Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

I was wondering why none of these kits had been add to
the SPA approved list of aircraft. Anyone care to input their
thoughts on this? Or could it be that no one has put them in
to be add to the list. Also if you've built/flown one of these
could you details on your likes and dislikes on the kit/plane?

Ron

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

Ron,

To add a plane to the SPA list is simple... just email Mickey Walker with your documentation and once approved, it is added. You can get his email address from the SPA site.

As for the Sterling Rimfire.. it is one of the most accurate airplanes I've ever flown .. but.. it is a pilot's airplane.. you even think about slowing this puppy down on final and she will snap herself into a little ball!!! I've had and sold two... and neither lasted more than 10 flights after I sold it. Somehow most guys don't get the "DON'T SLOW IT DOWN" thing... The Rimfire tracks beautifully and is one of the best .40 sized planes I've ever flown. I have two kits for the Rimfire.. and if I EVER get caught up, I'm going to build another one.... I'll post a picture as soon as my computer lets me.... more later...


Dan

Carolina Custom Aircraft

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

I wouldn't object if they were added, although they really weren't considered pattern aircraft, but instead were considered sport aircraft.

The Lancer was a very good flying model that I enjoyed for several seasons before it was sold.

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

I've been digging thru my archives looking for a picture of my Rimfire and will post it if I can find it. I think I built mine around '74 and flew it for a couple seasons. If my memory serves me, Deadstik is correct about the need to keep the speed up on landing. I recall doing many wingtip/one main wheel landings with mine after holding the flare a little to long and having it suddenly drop a tip. I believe it was about my 4th model and was an eye opener after flying my Fledging the summer before. I flew mine with the K&B .40 that I swapped from my Fledging and it was all a baby faced sixteen year old could handle. I do remember having the local pattern expert test fly it and him commenting on how nicely he thought it tracked. I wouldn't mind building another but imagine kits would be rare and /or costly.
dawg

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

I always wanted a Rimfire. That model was ahead of its time.

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

Dan,
If you get a chance post the specs for the Rimfire. I can't remember the span or wing area. 54" is ringing a bell but that's just a guess. Also how complete are the plans? Do they contain enough info to scratch build from?
dawg

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

I think you can tame many models that like to snap by glueing a piece of 1/8" triangle on the leading edge of 1/3 of the inboard wing. Not sure, haven't tried it. Of course you could build some washout in the wing, but that would change the inverted flying.

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

Per Sterling's 73 catalog the SL62 was design as a pattern aircraft. I wanted to
try a Rimfire back in the day but I watched a guy build a Tri-Pacer and got
turned off to the idea. My building skills were not up to the task at that time
with only a Goldberg Falcon 56 under my belt. Ed, I'm with you on the Rimfire.
It did have the look of being ahead of it's time. As for the SPA aircarft listing
there are a few sport type aircraft listed so getting these added should not be
a problem. Maybe I'll email the catalog to Mickey Walker to see if they will be
added. I did a serach for sterling lancer and found this site. Check it out

http://home.mindspring.com/~jeff.coo...terlingmodels/

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

-----------------------


It was just a big Lancer with the same constant chord wing planform. I believe what you are saying. I just don't believe it was being marketed as a serious pattern ship. By that time virtually all serious pattern ships were using double or triple tapered wing planforms.

It doesn't matter one way or the other. If it flew like the Lancer, it was a good flying plane.

Who knows, Mickey might add it to the list. I certainly would not object.

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

Ed,

The Rimfire does have a double tapered wing.... also.. the spin/snap charactoristics come from a very thing wing design... Honestly, I'd love to put an OS .61 mounted inverted in one and fly SPA with it... but.. I've got other birds that do that better.

I'll check the plans tonight see if you could scratch one from the plans..

Dan

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

I was referring to the SL-62, which is a big Lancer (40).

Yes, the Rimfire has the triple taper planform with a thin wing. Just gotta keep it moving.

I shyed away from it back then because of the inverted engines. Most engines were still using airbleed carbs. I think they would have sold more if they had made it a sidewinder instead of using an inverted engines. No doubt the inverted engine looks better, but practicality dictates a sidewinder.

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

Well, I found a picture of my Rimfire from the fall of 1974. Not the best picture of the Rimfire (composition and image quality) and for that matter not the best picture of me. :eek: Seriously, what was I thinking. Must have been cold that day.:) It looks as though my engine was mounted upright. I don't remember any specific details but I think I bought the kit partially completed and it was already set up with the engine mounted upright. You are right about the thin airfoil section and quad tapered wing.

dawg

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

OK. Double tapered it understand. But triple and quad tapered? Please explain?

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

I meant to say double tapered as I do not recall if the wing had any dihedral. I understand that a wing which is tapered equally in all four facets towards the tip is referred to as quad tapered. An example would be the wing on a Yak 54. But don't quote me on this as I am not an expert in the field of aerodynamics and design. If someone out there knows for sure please feel free to correct me.
dawg

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

In the sail plane world a single tapered wing has a straight taper from root to tip, a double tapered wing has two different taper angles from root to tip and a triple taper has 3 different tapers. They almost always have a straight trailing edge, though. My definition for pattern would be that a single tapered wing has a straight trailing edge and the leading edge tapers from the root to the tip, sweeping back. A double tapered wing has the LE and TE swept in straight lines from root to tip. Is that clear as mud?:)


Mark

RE: Sterling kits (Rimfire, Lancer, & Lancer SL62)?
 

A Yak 54 is double tapered. Only two facets are possible chord and depth. If the back is straight then it is slightly swept, if the back is crooked forward it is likely straight, unless it is greatly swept.