Hi
I was wondering if there was wny news on the new Oly III from Skybench? There is a phot on their website.
THanks,
Ray

Build thread - please.

Jeff

I've been in touch with someone who built one of the prototypes. He absolutely raves about it; saying that he flew nearly 100 yards on the first hand toss. Apparently the new design has reduced the parts count by 35 pieces and strengthened the fuse'.

I'll be ordering one for myself as soon as possible. -Thom

Yep,
That was me. Do you have any specific questions on it? I absolutly LOVE it. It has very good manners and flys like God wants to get a closer look at it! Go ahead, shoot me some questions. Ill be glad to answer all.
What a plane, What a country! Shipping will begin November 7th.
Bob

More photos?

Jeff

How much does the OLY II weigh?
How manuverable is it near the ground for landing?
Thanks,
Ray

Jeff, Ray Hayes has the photos so maybe you could coax him to put up a few more.
Ray, I believe mine came in at 59 ounces. Then I took out 3.5 ounces to hit that sweet spot for flying. Used hs85mg all around and will use them again. At its slowest speed I never thought that control was an issue. I completely stalled it on a launch with the right wing down and just pushed the stick down and leveled it almost immediately. The airfoil to plane planform is right next to genious.
You possible future builders dont forget that there is a aileron and flap version also. Im going to build that one too.
Its been a long time since I was this excited about a model. Ive been flying for over 25 years so it takes a lot for me to get excited.
Bob

I just registered for SWC 07 ... me and my OLY lll. See you there Ray K ??? OLY lll price are on my web site, print our order form off the web site and mail your orders now for shipping in November.

Bob, Jim Deck is working on your writen instructions, Im suppose to be setting up the your photos, but it is the season for Sky Bench ... lots of people building kits...... were swamped and I'm tired. Thanks again for all your time and good help.

Ray
skybench.com
Home of Wood Crafters

I'm with Jeff, photo's photo's we want photo's
How about electrifying this bird? Is it thesame kit or other fuse?
Is there a need for ailerons on this model?
Jurgen.

Its all new.
No need for ailerons, But those who like straight wings with attached control surfaces the option is there. You know, you got me thinking. How about a rudder, elevator, and flaps to turn it into a butterfly? Ive never tried that before. Hmmmmm....

Ray and Guys,
Thanks for the info on weight and performance. Ray, I'll mail in my check for the Oly III and see you at the SWC in 07!
Ray

Hi Ray,
I like all the hype on the new Oly III.
Sounds like the right sailplane for me.

From what Bobby Legue is saying with that 100 yard hand toss, and flight performance, looks like the "store boght" Bubble Dancers" and "Sopranos" will have some serious competition.

Will the plans show the "flapped" version?
Not really interested in ailerons, my thinking is polyhedral wing with flaps, an awesome combination.
How's about I just drive over to your place next month and get one?
Not much sense in shipping it across town.

Hey by the way, you have any carbon tailbooms and spars for the Legionaire.

See you later

Ed

Originally Posted by bobby legue

Its all new.
No need for ailerons, But those who like straight wings with attached control surfaces the option is there. You know, you got me thinking. How about a rudder, elevator, and flaps to turn it into a butterfly? Ive never tried that before. Hmmmmm....

Thinking like you, perhaps flaps?
I enjoyed reading your posts and the pictures. Looks straight foward enough to build one.
I have built Two Oly II's in the past that were Airtronics kits.
Both flew good, in fact Oly II was my first sailplane, and still have it.

Ed

It is not a diffucult build Ed. The hand launch story is a little out of kilter although it sounds good. I netted about 85 yards with a running hard as heck throw! Not bragging but my biceps measure 18". That is still solid testament to the air worthiness of this plane. As for the build, it is my opinion that if you have built any sheeted wing before it will be quite easy. The leading edge sheeting is precut for you. Most of the wood is cut for you. There will be more sanding than cutting. Ray has really done his homework here and the extent of the prefabrication is tremendous. He has even taken the time to bag assemblies and rubber band togather the sub assemblies. Wings are bundled fuse is bundled ect. Took me about 14 hours total time to build. That does not include drying time. Note that Im rather a slow builder and I didnt have instructions as I was writing them down as went. I got a box of wood and a set of plans. I would do that again if another kit came along.

I ordered my second one today! This one is going to be rudder, elevator, and flaps. My third one will be REAF with Houston Hawk tips. Just because I like the looks. What will you do with your kit?
Bob