Gliders > Slope Soaring
Building advice required...
angry_muppet:
After having up the Big L on the September fly-in, I decided that I really needed a "proper" glider. The expendature has been approved by the Financial Director :D
To teach me a little, I've decided to copy Justin and build my own. It'll be fun. (I say now before Gillian kills me for getting glue everywhere and generally ignoring her over the winter!)
Anyway, first dilemma - how big? I had considered using an A3 sheet of foamboard for each wing. On actually seeing an A2 sheet, I'm thinking A3 may be too small?
I had looked up a tutorial on how to make a wing from foamboard; it advised allowing a 1" overlap on the bottom surface to use as a control surface. I'm not so sure on that - I prefer the aesthetics of a proper aerilon control surface on the outer half of the wing. To do that requires a servo mounted out in the wing which may complicate the build? Also how does one decide how large the surfaces have to be?
Also, the question arises as to which style of wing. I can go for the "basic" squared plank a la Cessna or Piper small A/C or a single or double taper.
Third thing - Where do I get my hands on balsa sheets and blocks in Ireland?
Fourth - The tail boom. Justin had a hollow carbon tube and the elevator control rod fed through that. I have a 4mm carbon rod from a crashed C182 foamie which I think would be best used for the same purpose in this build? I assume HK will have a similar thing - haven't looked that up yet.
Finally - what would the best method of affixing the tailplane assembly to a CF tube be?
So, after all that, I'd be of the persuation to go for a "forward swept" taper wing - ie the leading edge perpendicular to the fuse and the trailing edge root further aft than the tip. Control surfaces perhaps 1/3 of the wingspan at the outer edges.
If I can draft a plan, I'll attach to this post.
Happy Days:
You’re going to ignore the love of your life,….for an entire winter!!! sacré bleu :shock:
I think your adventurousness in building from scratch is something to be admired David. However, without wishing to pour cold water on your desire, (Heaven forbid!) I’m wondering if your plan might have a slight unforeseen pit fall.
Suppose this model that you build doesn’t seem to want to fly. (That can happen you know)
Question: How will you be able to tell whether the model is inherently unstable/unflyable, or whether you flying skills are not up to the job? :?:
I’m wondering if it might not be worth considering learning to fly first, and then start building avon garde models......just a thought :wink:
L. Keith
angry_muppet:
Oh Keith, so pessimistic!
It'll fly. Perhaps like a brick and only downwards, but it'll fly! :shock:
As to my skills - it'll be experience if nothing else. Sure 'tis only a plane. How hard can it be? O:)
Part of the whole plan is that if I build I can get the experience of assessing the requirements to make something fly properly, then it should help when it comes to actually flying it.
Happy Days:
Ha! Like I said, I admire your adventurousness. :clap:
Good Luck ol’ fruit. :D
L.Keith
stephen.shannon:
Hi Angry,
My advice.... If you're going to build is.... Go to traplet.co.uk, pick up a plan and start there with a plane you know will fly, for a little extra they have wood packs with precut parts.
I'm not sure of your background but from experience, and both Keith's will back me up here, you can spend a lot of time and money, including ignoring the missus and end up with, not a whole lot to show for it other than a frustrated head...... Smashed up model and lighter in the pocket.....
The traplet option gives you the best of both worlds. Building yourself and flying what you've built..... They've a couple of really good looking 2m gliders on there that will teach you a load about building and flying.....
The main thing .... Whatever you choose.... Enjoy it
:D
Stephen
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