1/2a Build Suggestions

Rotary or reedie will work.

C/L
Baby Flite Streak
Lil' Jumpin' Bean
Lil' Satan

When you say "Glider for .049" are we talking your actual glider with power assist, or simply an R/C model for .049? Two very different beasties, so more detail would help with suggestions

(I have plans for all the above, and dozens of R/C in .pdf if you need them)

Wilf

I would like an actual RC Powered glider. Something to take up high and fight back down. Can you send me those CL plans?

Rolla

Rolla -

There are several candidates in the powered catagory. The Bird of Time that Kim flies is a good powered glider, but the wing construction is a little more complicated. Many of his videos have been taken from this plane; it's stable and a good floater, but it is a larger plane.

A second option is the Goldberg Gentle Lady. This is somewhat of a classic and can be powered using a wing mounted power pod or a nose mounted motor. I do not have one, but have flown both the Hi-start version and with a powerpod. It is also a large plane (78" span), but a little easier to build than the BOT.

Next is a 2x4. This is smaller, 50" span, and has a constant chord wing. It can be powered with a nose mounted motor. This would work nicely with a folding prop and would be a good plane to fly a climb and glide pattern.

Another choice is a Super Turkey. It's bigger than the 2x4 with a 72" span, but uses a Jedelsky style airfoil and is probably the simplest to build. You could use a powerpod or a nose mount with a folder.

I like the Gentle Lady. Very nice looking. I did not quite realize how large they would be. I have only flown a Sportavia with .049.

Anyone else with CL options?

I've seen a Gentle Lady fly with a TD .049. Climb outs were slow, but it would get to altitude.

Here are a couple of other C/L sites:

http://www.thunderbirds.org.au/12a_plans.html

http://www.outerzone.co.uk/browse_plans/index.asp

http://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/cl_planes.htm

You must be registered with Hip Pocket to access and download plans from the gallery.

Here's an instruction sheet for Walt Musciano's "Big Otto". It's an excellent, easy to build flyer, and you could size it up 10% for a Tee Dee while still using the same wood thicknesses. It would be a good idea to make the fins from light ply, as both my "Ottos" needed butt-weight to balance due to their long snouts.

I can get you rib-spacing measurements if you decide to build it.

andrew wrote:I've seen a Gentle Lady fly with a TD .049. Climb outs were slow, but it would get to altitude.

Here are a couple of other C/L sites:

http://www.thunderbirds.org.au/12a_plans.html

http://www.outerzone.co.uk/browse_plans/index.asp

http://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/cl_planes.htm

You must be registered with Hip Pocket to access and download plans from the gallery.

Dave Thrornburg also highly recommends the Gentle Lady as a fine Handlaunch Glider. You simply make a reinforced finger hole against the bulkhead closest to the C.G. and hurl the thing !

With that long of a nose how well does the Big Otto loop? Did you ever find your Combat Kitten plans?

Truthfully, at this point, I should probably build a simpler plane if it will be RC as I have yet to build one of them (from scratch) as of yet. I do like they way the gentle lady looks. Whenever I fly the Sportavia I do not take it up higher and higher. I just kinda laze around in a circle, occasionally diving down and gliding back up.

Godsey3.0 wrote:With that long of a nose how well does the Big Otto loop? Did you ever find your Combat Kitten plans?

Truthfully, at this point, I should probably build a simpler plane if it will be RC as I have yet to build one of them (from scratch) as of yet. I do like they way the gentle lady looks. Whenever I fly the Sportavia I do not take it up higher and higher. I just kinda laze around in a circle, occasionally diving down and gliding back up.

Yes, it'll do horizontal 8's all day long. It's all about having the C.G. where it belongs. I'm still looking for the Kitten plans, but Otto would also be an excellent and easy build.

That is one of the stunts I have yet to try. That and an outside loop. I have done an outside loop while inverted but that is it. I do not like the idea of my plane going straight towards the ground. I realize it does in loops and stuff. Just freaks me out.

OK, here's another C/L with simple fuselage. I've flown a couple of these into oblivion --- not crashed, but literally worn out. It can be built with either a flat firewall (reedy) or with beams (rotary). I flew with reedys only.

For an R/C choice, the 2x4 would give you experience in a slightly more complicated plane, but not be too large or too difficult for a second or third scratch build. With the nose mounted motor, it should fly much like your Sportavia.

I remember seeing that plan here. ( http://www.thunderbirds.org.au/12a_plans.html ). I have built "George". I have never built a CL plane with a open fuse. I have always done profile. I will look into that one.

Edit: Just realized you already posted that link.

Godsey3.0 wrote:That is one of the stunts I have yet to try. That and an outside loop. I have done an outside loop while inverted but that is it. I do not like the idea of my plane going straight towards the ground. I realize it does in loops and stuff. Just freaks me out.

I'm very familiar with that feeling! What you have going for you is the fact that you know that it WILL pull an outside loop, and there is a simple way to "cheat" and insure that you'll have enough room at the bottom to do it right-side-up:

Bring the plane around at shoulder height, then pull a hard positive up to 60 degrees or so. This bleeds a lot of speed off. At 60 degrees, dump in you down elevator and hold it there 'till completion of the maneuver. After you've done this several times, you'll begin to develop a "FEEL" for what the plane does with negative input, and you'll soon be able to trim everything closer and closer with no harm to the plane.

This all assuming, of course that you've got a good running engine that will keep running. Also, once started, you can't back out, the way you might with upright positive pulls...but that's a given!

Rolla:

From my recently completed Brodak "Baby Ringmaster" ($35) I have the plans and laser-cut patterns to make another. I offer to LOAN them too you provided you pay the postage both ways and assure me that they will be returned.

Frankly, this kit can't be duplicated for $35. If you had these items on hand you'd still need the hardware and materials which would well exceed $35. Also my patterns are for a beam and not radial mount.

I really appreciate that Dave. But I worry about messing them up. Thank you for the offer.

Rolla

What about sport RC planes? Is the DNU a good flyer? Also willing to build flat wing CL Stunt planes. Just about willing to build anything at this point. Insomnia keeps me up late and gets me up early. Need something to do besides crappy Television.

Slab (flat-wing) planes don't fly nearly as well as built-up wing planes. Slab-wing planes are, at best, trainers and nothing more than that.

Why? The airfoil found on built-up wings.

Godsey3.0 wrote:What about sport RC planes? Is the DNU a good flyer?

The DNU is an outstanding little flyer, but quick and agile. Depending on your R/C experience, it can range from a hoot to a handful.

It's an easy build, inexpensive and small enough to be carried anywhere.

That is why I wanted a built up wing originally. I have had so little to do lately I am willing to do most builds now that are in my ability.

I can vouch for the DNU. It is a solid little plane that is also an easy and fun build. It would be a mild flyer with a mild engine or a rocket ship with a hot engine. I fly mine with a pressurized hot rod reedie and it is a fun litltle rocket.

Good luck and enjoy what ever you decide to go with.

Bob

I now know I want a sport RC model. Man, I change my mind quick .

Godsey:

And the "thickness" of your wallet seems to expand as well.