RC Gliding thread
Discussion
Is anyone into Radio Controlled gliding? I used to do a bit of scale model flying when i was a nipper, but my dad was too good at crashing them 
. The technology these days is staggering. £70 buys you a 16 channel 2.4ghz transmitter with OpenTx, the receivers have full telemetry with battery level, receiver strength and even altitude call out on the TX - amazing!
Got the bug again and got myself an Elf DLG which is pretty amazing but needs almost still air and thermals - not many of those here on exmoor unfortunately. launched it up to 45m in the field opposite my house though. Then in heard about combat flying...
Now have on order a 60” WildThing and a Venom flying wing from Alan and most likely a second hand 46” Wildthing. There are a couple of cracking flying hills nearby which i’ve checked out - I know exactly NO other people who fly/ to combat with but i’m probably going to need a fair bit of practice before I battle.
Also got my eye on a 1.5m f3k Auri glider for the spring - if i can sneak that past the financial controller...
What have you got in your hanger?
. The technology these days is staggering. £70 buys you a 16 channel 2.4ghz transmitter with OpenTx, the receivers have full telemetry with battery level, receiver strength and even altitude call out on the TX - amazing!Got the bug again and got myself an Elf DLG which is pretty amazing but needs almost still air and thermals - not many of those here on exmoor unfortunately. launched it up to 45m in the field opposite my house though. Then in heard about combat flying...
Now have on order a 60” WildThing and a Venom flying wing from Alan and most likely a second hand 46” Wildthing. There are a couple of cracking flying hills nearby which i’ve checked out - I know exactly NO other people who fly/ to combat with but i’m probably going to need a fair bit of practice before I battle.
Also got my eye on a 1.5m f3k Auri glider for the spring - if i can sneak that past the financial controller...
What have you got in your hanger?
I used to fly slope soaring model gliders in the Peak District - until the new tenant farmer at the site decided to plant posts all over the launch area, and erect a fence to make access to the flying spot very difficult. Hard to take because it’s access land.
I really miss flying them. I’ve got a Middle Phase II (aileron, r/e and some light-weight wings for calm days), a Ridge Runt, a flying wing (balsa), and a V1.1 twist wing model. You can probably tell from those that my ‘era’ was the ‘90’s.
I really miss flying them. I’ve got a Middle Phase II (aileron, r/e and some light-weight wings for calm days), a Ridge Runt, a flying wing (balsa), and a V1.1 twist wing model. You can probably tell from those that my ‘era’ was the ‘90’s.
I used to do a bit of slope soaring, just "flying wing" taped foamies.
No better way to spend a couple of hours outside than standing on a nice slope (St. Agnes head), looking out to sea, bracing on-shore wind, flask of coffee to hand. Even better when the site had a few "bunkers" where we could shelter with just our heads poking over the top when it got really cold.
My favourite part was the landings - come in high overhead, lazy turn half a mile down wind, then see how close to your feet you get it. When we got it wrong, those little locator beepers came in handy if the wing buried itself in a gorse bush.
No better way to spend a couple of hours outside than standing on a nice slope (St. Agnes head), looking out to sea, bracing on-shore wind, flask of coffee to hand. Even better when the site had a few "bunkers" where we could shelter with just our heads poking over the top when it got really cold.
My favourite part was the landings - come in high overhead, lazy turn half a mile down wind, then see how close to your feet you get it. When we got it wrong, those little locator beepers came in handy if the wing buried itself in a gorse bush.
I slope, DLG as well as thermal fly powered and unpowered gliders and have done for the last 6/7 years after moving from powered flight only.
I found it much more interesting than purely powered flight.
The elf is a good place to start with DLG as good results can be had from the get go.
I got 2mins in dead air with an elf very shortly after starting.
I have a couple of full carbon DLG and the difference is night and day to the elf in launch height/speed and repair costs!!!
Mostly slope either a multiplex solius in V windy conditions (25+) as it bounces when you land (a controlled crash in a gale)
Or a full carbon stiletto hot with ballast (fast fast fast) if feeling brave.
But really the strategy involved in thermal flying DLG has really got me and is by far my favourite RC thing (I do many)
This is a good thermal tutorial/video that demonstrates the strategy and concentration involved.
https://youtu.be/Uk5N8jOOfMA
I found it much more interesting than purely powered flight.
