XFLY-ER

My Feedback: (2)

I would like to get opinions & experience on the Multiplex/Tangent planes compared to the molded planes. I want to hear from MTT & others that have flown the Multiplex planes. I can't fail to notice that some of the moldies like the Volcano & the X-Caliber seem to be dead ringers for the Alpina. Apparently the molded planes can be a little lighter weight. However the Tangent planes are "proven" designs. There is always the question of support, that is the availability of parts & information. The Tangent planes come with comprehensive instruction books. Many moldies come with only a setup sheet with recommended control movements & CG.

MTT

My Feedback: (8)

Well, here goes :

Over the years, I have had the following Multiplex planes :
Original Alpina, as discussed here : http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5569758/tm.htm
Later model Alpina (4001)
ASH26 ( uses the same wings as the Alpina 4001 )
DG 600 evo

I must add that all the models were from the time before Tangent, meaning that I bought them as "Multiplex" although they most probably were manufactured by Tangent

My experiences : all positives, there really isn't one bad thing I could say about any of the models. Currently I am not flying any Multiplex/Tangent model, my 4m full-house electric ship is a Valenta Thermik XL.
If it came to the point that I had to replace the Thermik XL, with another molded ship or something from the Tangent line, the decision would probably be mostly about the price.
I don't know for what kind of $$$ the Tangent ships are currently going, but the high Euro/US$ exchange rate and the shipping costs from europe make them quite expensive.

I can confirm that.... as said , the my Tangent/MPX ships came with comprehensive instructions, the Thermik XL with one sheet, which shows CG, control surface deflections and where to put the incidence pins on the outer wing panels...

Parts : I would think that any of the current Tangent dealers would be able to supply replacement parts. Wether it would be economically viable is another question, again, the high euro exchange rate, and shipping costs.

XFLY-ER

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks MTT. I have thought about the points you made. Tangent appears to have an extensive dealer network in Europe, but almost nothing in North America now. It seems like many here that were dealers for the Multiplex/Tangent planes stopped selling them after Hitec bought Multiplex & decided to stop selling the planes as "Mulitplex". There have been some reports that Tangent has been unwilling or unable to supply parts & kits to North America in a timely mannner.
The replacement parts situation for the currently popular moldies seems to be very uneven at best. Some reports talk about excellent quick service & others find parts essentially unavailable, with the (European) manufacturer not answering e-mails or phone calls. As nearly all the moldies are made in Europe as well, we have the same shipping & $ to Euros exchange problems as the Tangent planes.
Other thoughts about moldies: They may have the latest & greatest airfoils & wing planforms, but sometimes they turn out to be not so great as there are often version(s) 2 & 3 that come out to fix problems of the earlier planes.
Looks like it's a coin toss.
Anyone else have thoughts to contribute?

Slope Flyer UK

I live in the UK, and I've not heard anything either, about Tangent......since they stopped producing kits for MPX.

I had a Mini Milan a few years back, what a lovely model.

I know someone whos been having major problems, trying to get hold of a serious DS machine. He has tried so many times to get hold od suppliers in Europe (and the UK too), but very few have returned any replies........its disgusting.

I myself ordered an Acacia 2.......and only have a few weeks now, until it arrives.

jak2998

hi slope flyer.
long time no see... i have just got hold of a mini milan.. i agree they are good performers...i also have awaiting for her maiden flight a 4001 alpina... i am having trouble understanding aieleron set up ..22mm up and 12mm down seems a little out.. perhaps someone out there can help..
jack

MTT

My Feedback: (8)

That's about 45% differential, quite normal. I use approximately that amount of differential on all my sailplanes.

Anyway, the amounts of control surface deflection given in the Alpina instructions is pretty much dead-on. If you go with them, you will have an uneventful maiden flight.
And later on, you will need only small adjustments to suit your personal preferences.

jak2998

Thanks for the info..looking forward to the first flight
cheers ,jack.

Slope Flyer UK

Hi Jack.

Yeah, the MM was my first semi-composite machine............flew beautifully, and was fast too. The wing planform looks great in the air, but the fuz is quite weak in areas.

I got one on eBay last year, but sold it.

Sadly, I've never had an Alpina...........so I can't help you on that.

jak2998

Hi ste
the lads at the club say she is a ***** cat to fly, but they need to be landed on her belly,,, and not on the nose..The MM flies great in all kinds of lift..and with spoilers landing is a dream..whats your latest baby?
jack.

Slope Flyer UK

Acacia 2 F3F !!!

Custom paint job

£440 !!!.

daveosoar

Having owned about 12 MPX/Tangent models over the last 20 years including Milan, M/milan, Alpina (3) I have no hesitation in recommending them. What it says on the can - it does - at reasonable cost and, most importantly, repairable. Ever tried fixing a badly damaged mouldie?
David.

slopetrashuk

Pay attention guys. Tangent have been all over the UK for the last year or so now....I just reviewed the Kult for RCM&E magazine.

A PM with your e mail address will get you a copy.

Andy Ellison

jooNorway

I have only 3 of the MPX/Tangent models, but they all perform good and have the quality I like. Now I just buy sailplanes made in Germany or Chechia.
My oldest MPX is a Schampus which I bought used back in 1990. This plane have houndreds of hours on slopes and numberless thermal-flights after towing. Still everything works! And the original covering still is on And this wekend it will be aerotowed again i hope.
Maybe some of the molded-wing models have stiffer wings, but the MPX-models works good enough for me.
But they get competition soon: have got my DG600 from LET (1:3) with molded wings, and also builds two different 60" sloperacers with molded wings (Nemesis and Ocelot). Might be I will swear by only moldies in the future...