Hello all.

I have little experience flying fixed wing aircrafts (except a crashed trainer and folding paper planes ), so i can say that i'm a really newbie.

I saw at my LHS a kit from Multiplex, the Panda. From what i've heard it can be easilly converted to electric for when the wind isn't helping.
What i would like to know was opinions from glider users about this model, as it's been proposed at a great price.
I have a place nearby that can either be used for slop soaring or, since it's a large area, for thermal gliding, and a few miles farther, a very big park near the river.
It's something i would like to do, and the fuss free characteristics of gliders is really a caller to me, no fuel, little battery preocupation, etc.


Thank you for your input in advance

Patxipt,
It took me a while to look up the Multiplex Panda. I don't think it's offered here in the USA. From what I could see from one picture and translate with my schoolboy French, the Panda looks and seems like more of a slope plane than something you'd take thermal flying. It also said "not for beginners", but that's a pretty subjective topic. It makes me want one because it looks like it would be great fun on the slope.

That being said, and you being a self-confessed "complete beginner", let me suggest that you look at the multiplex Easy Glider or Easy Glider electric. I've got an easy glider and I'm very pleased with it. For thermal flying, it flies easily off a hi-start (bungee launch) and will thermal on a gnat fart. On the slope it flies in the lightest lift. It's a very smooth performer and surprisingly aerobatic. It's tough too. Mine recently survived a crash into and 2 nights in a tree with minimal damage.

In the end it's your money, so have a ball with whatever glider you end up with. I hope you catch the sailplane fever. It's a great sickness!

papermache

Papermaché, than you for your input.
You have misread a bit, it's a beginners model.

From the french :"The Panda is not just a beginners model, but also very appreciated by experienced modelers." You missed the "just" :P

Here's a link for the manual: http://www.multiplex-rc.de/cms/vorsc...nda_d_gb_f.pdf

It seems to be the predecessor of the Easy Glider; does 21gr/sqm (?) make it flyable on thermals?.
I sure would like to be able to fly a glider (fly anything as a matter of fact, i get tired sometimes from ground models).

Thank you so much

I remember this model from many years ago. If I am correct the wing is Balsa with an open underside which is open.( Djelski wing - if my spelling is correct) Reasonably efficient but not a strong structure. There are many other more modern designs which wii perform better. Try a Multiplex easy glider, all foam but a good performer for the Euro!!
Dave.

Yes, it's a full balsa plane. i believe the correct spelling is jedelski or the like.
I was inclined towards this plane mostly due to it's price, 45 euro. Adding 2 servos and a battery would give me a complete glider for something like 75 euro, since i have the radio.
I will check out the prices for the glider you reccomend.

Thanks!

EDIT: I've checked online at a shop, and an electric easy glider costs 99 euro, plus battery and servos. ouch!

Where in Portugal do you live? Do you have a slope near you? A glider like the one you have seen will work pretty well on most, or, if you want hi-start it from a flat field. I have flown full-size along the Atlantic coast of your country in an old Fournier motor glider witha VW motor! Very cheap as the wind from the sea gave excellent lift on the cliffs/dunes between Lexios(?) and Villamoura. That was 25 years ago but I think the winds are much the same!

I live in Lisbon.
I have a large flat park 2 minutes away, with a large slope towards the highway; also i have the Expo 98 compound, and a small bushed field where i see small hawks hovering waiting for a prey. I always have the seashore, as you have had the chance to try :P
You meant Leixões over there, but that was close enough

thank you

Patxpt,
Sorry for the mis-spelling, but I do pronounce it layshosh - or something like that! Get to the coast with a 30M cliff/slope, an onshore breeze, and most anything will fly if it light enough. In 10Kts I fly everything from the Ripmax Spitfire and P51 electrics ( no motor or power pack, justa 4.5VRx pack), at the same CofG to 2M gliders. Add 3-5 Kts and its 1/5 and 1/4 scalers.
Much more satisfying than those leccy jobs.
Dave.

Me again, sorry I missed the 'i' in your title. On my next trip down I'll have to miss Lagosh and venture as far as West Africa and stop in Lagos!
D