I like to create sailplanes that are different. Started off with a brand new Parkzone Ka8b I bought in San Diego, CA and before I even went aerotowing or flew it, I took the whole thing apart removing all graphics, stickers and paint.

I looked for a distinctive design and created a new set of stickers for the Ka8b depicting a real German registered version.





...Continue Reading

Ultra Micro Scheibe Loravia LCA 10 Paper Glider Sailplane - 23cm wingspan (0 min 44 sec)

I wanted to fly a scale sailplane in my yard, but I have too many trees and my 2 meter sailplanes are way too large to fly here. So, I made a small ultra micro Scheibe Loravia LCA-10 out of paper instead! Wingspan came to 9.125" (23cm) wide and seems to fly pretty well. After testing indoors, this is the maiden outdoor flight. I kept going back for more test flights, so addictive.

My next project is a vintage micro DFS Reiher Segelfliegen with about 20" wing span made with balsa and studiorsdesign.com graphics, "should be totally kewl" as I say!

Cheers, Thompson

Simple plans to follow, read on...

I ordered the new Nine Eagles Sky Surfer with 780mm wing span (also marketed by Robbe in Germany) from the HK warehouse in WA, USA, this little sailplane is tiny! OMG. All my sailplanes have wingspans of at least 2m so this little baby is going to take a bit of getting used to.

From the get go, I wanted to add some of my european style sailplane stickers http://www.studiorsdesign.com and give this a semi-scale appearance. This Surfer looks like a cross between a DG-1000, ASW-17 and Radian (If you squint real hard there is a scale look there somewhere). So I decided to make it look more like an ASW-17 with the lower elevator.

More photos, details read on...

ST Models ASW 28 2,0 meter Segelfliegen (3 min 9 sec)

ST ASW28 Maiden (4 min 7 sec)

...Continue Reading

I just recently bought the latest DG-1000 2 meter scale foam sailplane (segelfleigen, segelflug) flying wonder from ST Models, through Tower Hobbies. If you haven't seen the review by RC Groups Micheal Heer it's worth checking out >>
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show....php?t=1279142

Foam planes are here to stay and ST Models have stepped up to the plate and created a wonderful scale version of the German built DG-1000 that not only looks good but flies well too with a Retractable Motor System.

I've decided to detail the cockpit with some pilots and give this a proper graphic application with Suisse registration. Thanks go to the DG website for the enthusiasm and support for RC modelers and the ref. line drawings. Here's my build log....Continue Reading

Transporting a 2 meter (77" wing span and up) glider, sailplane (segelflug, segelfliegen) to the flying field was something as a beginner I really didn't give much thought to - opps. What car can I use, my MINI or the sedan without folding rear seats and just a trunk?

I like to keep the original boxes of most all my models - I seemed to have been set in my ways owning Tamiya art packed models. After receiving my Radian RTF the box design, photography and graphics are second to none, just as good as the Radian flying characteristics.

Those of us that own smaller cars are limited in what we can haul around and the Radian RTF box is no exception - it's BIG and long. After five or six times with this crammed into my MINI Cooper and opening and closing, pulling out everything, the toll is showing on my nice box, plus the fact it is not field friendly.

The other issue I have is, comfortably fitting my family (within reason in a MINI) and to have my wife and daughter follow along for the RC flying experience, this means folding one rear seat down and getting three in plus the Radian. You can stuff the RTF box into the MINI, but, it has to be upright and sticks well into the front seating area and along side the rear passenger. Not so good.

I had to make something light, protective and that would fit inside the back without affecting the occupants too much. Just a simple transportation device. Here's what I made.

I had some leftover white Coroplast pieces...Continue Reading

Radian 2 meter Sailplane - Sunset Over Lake Champlain (6 min 43 sec)

Here is my latest video, sunset over Lake Champlain, Vermont, with my latest scale style Swiss graphics hanging up there is very fun and addictive!

It is so encouraging to me that a Radian was piloted to third place in the NATS! Congrats to the Radian pilot John Lueke! http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/080210.pdf

I'm happy that I made the right decision for my first RC glider.

Now I know it's me that needs all the mods.

Mini-How-to for "Swiss" Glider (Segelfliegen) scale style graphics for a Parkzone Radian Sailplane. I've provided a how-to with painting and making the graphics. Also provided both a ref. jpg file and a vector line art outlined PDF ready for cut vinyl or printing on white vinyl. If you would like a custom registration number or different country than Switzerland, I'd be happy to help, PM me for more information.

My new Radian 2 meter glider

Parkzone Radian 2 meter Segelfleigen maiden flight (6 min 26 sec)

Maiden flight in Essex, Vermont AMA http://www.greenmountainrc.org/ field. Good maiden flight, local pro helped me. Winds were 6+ gusting to 14+ mph. It was like trying to slope soar over a field, a tad too much wind... Beautiful day out, 63 deg.