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Discussion
Evolution W the REvolution of the Woody DLG
There so many that ask for an inexpensive DLG that will provide the performance envelope that will facilitate the learning process (launch set up finding lift and staying in it) and there is none that can do that on a small budget. Evolution W was created with the beginner in mid as well as for the wood construction lovers out there. It is meant to offer an astonishing performance out of something that traditionally is not known to deliver the whole goods.
I wanted a Woodie DLG. And I wanted a full size DLG too. And I wanted a better airfoil other than the classic built up wing that is built on the top of a flat table. Yes I wanted a Zone v2 airfoil and if that was not enough I also wanted an elliptical wing platform with no shenanigans like thicker airfoil to compensate for lack of torsional rigidity that comes from the weaker wood structure. Also I wanted to be able to launch the plane as hard as I can, holding nothing back. It had to be easy to build so anyone could make one and I wanted not good but great flight performance. I know I want too much. But that is me; I just cannot do and copy what was done before. I started with Evolution my bagged DLG and I have introduced a few things there like the new horizontal riser that is being copied and imitated by the most new DLG manufacturers out there. Also in Evolution I pioneered a new vertical tail adaptor too. Later in Evolution 3 the adaptor was built in to the stab directly. I just cannot do the same because I want better thus the Evolution name. I cannot keep with the status quote, I need to evolve. As a matter I think in two days of work you could easily put one of these birds together from a kit. So, in another words welcome to the REvolution of the wood DLG. Enter Evolution W (Woodie). Here are some details Evolution W Wings There is a new wing construction type that features a suspended construction. Since the bottom of the wing is not flat and has a washout building on a flat table top was no longer an option. Rather I opted to build on risers off of a flat able top. Another new innovation in the wing construction is the addition of plywood in the wing. Surprisingly my prototype wing covered, came at 72g. That is only 7g heavier than a comparable bagged wing. My bagged wings in Evo 1 where at around 62-65g. As for the build time it takes me roughly 2 hour to frame a wing together. The technique of building is not standard but it is very easy to make. It does involve a little sanding but there is where the complexity ends. Evolution W Fuselage In essence it is the same fuselage that was used in the original bagged evolution with a little change around the back of the boom to glue the rudder directly on to the boom without the adaptor used in the past. The fuselage is classic pod and carbon tube and most existing fuselages will work. It will have the horizontal riser that was used in the Evolution 1. Other than that there is nothing out of the ordinary. To keep up with the theme I am also working out a solution to make a wood built up pod. Since is a Woodie why not make the wood pod too. Tails Tails are built up to get more surface area and to keep the weight down. The existing tails weight about 6g each. I made an effort to bring the weight down while maintaining the surface area especially in the vertical tail area. I did not want to make a heavy plane. And right now there was the only prototype done to date. The results so far are very encouraging. Goals that have been met: Hard launches: Yes I throw it as well as I can and all I get is the whoosh and it is gone like an arrow. Flight characteristics: So far it is the second best DLG I have flown to date. It will not beat the Evo 3 but it will beat the bagged plane I made no questions about it. Ease of build: Yes even a novice builder should be able to tackle this project. Wing: Yes elliptical platform pure Zone V2 with the washout built in. There are no compromises in the airfoil etc. Durability: Normal use and the eventual midair should not harm this one too much. I hit a pole (not to hard the wind was blowing a bit) and the plane did ride the pole all the way down with little noticeable damage. Is it for an entry level beginner: Yes it will go up in soft lift it will penetrate it will give a full experience of the DLG flight, Will it fly in competition? It can hold its own and give a hard time to most if not all entry level full size DLG’s out there. Only time will tell. My guess would be that if there was a wood DLG only contest, do not leave home without this bird in your arsenal. A lot of video build instructions here https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show....php?t=2419320 Or here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...5UFHFCjnslSjMI |
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Last edited by TDM30076; Oct 09, 2015 at 07:38 AM.
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Man! I need to build me one of these!
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Me too.... I want one. Looks like the perfect winter's build project.
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Latest blog entry: Some of the old engine collection
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Thanks a lot evryone.
Some of my initial files that i have worked off of. |
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Some build pictures from the prototype. Keep in mind that the flaps in this build have been eliminated due to lack of rigidity. It was later replaced with a solid balsa sheet.
However the new build is very similar. ImagesView all Images in thread
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I can make three types of kits with this model.
Short kit, where you use you own fuselage. Wood pod kit, A complete kit with wood pod Composite pod kit, Same as wood pod except it has composite pod Good idea or bad idea? If you want one let me know so I can place an order. Short kit will be the fastest to out, then the wood pod, then the Composite pod. |
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prototype pictures
Some pics from the original build.
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Doooo eeet Trajan!
Sign me up for a wing kit or two at least. (And get ready for some international shipping) |
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Hey Traian,
Really nice. I've always been a big fan of wooden DLG's, I just like the look. I think you need to get in touch with a laser cutting service ASAP, I can see the demand booming. IMO, this is the next evolution of the Gambler. I'd be interested in the wing-only kit. Best, Sam |
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PM sent.
Yours, Greg |
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