The elf is a good place to start with DLG as good results can be had from the get go.
I got 2mins in dead air with an elf very shortly after starting.
I have a couple of full carbon DLG and the difference is night and day to the elf in launch height/speed and repair costs!!!
Mostly slope either a multiplex solius in V windy conditions (25+) as it bounces when you land (a controlled crash in a gale)
Or a full carbon stiletto hot with ballast (fast fast fast) if feeling brave.
But really the strategy involved in thermal flying DLG has really got me and is by far my favourite RC thing (I do many)
This is a good thermal tutorial/video that demonstrates the strategy and concentration involved.
https://youtu.be/Uk5N8jOOfMA
I often go for a walk in the Peak District, and come across a viable slope to fly from. Trouble is, I don't have a small, robust model that I can take with me in my rucksack "just in case". I wonder if a DLG would be an option for this? I've never tried one.
Ideally something that could be dismantled and put into a tube would be good - I could then put it vertically in the rucksack (or even into one of the drinks bottle side pockets), and forget about it. A small, very basic 2-channel Tx wouldn't be a problem to carry. For slope I'd like elevator/ailerons, rather than rudder/elevator.
Ideally something that could be dismantled and put into a tube would be good - I could then put it vertically in the rucksack (or even into one of the drinks bottle side pockets), and forget about it. A small, very basic 2-channel Tx wouldn't be a problem to carry. For slope I'd like elevator/ailerons, rather than rudder/elevator.
they do two piece wings for f3k planes, makes them a bit more portable. or you could get a small flying wing for not much cash - and a lot more robust!
Two planes i’m looking at right now are there 2 piece wing Auri f3k (probably in the spring) and the bubble sinbad - that might be a nice project to build over the winter.
Two planes i’m looking at right now are there 2 piece wing Auri f3k (probably in the spring) and the bubble sinbad - that might be a nice project to build over the winter.
dr_gn said:
I often go for a walk in the Peak District, and come across a viable slope to fly from. Trouble is, I don't have a small, robust model that I can take with me in my rucksack "just in case". I wonder if a DLG would be an option for this? I've never tried one.
Ideally something that could be dismantled and put into a tube would be good - I could then put it vertically in the rucksack (or even into one of the drinks bottle side pockets), and forget about it. A small, very basic 2-channel Tx wouldn't be a problem to carry. For slope I'd like elevator/ailerons, rather than rudder/elevator.
My stiletto slope/DLG (pictured below) has a split wing and can be packed flat by undoing just 4 screws, 2for the wing and another 2 in the horizontal stabiliser... The wing is a friction fit with two rough carbon rods internally and some tape on the outside.Ideally something that could be dismantled and put into a tube would be good - I could then put it vertically in the rucksack (or even into one of the drinks bottle side pockets), and forget about it. A small, very basic 2-channel Tx wouldn't be a problem to carry. For slope I'd like elevator/ailerons, rather than rudder/elevator.
Note the damage on the model mostly from landings rather than crashes and this is from slopes I know and have flown before... They are incredibly strong... But not necessarily robust.
The way they fly compared to foam/balsa is addictive...mine is 191g flying weight and faaaast unballasted and bonkerz with weight added.
To fit your requirements you will probably need to convert a foamy Chuck glider to RC which for somebody with basic modelling/RC experience should be no problem.
I have a multiplex fox which is three channel - ailerons (one servo) and elevator with a small motor and folding prop It is an older model and I now believe the mini solius is the current favourite for this type of conversion,
making the wings removable should be no problem and it would fit your brief.
I haven't looked but I am sure there will be forum hits for this conversion.
Edited by shedweller on Monday 12th October 20:47
We used to build them an fly them as lads, all balsa built up wings back in those days!
These days you can get ready to fly foam models that are great fun.
I’ve got one of these, not really a slope soarer as it’s got power to get it up there to start you off.
https://youtu.be/9XD0994TBQ0
These days you can get ready to fly foam models that are great fun.
I’ve got one of these, not really a slope soarer as it’s got power to get it up there to start you off.
https://youtu.be/9XD0994TBQ0
I’ve also got this Thunder Tiger ehawk glider kit that I bought a few years ago, but it’s been sat in its box for ages.
