lamyap

My Feedback: (67)

Been flying pattern for the last 30 years. HAve built every conceivable plane out their and very knowledgable on building. Would like a recommendation on starting BACK into gliders. I'm looking for something with good thermal abilities as well as fast flying - very sleek, fast but will float on the lightest of winds - hope I'm not asking for to much - AND I DON'T WANT A WANDER - I THINK I'M BEYOND THOSE. - THANKS

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

What's your budget? $200 for plane alone? $500 $1000

You sound like a hotliner type of guy.

Sleek fuselage, fast motor, screaming climb.

fast and sleek does not equal floats on lightest lift, so I can't help you there.

lamyap

My Feedback: (67)

Actually, I may have been tutting my horn slightly but I'm really a speed type of guy. I have been looking at the GP Siren Hotliner but knowing GP - they always blow their new design way out. As for flying sites, I live in Los Angeles so I've got whatever to choose from in regards to flying fields. I would really like a good thermal ship but has some speed to it. Thanks for your response - steer me in the right direction. Been looking at Northeast Sailplane products - Adriana

As for budget - what ever it cost for the thrill - $100, $1000, $2000; doesn't matter, its the enjoyment and thrill.

Steve

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

I am not a hotliner guy. I fly pure sailplanes. No motors!

I will let others advise you on hotliners. Good luck!

TFLG

well if your not too concerned about cost then an electric stork from Shredair might be the ticket. Put the recommended set up in it and it is ballistic. But it will thermal in the lightest of light with the motor off and the prop folded. This is no cheap set up though. The kit is over 1K and the motor, controller and battery will run you another.

http://www.shredair.com/storke.html

TFLG

BMatthews

How close are you to Torrey Pines and the slope soaring there? It sounds like that sort of flying would be right up your alley. Or at least you could get your speed jollies there and then go thermal flying with a clear and rested conscience!

As well as NSP look into the Art Hobby offerings. Outside of a full on F3B ship none of them flies REALLY fast but there's lots of nice ships that will slow down well and still offer up a decent turn of speed to move around the sky. But the advantage of that is that they fly the thermals better at the cost of speed while the F3B ships will thermal well but will fall out of the lighter stuff where the slower to medium speed models will hang in there. Its not a huge difference but it's there.

SoCal GliderGuider

Me thinks you need two sailplanes. One for thermal and one for the slope. Have you been to Fermin? Or Snake Hill?

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

I started slope soaring on a Zagi 3C. This is still my primary slope plane.
This EPP foam flying wing is tough as nails, easy to fly and easy to build.
It uses a 3 spar system which gives it a nice solid construction. Suitable
for combat flying as well, but that is not something I have tried. While I
would readily recommend it, it is no longer available.

I flew it off a hi-start two weeks ago. First launch was BAD! Bunced 8 feet in the air. Picked it up, brushed it off and tried again. Much better result.

The message is that if you are new to slope, start with an EPP plane. Beat it up before you go for some beautiful fiberglass rocket. They break too easy and slope sites rarely often have small, rocky or rough landing areas.

Tips on Slope Soaring
http://www.slopeflyer.com/artman/pub...index_18.shtml

Below are a spread of EPP Foam Slope planes for your consideration. Some are
more beginner oriented and some are for intermediate to advanced pilots.
They run in the $20 to $125. I believe all require only two channel radios.
The wings need elevon mixing which is available in most current radios, or you
can add an elevon mixer for about $20 if you radio doesn't have it. After my
Zagi wing, I think my next EPP slope plane might be one of the Erasers. The Staggerwing biplane looks very cool!

FLYING WING/TAILLESS SLOPE PLANES

Zagi 5C - $55
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHWX5&P=7
http://www.zagi.com/index.php?main_p...ac40893326ae4f
http://www.myzagi.com/
Wingspan: 48" (1219mm) Wing area: 2.03 sq ft
Wing loading: 8.5 oz sq ft (25 g/sq dm) Weight: 17.5oz (496g)
Airfoil: Zagi 101.3 (semi-symmetrical)

Zagi THL - $42
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHWX6&P=7
This is a hand launched thermal glider, but I hear many people slope it. Low
wing loading would suggest it is good for light lift conditions.
Wing span: 48" (1219mm) Wing area: 2.83 sq ft (.182 sq dm)
Airfoil: Zagi 999 Wing loading: 4 oz sq ft (12.20 g sq dm)
Weight: 11.5 oz (326 grams)

The Weasel Pro - $50
http://www.dream-flight.com/weaselpro.html
Review
http://www.slopeflyer.com/artman/pub...icle_338.shtml
Video
http://www.dream-flight.com/moviefil...aselmaiden.wmv
Wingspan: 35.4 in (900mm) Wing area: 362 sq.in (23.3dm)
Weight range: 11-13 oz (312-370gm)

