Messages

16

Slope Soaring / Slope maiden

« on: March 27, 2007, 22:30:56 PM »

Sorry Chris didn't know you had building experience!

 The PMP models are good options for sure, indeed several are very similair to Foss's models, but I agree they don't do it visually. Chris Foss's stuff is prettier I feel, and has a band of serious hardcore followers. I should point out I've never owned one btw, I learned to slope on a Kamco Kittihawke Glass- fuse and foam wing 1.8m ship, fully fitted out with Skyleader gear! (It's an Antique, so don't go looking for one!)

I'd second Peter's point about the Middle Phase/Phase 6. The Middle Phase is more "sports" while the '6 is an out-and-out aerobatic sloper. (Was hot in its day before we went all plastic and DSing and stuff.) If going Middle Phase obviously get the aileron version!

I would definitely NOT buy an all glass model at this point. They are damn near impossible to repair well. They are very strong in terms of aerodynamic loads, but you could put your finger through the skins of the typical competition thermal ship. All the strength is in the spars, etc. and then next to nothing in the skins! A big smash with these equals writeoff.

Think of it this way: The rotorhead on a .90 heli is much stronger than on a .30 heli so as a beginner I should buy the big strong .90, right? :wink:

17

Slope Soaring / Slope maiden

« on: March 21, 2007, 21:36:48 PM »

You'll need a "crunchie" plane for "all conditions most likely. Most EPP airframes aren't efficient enough for high wind. As you're finding by the time you ballast up to penetrate the thing flies like a brick! You need a better lift/drag ratin and that means a nice clean airframe. Lot's of good models in that category. I'd go for a kit as you learn to build and then you'll know how to fix it to some extent when (not if, when!) you break it.

Plenty of decent slope planes about. You want something in the 2m wingspan range I'd suggest. Chris Foss Middle Phase is a real classic slope glider. Built up fuse and foam wing so it's not overwhelming as a first project. Very nice handling model, good efficiency and able to take you through most manouveres.

C'mon guys, help the man with suggestions here!

Edit: I see the 60" machine you're looking at as a candidate, would certainly be fast but 60" in high wind is going to be quite the handfull I'd feel. all feel free to disagree of course.

18

Scale / Demand for a towplane?

« on: March 08, 2007, 14:34:42 PM »

WE have one? Cool. Now we need an amenable site....

19

Scale / Demand for a towplane?

« on: March 08, 2007, 09:26:55 AM »

Hmmm. There seems to be a definite uptick in those building nice scale projects. Question: how much demand would there be for aerotowing if a tug was arranged? Is there a site suitable for aerotow? Discuss.

20

Events / MACI National Event

« on: February 25, 2007, 23:03:52 PM »

Why not make it a "scale and funfly"?

I.e. there is a scale "comp" but anyone can show up and get some flying on the day. Scalies tend to inspire people to get into gliding more anyhow, so if you got 15 people and 7 had scale models, chances are there'd be 10 people with scale models the next year.

Keep it informal for the first few years, just have a "pilot's choice" award for best model. (Yes, it'll probably be a glass slipper so Fred's Opel has no chance in that scenario, but we're not taking this all serious, right?) If it built momentum you could always start to do the "judge from a circle" bit.

21

Scale / Doppelraab Build

« on: February 20, 2007, 21:13:23 PM »

The Pegase is the ugliest plastic glider ever.

Not because it has anything wrong with it, it has... nothing. I'ts the most bland glider ever. It was probably designed by a committtee of grandees drawn from the Sorbonne, with a sub-committee to ponder the name. It looks like a semi-scale model blown up to full scale. If the EU designed a glider it'd look like the Pegase.

The Crystal on the other hand was clearly designed by a madman in a bar, half-drunk, chain-smoking Gauloises, who sat up all night sketching frantically on wine-stained drawings, only pausing to shout, "Non! It must be more sexy!" In other words, it is defintely FRENCH.