I took the Sledge out today after long break from glow flying. I have been flyin foamies for the last few months and it feels like I was learning to fly all over again. Now I have had problems with this Sledge since I built the thing. (JWilliams has been awesome with support in trying to tweak this one out) But I think I have figured out the problem with this one. When I bought the kit I think they substituted Oak instead of balsa and this bird is just too heavy (5+ lbs).

So I am too poor right now to get another kit, but I would be willing to frame up a few in exchange for one (I build light I really do)

What's 5+? Should fly well at 5 lbs. with a decent engine and prop. Don't think weight's your problem.

Mike

I'd respectfully disagree. I've flown and seen them now from sub 4 to 5+ and I'd say it's about as much difference as anything could be. I know they will perform at 5+ but it will not be the 3D Moonster that a 4.5 or less Sledge is. ESPECIALLY if you've been flying Foamies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At 4#6oz with a monster engine, I think this is the best plane around. And Bills at 4# even is SOOOOOOOOO much lighter on the wing than mine, it's really a very big difference.

No argument from me. 5+ just doesn't say much. 5-1's workable, 5-15's a stone. Can probably drop 6 ounces re-covering and lightening the fuse.

Mike

Mine has some hardwood where there should be some balsa and it's 5.5 pounds. I had to put my CG back about 2" behind spar and now it's flying pretty good. Fly's heavy, but stable. Does some of the best elevators/parachutes I've seen on any profile due to the weight.

After flying many sledges at different weights I have concluded the following:
Any sledge over 4.75lb starts a significant decrease in its overall abilities. I am meaning everything from 3D to landing speed and everything in between. At less than 4.75lb to 4.25 lb you will have a great flying airplane, at less than 4.25lb down to the lightest one ever which is 3.1lb you will have a plane that can do anything you can do and it will do it awesome. When I build one I shoot for 4lb even, I feel that is the best weight overall, it provides the best overall performance and handing characteristics, while I love 3Dreamings 3.1lb sledge it has such a light wing loading that wind affects it more than a 4lb sledge. That is personal preference from the designer of the plane. I have flown one at 5.1 lb and I did not like it.
There were some kits leaving Morris with some heavy sticks, I got with Morris on this and since then they have bought all their sticks from Sig. That was a little over a year ago, so if you have bought one in the last year you should have Sig balsa, which I think is some of the best balsa. Let me suggest to any prospective builders that you may want to buy the short kit, it is not on the Morris website, you will need to call and request it. Then go to some balsa supplier and but 1/4" thick contest grade balsa sheets and cut your sticks from that and do all your sheeting with 1/16" contest grade balsa. Go over the whole plane being careful to select light balsa where applicable. Doing this will yield a 3.5 to 4.0lb plane easily. Use a 600 to 800 mah battery, Nimh if possible as they are lighter than nicads. I see too many guys running 1500mah batteries in these planes, that just adds weight. Also, you do not need metal gear servos, those are heavier and add weight, not necessary on this plane or other similar profiles.
The sledge has been a lot of fun for me, and I do so enjoy reading about the many stories of enjoyment. But remember, the sledge or any other balsa profile will never fly like a foamy!
Jeff Williams

Jwilliams, at the moment iam building a sledge, i have covered all the parts before gluing to gether. When gluing the wing into place, how do you suggest getting epoxy into the gaps between the fuse and wing (this is first kit i have built and i have enjoyed it) and also does windex get epoxy smears of covering befor its dried.
cant wait to get it flying to join the other five or six sledges flying at my field all the way over hear at australia.

IL2rv-56, brush epoxy on the inside of the fuselage and the wing where it mates with the fuselage. Slide the wing in and then use rubbing alcohol to clean off the epoxy. I would use a slow setting epoxy like 30 minute, because you will need time to adjust your wing alignment once you slide it into place. I personally use CA on the whole wing, tail, motor mount attachments. To do the wing, I slide it into place, use masking tape to hold it there and then hit it with thin ca to hold it in place better, then tape off one side stand the plane on that wingtip and start filling the gaps with thick ca. Put the tape on the one side to keep the ca from running out.
Good luck,
Jeff Williams

thanks for the reply, i will only be using epoxy on the wing joint, every where else is realy just CA.