Combat Wings - RTF - three choices
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21

Combat Wings XL - kit - $64
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...roduct_name=XL -
Review
http://www.slopeflyer.com/artman/pub...icle_257.shtml
Video
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...products_id=32
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=193
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=108

Bee - EPP combat wing - $50
bottom of web page
http://www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9
Video
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/bee10.mov

Queen Bee - $140 - 7 foot wing
http://www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9
Video
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Ea..._small.mpg.wmv
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Queen_4.wmv
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Landing.mpg

Electron 60 - dynamic Soaring capable - $80
Super high performance - can exceed 100 mph - not for light lift conditions
http://www.californiasailplanes.com/...Electron60.htm
Wingspan - 60" Wing area 400"
Weight - 29oz. Wing Loading 10.2-15.7 oz/ft


MULTIPURPOSE - SLOPE/DLG MINI WINGS/TAILLESS PLANES
These can be slope soared in very light lift AND can be side arm/discus
launched from flat fields for glider fun or to hunt for thermals. Sort of
muliti-purpose planes. Good to keep in the car. I have the Boomer.

Boomer DLG flying wing - $60
Wingspan: 33.5" Wing Area: 318.25 sq. in.
Root Chord (including elevon): 13" Tip Chord (including elevon): 6"
Wing Loading: 2.805 oz/sq. ft.
Product has been taken over by Mountian Models
www.mountainmodels.com
This is a product review - be sure to watch the video
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4524

Mini Weasel - $40
http://www.dream-flight.com/miniweasel.html
Wingspan: 23.6 in (600mm)
Wing area: 174 sq.in (11.24dm)
Weight range: 4-5 oz (113-142gm)

Alula - $45
http://www.dream-flight.com/alula.html
Wingspan: 34 in (860mm)
Wing area: 234 sq.in (15.29 sq.dm)
Weight range: 4.2-4.6 oz (120-127gm)


MORE CONVENTIONAL FUSELAGE/WING/TAIL PLANES

Easy EPP - Rudder/elevator - $50
http://www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9
Video
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Looping_A.wmv
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/easy_pattern.mov

Easy Pro EPP - Aileron/elevator - $50
http://www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9
Video
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Easy_Pro_test_9.mpg
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Easy_Pro_test_7.mpg

Eraser - 60" $125 (really like this one)
http://www.californiasailplanes.com/...p/Eraser60.htm
Wingspan - 60" Length - 35.4"
Weight - 28oz. Airfoil - CS ER

Eraser sport - 48" $105
http://www.californiasailplanes.com/...epp/Eraser.htm
Wingspan - 48" Length - 31"
Weight - 21oz. Airfoil - Selig 3016

Redback - 60" $99
http://www.californiasailplanes.com/...pp/Redback.htm
Wingspan - 59.6" Length - 35.4"
Weight - 26oz. Airfoil - RG15


Beech 17 - Staggerwing Biplane - $95
http://www.mtntoys.com/
Wing Span: 48in. Length: 35 in. Airfoil: RG14 Wing Area:950 sq. in.
Weight: 35-40 oz (look at the wing area) Construction: EPP Foam
How cool would it be to have a biplane slope glider?


P-38 Lightning- $79
http://www.mtntoys.com/p38.html
Wing Span: 52 in. Length: 30 in.
Airfoil: S3021 Wing Area: 422 sq. in.
Weight: 32-36 oz Construction: EPP Foam


See anything interesting?

lamyap

My Feedback: (67)

Aeajr, preciate all your info. I might scale back my after thoughts from $2k down do say $200 - $500. I'm not looking to hit the slops right-a-way. I want to get involve with electrics first which I can fly from my home field - has lots of evenly cut grass. I am not a slow-pock by any stretch of sight and I can't stand mopping around - I can fly - BVM Aggr, F-86 and any and all pattern from 60 to 1.20. don't get me wrong, I'm not tutting my horn - I can make mistakes. Its just I see my talents way above the begineers but yet I'm humble enought not and go out and buy a $2k ship and loose it behind and ego trip. I want something that I can launch and take straight up and also good thermal qualities.

Steve

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Fly as fast as you like. Most of my planes, from my 1.2M Zagi to my 3.6M Ventus 2C are nice planes that can be very aerobatic, but are not specifically designed for speed. They are designed to take advantage of natural lift.

I have one glass slope plane that can really move on the slope, although you might not consider it fast. I have the servos sized for about 75 mph.

Speed is not a focus for me, so I just don't follow that part of the market.

:-)