After years of powered models, I am finally getting my first glider. I am hoping this will be my gateway drug into soaring. The QF2 looks like a well designed and fun discus launch. I read the manual online and construction looks simple enough, but I do have a few technical questions. First the manual recommends solar film lite for the covering. I don't have any experience with the lighter iron on films and am wondering if there are any other reasonable alternatives? Also for the fuselage box, it says that glassing it is optional. Since the box is made from 1/16th balsa, it looks like the 2 oz cloth will bee needed to give you any kind of well, relative durability. Also any good advice on finishing resins? I have good experiences with Z poxy products.

Don't know much about discus launch gliders, but I do know that weight is a huge factor in performance of them. That being said, I would build for a bit of durability at the expense of some weight if it's a first glider. I like the z-poxy resins as well, but I'm sure someone here would know a lighter system. Hoped I could help a little bit, but like I say, no experience with dlg yet.

The Designer, Paul Daniels, is a sponsor on RCGroups.
If you post on the Hand Launch forum he will reply pronto:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395169