I really should get around to getting it built, perhaps it’s the perfect lock down project if we are all made to stop at home again.
https://4-max.co.uk/aircraft-thunder-tiger-ehawk-1...
I thought that it looked like a really nice model
To build and it was less than £40 when I bought it, so something of a bargain!
I really should get around to getting it built, perhaps it’s the perfect lock down project if we are all made to stop at home again.
https://4-max.co.uk/aircraft-thunder-tiger-ehawk-1...
I thought that it looked like a really nice model
To build and it was less than £40 when I bought it, so something of a bargain!
^ Looks nice!
Currently building an SAS Wildthing 60 and another foamy from SAS called the Venom.
Initial test/trim flight of the Wildthing on the fairly steep sloping field near my farm didn’t go so well....
After spending the best part of an hour trying to figure out how to reverse my elerons (don’t ask) it actually flew ok although there’s no where near enough wind there for such a heavy plane.
The venom is half finished but looks really nice. Will post some photos once i find a suitable large space to take a photo at enough distance so you can’t see my appalling tape work on the wings. it’s gonna get bashed up for sure so will do a better job second time round. i’ve bought some ToughLon covering which will make it look lovely i think
Currently building an SAS Wildthing 60 and another foamy from SAS called the Venom.
Initial test/trim flight of the Wildthing on the fairly steep sloping field near my farm didn’t go so well....
After spending the best part of an hour trying to figure out how to reverse my elerons (don’t ask) it actually flew ok although there’s no where near enough wind there for such a heavy plane.
The venom is half finished but looks really nice. Will post some photos once i find a suitable large space to take a photo at enough distance so you can’t see my appalling tape work on the wings. it’s gonna get bashed up for sure so will do a better job second time round. i’ve bought some ToughLon covering which will make it look lovely i think
LotusMartin said:
^ Looks nice!
Cheers Ears!I just got the box out and had a closer look.
It actually looks very straightforward, there’s not that much too it.
And the beautiful neatly cut laser parts look a million times better than the ones we used to hand cut out of balsa sheet back in the good old days!
I've recently got back in to slope soaring after many years away. I resurrected an old Middle Phase that was lounging in the loft, and also finished a barely started Phase 6 kit. I've just taken delivery of a 1:4 scale Pat Teakle Pik20, which will be my winter build project.
The Phase 6
The Phase 6
Edited by DIW35 on Thursday 22 October 00:00
I bought a Parkzone Radian a couple years ago to learn to fly a glider.
https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/radian-rtf/PK...
I’ve only flown it a couple of times and need to take proper lessons. Anyone in the East Lancashire region fly and want an apprentice? 😁
https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/radian-rtf/PK...
I’ve only flown it a couple of times and need to take proper lessons. Anyone in the East Lancashire region fly and want an apprentice? 😁
This is my Phase 6, built in the early 90s I think. It's been stored in bubble wrap for at least 15 years!
Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
Edited by StephenP on Friday 23 October 13:42
StephenP said:
This is my Phase 6, built in the early 90s I think. It's been stored in bubble wrap for at least 15 years!
Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
Jordan 191 edition...Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
Edited by StephenP on Friday 23 October 13:42
OOI, you chaps who fly RC gliders in thermals, how do you know when you are climbing? Do you have some sort of beep that indicates lift? Asking as a glider pilot where were an instrument panel with a vario that usually also has an audio sounder too. I've never flown a RC glider although I watched them being flown at the Long Mynd while waiting for a launch.
RichB said:
OOI, you chaps who fly RC gliders in thermals, how do you know when you are climbing? Do you have some sort of beep that indicates lift? Asking as a glider pilot where were an instrument panel with a vario that usually also has an audio sounder too. I've never flown a RC glider although I watched them being flown at the Long Mynd while waiting for a launch.
Yep we have the ability to install varios too!https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/aircraft-tele...
nigelpugh7 said:
RichB said:
OOI, you chaps who fly RC gliders in thermals, how do you know when you are climbing? Do you have some sort of beep that indicates lift? Asking as a glider pilot where were an instrument panel with a vario that usually also has an audio sounder too. I've never flown a RC glider although I watched them being flown at the Long Mynd while waiting for a launch.
Yep we have the ability to install varios too!https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/aircraft-tele...
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