Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepter, or MM Glidertech Marauder..  
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All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring >> Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepter, or MM Glidertech Marauder.. Page: [1]

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Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepter, o... - 10/12/2005 6:25:56 PM   
combatman


 

Posts: 227
Joined: 12/23/2002
From: Palmyra, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Hey guys,

I am new to the sailplane world as I have been flying nitro planes for 3 years. I have built kits from Sig (4*60), Great Planes (P-51), and Tower Hobbies (Uproar 60). These kits all had one thing in common: fantastic instructions with pictures that illustrate most steps in the construction process.

I am looking to purchase my first glider, and want one in the 100" range. I understand many people will recommend that I start with a 2 meter, but I want something larger. My choices for glider kits, which boilded down to what I found aesthetically pleasing and affordable, are the Sky Bench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepter, and the MM Glidertech Marauder. I understand that some have complained that Skybench instructions are sparse, but I don't know if that has changed.

I am looking for a kit with detailed instructions, as that is the only way I know how to build.

Thank you for your suggestions!

Dan
       Post #: 1

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepte... - 10/12/2005 6:59:41 PM   
RK-Aircraft


 

Posts: 391
Joined: 11/25/2002
From: Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Status: offline 		I got a Dynaflite Bird of Time kit that is a pretty easy build. 50.00 delivered or trade for a 2 blade 18x10 CF prop.

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RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepte... - 10/12/2005 9:00:21 PM   
combatman


 

Posts: 227
Joined: 12/23/2002
From: Palmyra, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Thank you Garcay, but I am not interested in the Dynaflite Bird of Time.

(in reply to RK-Aircraft)
       Post #: 3

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepte... - 10/13/2005 1:33:25 AM   
RK-Aircraft


 

Posts: 391
Joined: 11/25/2002
From: Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Status: offline 		No problem. By the way, does anyone know when the swap meets start in Northern Illinois? My wife says its time to clean out, so I have a truck load of goodies to sell.

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RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepte... - 10/13/2005 6:46:25 PM   
combatman


 

Posts: 227
Joined: 12/23/2002
From: Palmyra, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Garcay, I posted this topic to get opinions on the aforementioned gliders. If you want to discuss your Bird of Time, or your swap meet, just start another post.

Gentlemen,

I'd still appreciate any input on my question.

Thanks!

(in reply to RK-Aircraft)
       Post #: 5

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepte... - 10/13/2005 7:09:39 PM   
RK-Aircraft


 

Posts: 391
Joined: 11/25/2002
From: Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Status: offline 		Sorry to have intruded. Apologies to all. I seem to have upset some people.

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RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/13/2005 9:43:57 PM   
gldrgidr


 

Posts: 28
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: Atco, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		I don't know about the Marauder, but MM glidertech is noted for it's poor instructions. This may have changed for it's newer kits.

It's a good idea to start with a larger kit as long as you have some rc experience. Even a three meter Paragon.

< Message edited by gldrgidr -- 10/13/2005 9:53:46 PM >

(in reply to RK-Aircraft)
       Post #: 7

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/13/2005 10:09:02 PM   
hattend



Posts: 2061
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Redding, CA, USA
Status: offline 		If you know how to build (kits not ARFs) then you won't have much problem putting together either of your choices. I'm not familiar with the Marauder but if the choice was between the Scepter or the Big Bird, I would go with the Big Bird as the V tail is a little harder to set up...not much, but enough to sway me. Plus the BB wings look cool.

Heck, I would say try to find an Airtronics Sagitta...that is a GREAT RES sailplane... but failing that, the Big Bird should be a cinch for you.

Don

< Message edited by hattend -- 10/13/2005 10:10:21 PM >

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RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/14/2005 2:09:08 AM   
jmfitzgerald


 

Posts: 6
Joined: 9/25/2004
From: St. Louis, MO, USA
Status: offline 		I am just completing a skybench big bird... and i'm really excited to fly it! it has been a great build! the instructions are not that detailed or have too many photos, but they do tell you what needs to be done... (i think you can download the instructions off ray's web site now, take a look) with having some building under your belt, it should not be a problem at all... all the wood parts fit together real nice. just take your time and it will be great! so big bird gets my vote!

(in reply to hattend)
       Post #: 9

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/14/2005 7:08:00 PM   
gldrgidr


 

Posts: 28
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: Atco, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		http://cgi.ebay.com/Airtronics-Saggita-900-Sailplane_W0QQitemZ6004908167QQcategoryZ2563QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's a Saggitta 900 on ebay.

(in reply to jmfitzgerald)
       Post #: 10

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/14/2005 7:14:11 PM   
hattend



Posts: 2061
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Redding, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Hmmm...may just have to bid on that.

Don

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RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/15/2005 4:48:42 AM   
huntermax3030


 

Posts: 14
Joined: 2/15/2002
From: Somewhere near Nacogdoches, TX, USA
Status: offline 		The direct answer to your question is the Laser Arts Scepter has the best instructions. It may or may not be the plane you perfer...

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Regards, Robert

(in reply to hattend)
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RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepte... - 10/19/2005 8:59:02 PM   
Rick K


 

Posts: 260
Joined: 11/16/2003
From: Fontana, CA, USA
Status: offline 		A little rude perhaps? Chill it down some Ok?
Rick K

(in reply to combatman)
       Post #: 13

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/20/2005 5:17:12 PM   
martin o


 

Posts: 18
Joined: 10/21/2004
From: Tempe, AZ, USA
Status: offline 		Dan,
You may have already made your selection, but I thought I would add another good word for the Scepter. It's a very easy, straight-forward build. The instructions are not intended for a beginner and are not very detailed, but with the experience you've had you shouldn't have any problems. The folks at Laser Arts are very good about answering questions by email if you run into trouble.
By the way, the Scepter does not have a V-tail as someone mentioned above.
But all three choices are good planes.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

(in reply to Rick K)
       Post #: 14

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 10/20/2005 8:28:28 PM   
hattend



Posts: 2061
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Redding, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Martin o is right, I was thinking of the Sovereign and Majestic (both of which I have), not the Scepter.

Don

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RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scept... - 11/8/2005 6:21:01 PM   
zx32tt


 

Posts: 467
Joined: 5/5/2002
From: Locust, NC, USA
Status: offline 		The Scepter is an extremely well designed kit. It has the best laser cutting of anything I've seen. I flew mine for about 3 seasons and was very happy with it. Its a real floater, and works best in light lift conditions.
Z

(in reply to hattend)
       Post #: 16

RE: Easier build? Skybench Big Bird, Laser Arts Scepte... - 11/9/2005 12:05:21 AM   
hattend