so hopefully I'm not jinxing myself and she can stay at the top of the pack! Either way she's a joy to fly and ALES has opened up a wonderful world of soaring and competition, not only for myself but for my friends as well.

Here's a great photo taken by a good friend "sixty9mustang" here on RCGroups as she's on approach.

Curtis
Montana

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Me too.I have to build one .It is so far the best sail plane on real flight.I stock most of the materials, and have The beginner's guide DVDs.Probably won't be ready to start until fall.Lot's of time to plan.Thanks Curtis.

This looks great! I've been studying this thread the last couple of weeks, thinking too of building one.

Curtis, could you post some pictures of the servo install in the tail? The rudder seems simple enough, but the elevator? Since the elevator horn is on the center line, is the push rod bent?

Thanks and Blue Skies........................Tim

Originally Posted by RWCLOUD

This looks great! I've been studying this thread the last couple of weeks, thinking too of building one.

Curtis, could you post some pictures of the servo install in the tail? The rudder seems simple enough, but the elevator? Since the elevator horn is on the center line, is the push rod bent?

Thanks and Blue Skies........................Tim

Bent pushrods lead to flex. In my opinion.

See attached photos.
She's looking good after my first full season with this model. It's my second eSupra I've flown. One more I built was sold to a guy in Billings and I'm told he's waiting on the ground to turn green as it's ready to fly.

Curtis

Thanks Curtis! Now for my next stupid question, did you drill the hole for the clevis pin at an angle, so that it is 90 degrees to the push rod?

Blue Skies.........................Tim

BTW I really appericate the pictures, 3,000 words there! And it sure looks nice.

Originally Posted by RWCLOUD

Did you drill the hole for the clevis pin at an angle, so that it is 90 degrees to the push rod?

Nope. Never thought much of it.

Curtis

Oh, I was thinking that I also use a very high quality clevis.
I say high quality as I've used these for a couple of decades and have never had a failure with one. They screw onto a threaded rod very tightly and has a metal pin.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXK847&P=ML

Curtis

Good to know, Thanks!

Blue Skies................................Tim

Originally Posted by RWCLOUD

Thanks Curtis! Now for my next stupid question, did you drill the hole for the clevis pin at an angle, so that it is 90 degrees to the push rod?

Blue Skies.........................Tim

BTW I really appericate the pictures, 3,000 words there! And it sure looks nice.

So long as the clevis pin fits through the hole you will be OK. You can eliminate any slop by using some medium CA to form a bushing. I do that on all clevis connections, especially flaps and ailerons, to tighten linkages and reduce the risk of flutter.

Here's my solution to the off center connection. Didn't want to stress the pivot arm or modify the hole, and didn't want to bend the control rod. I used a high quality ball link.

JT

Originally Posted by jtlsf5

Here's my solution to the off center connection. Didn't want to stress the pivot arm or modify the hole, and didn't want to bend the control rod. I used a high quality ball link.

JT

Great! Heck, I'm putting a Trex-450 Heli together and should have thought of that as they are all over the heli!

Curtis

Well I'm happy to report to everyone, especially the folks who thought the wings layup of my Red Merle was too light, that after the first full season of flying she's in 100 percent tip top shape!

It was a great contest season in Montana and in the ALES League.
Out of 314 contestants in the USA and Canada we placed Third overall!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...=sharing#gid=0
What a beautiful plaque the ALES League awarded me.

Thanks to everyone's help during my build of Red Merle. Even the naysayers who made me scratch my head about my layup choices as it makes me think and understand more of sailplane structures and use of materials. Seriously.

Our 2013 contest season starts at the end of March, weather permitting, so hopes are high for another great season with Red Merle.

Curtis Suter
Montana

PS Please consider attending our two-day ALES event in August, you may not wish to leave after visiting Montana.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1803162

Congratulations Curtis - you and that plane are a great team.

It doesn't seem to have been affected by the dog tracking all over the wing

wowo Curtis, congratulations, I am sure that first place taste even better with a homemade plane

EZ