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Slope Soaring / Re: Merry Christmas to all
« Last post by Fred on January 01, 2026, 00:05:40 AM »Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!
Hopes for lots and lots of flying
Hopes for lots and lots of flying
GliderIreland - The Irish R/C forum
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52
Jets / Re: Nostalgic for the Falcon 120? Is "Serpent" for those who love to build!
« Last post by sandrocacciola@gmail.com on December 30, 2025, 17:51:47 PM »The assembly of this kit is aimed at model makers who have a minimum of experience in building pre-cut wooden kits, but I must say that, being only on my third experience, I realised that this kit is particularly accurate in the precision of the joints and the cutting of the pieces. To assemble everything, you need a few tools such as a sander, a mini drill, etc., as well as spirit levels and 90° squares for checking. In my workshop, I have a wide range of Proxxon accessories that I use for my work, and I must say that they have never caused me any problems. The great thing about these tools is that they come with a huge range of accessories of all kinds, perfect for building wooden/balsa wood kits. I have tried alternatives, but then I went back to buying Proxxon. This may sound like an advertisement, but since I now have a lot of tools at home, I can only emphasise their quality. Then again, everyone has their own preferences...
53
Jets / Re: Nostalgic for the Falcon 120? Is "Serpent" for those who love to build!
« Last post by sandrocacciola@gmail.com on December 28, 2025, 08:37:11 AM »Well, I couldn't resist and ordered a kit, which was delivered to me after about ten days. The packaging is excellent and protects the contents well, despite being a medium-sized box. Opening the package and checking the wooden sheets, I immediately noticed the quality of the cut and the ease with which the various components come apart. I was surprised by the presence of all the necessary pieces already cut, including the balsa boards for the rudder covers, the moving parts, the servo compartments, etc. Iad also supplies the canopy, also moulded in epoxy. For those who want it, Iad also has complete landing gear and servo controls in its catalogue. In short, it is a decent kit that sells for £540, equivalent to about €620. It is a pity that this kit does not come with drawings or assembly instructions. This is not the first time I have built balsa kits, but I must admit that it was tiring having to spend a lot of time checking a series of images on the group dedicated to this jet. Furthermore, the photos are roughly grouped by assembly sections and in “random” order, but you need to pay attention and look carefully before gluing. I pointed this out to Nicol, but he couldn't give me an explanation. In my opinion, it wouldn't have been difficult to provide a printout of the drawing, even if not to scale, to avoid so many inconveniences. In any case, I recommend (but those who are already experts know this) assembling the various sections first and only gluing them when you are sure they are correct.
(To be continued)
(To be continued)
54
Jets / Nostalgic for the Falcon 120? Is "Serpent" for those who love to build!
« Last post by sandrocacciola@gmail.com on December 28, 2025, 08:35:35 AM »Do you remember the legendary Falcon 120, the jet that started out as a propulsion engine and was later adapted to a turbine? It was an economical model (the first kits cost around £200) and flew reasonably well. It wasn't beautiful and didn't have many frills, but it was affordable for many beginners in the world of turbines. It's a shame that it's no longer on the market (I searched the entire web for days), except for a few rare boxes from private sellers asking exorbitant prices.
Well, while surfing the net, I came across a British website offering a kit similar to the Falcon 120, but with a wingspan of 195 cm and a length of 192 cm (excellent!). It is called “Serpent” and is made by Iad Model Design (https://www.iadmodeldesigns.co.uk/serpent.php) , owned by Iain Nicol, a very helpful person.
It is a well-made CNC/laser-cut wood/balsa kit, derived from a design from a few years ago, but completely revised and updated. The recommended motorisation ranges from a 45N to an 85N turbine, for an estimated model weight of between 5 and 6 kg. The kit (unusually) includes all the wood needed for assembly, including spars, strips, leading and trailing edges, balsa sheets for covering, reinforcements, etc. For the fuselage, the kit provides a single vacuum-formed laminated piece (very light), for which all the reinforcement frames, bases, landing gear supports, bayonet holder and carbon bayonet are provided, ready and cut to size for gluing. Retractable landing gear is not provided, but is available as an option with wheels and brakes; I installed a set from JP Hobby complete with legs and wheels with brakes.
Well, while surfing the net, I came across a British website offering a kit similar to the Falcon 120, but with a wingspan of 195 cm and a length of 192 cm (excellent!). It is called “Serpent” and is made by Iad Model Design (https://www.iadmodeldesigns.co.uk/serpent.php) , owned by Iain Nicol, a very helpful person.
It is a well-made CNC/laser-cut wood/balsa kit, derived from a design from a few years ago, but completely revised and updated. The recommended motorisation ranges from a 45N to an 85N turbine, for an estimated model weight of between 5 and 6 kg. The kit (unusually) includes all the wood needed for assembly, including spars, strips, leading and trailing edges, balsa sheets for covering, reinforcements, etc. For the fuselage, the kit provides a single vacuum-formed laminated piece (very light), for which all the reinforcement frames, bases, landing gear supports, bayonet holder and carbon bayonet are provided, ready and cut to size for gluing. Retractable landing gear is not provided, but is available as an option with wheels and brakes; I installed a set from JP Hobby complete with legs and wheels with brakes.
55
Club Talk / Re: Merry Christmas and a Haappy New Year
« Last post by Kevin O'Donoghue on December 25, 2025, 11:39:30 AM »Happy Christmas Bill and all ...
56
Slope Soaring / Re: Merry Christmas to all
« Last post by Kevin O'Donoghue on December 25, 2025, 11:38:53 AM »Happy Christmas Ralph and all
57
Club Talk / Re: Merry Christmas and a Haappy New Year
« Last post by Spanner on December 25, 2025, 09:50:39 AM »Merry Christmas Bill.
Unfortunately that Salto overshot my garden, perhaps next year.
Unfortunately that Salto overshot my garden, perhaps next year.
58
Slope Soaring / Re: Merry Christmas to all
« Last post by Spanner on December 25, 2025, 09:47:29 AM »Merry Christmas everyone.
Hope you all got the toys you wished for.
59
Club Talk / Re: Merry Christmas and a Haappy New Year
« Last post by rogallo on December 24, 2025, 18:49:49 PM »Merry Christmas Bill
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Club Talk / Re: Merry Christmas and a Haappy New Year
« Last post by Alan_Perse on December 24, 2025, 17:37:29 PM »Happy Christmas all.