Scale Soaring UK

Posted: **04 Nov 2020, 12:41**

The Topaze is now being re-sized to similar dimensions to that of the last version of the Zugvogel i.e. 1:4.2. Hopefully, this will then be of a suitable size for towing up with our small electric tug...

Posted: **04 Nov 2020, 16:31**

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

BC

Posted: **11 Nov 2020, 06:56**

I am build a "Rhöngeist Professor"
I am building it on a scale of 1: 2.5 with 6,40m wingspan

Best Regards Olli

Posted: **11 Nov 2020, 08:03**

Very Nice Oli.

Posted: **14 Nov 2020, 09:48**

As I have Carpal Tunnel surgery on Monday, things in the workshop will come to a shuddering halt until Xmas. Good progress on the mini-Topaze so far, though: here it is with the Zugvogel for comparison...

Posted: **14 Nov 2020, 09:53**

Good luck with the surgery, Chris.

CT can be a pain in the er, hand.

Posted: **14 Nov 2020, 09:59**

You lucky boy - had mine cancelled three days before way back in February; been driving me scatty.

You'll get it over it very quickly Chris - had my right wrist done a couple of years ago.

Posted: **15 Nov 2020, 17:02**

Good luck with the op Chris.
Brian.

Posted: **16 Nov 2020, 13:24**

As a small in between project I got myself a SZD-25 Lis from Old Gliders.
It is the 3 meter laminated version, so most energy will go into the wings. The whole set was received in good order within couple of days

I hope this will be a relatively fast and easy build, so I have something easy and small to take to the slopes whenever it suits.

Daniel

Posted: **16 Nov 2020, 14:18**

I understand everyone wants to leave 2020 behind as soon as possible........but isn’t this thread 1.5 months premature?

Posted: **17 Nov 2020, 08:55**

Only if the models therein are completed before New Year's Eve...

Posted: **17 Nov 2020, 10:19**

So how did it go then..............?

Posted: **17 Nov 2020, 10:40**

Well, he seems to be able to type OK.....

BC

Posted: **17 Nov 2020, 11:23**

All done, now I'm a Napoleon clone...

Posted: **17 Nov 2020, 11:55**

You're an Ice Cream.?????

BC

Posted: **17 Nov 2020, 12:11**

Don't go there...

Posted: **22 Nov 2020, 09:48**

Terry Elliot in France sent me some progress shots of Jilles Smits 1/6 scale Sedberge T21. Looking forward to seeing the final finish.

B****y hell, I have just twigged that I only sent this kit out on the 3rd November!!

Posted: **26 Nov 2020, 18:09**

Salto pat teakle

Posted: **26 Nov 2020, 19:12**

Another hard landing then Andrew.....

BC

Posted: **27 Nov 2020, 07:42**

My next project will be a polish construction from the 30's, the PWS-101. The kit will be delivered in the next 2 weeks. I will start building in 2021.

Link to the Kit Not allowed here/en/offer/pws-101-138-kit/

Have a nice weekend, Toni

Posted: **27 Nov 2020, 08:31**

Hello Toni

Lake Bodensee. You might just be interested in my Jacht J71 model The fullsize was towed from the lake in 1937-38.

Posted: **27 Nov 2020, 10:05**

Link to another really nice kit: https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk/produc ... -kit-plan/

Posted: **03 Dec 2020, 12:10**

Work goes forward

Best Regards Olli

Posted: **03 Dec 2020, 12:58**

Hello Olli

A work of art as usual

Best regards

Ian

Posted: **09 Dec 2020, 20:34**

Finally got to maiden the 1/4 scale Dart today...

Posted: **09 Dec 2020, 21:20**

Very nice Chris

Posted: **09 Dec 2020, 21:21**

And very well it went too!

Posted: **09 Dec 2020, 21:49**

Looks lovely. Nice one.

Posted: **09 Dec 2020, 22:33**

That's a beauty Chris. Can't have too many Slingsbys.

Posted: **10 Dec 2020, 12:25**

Back in business...!

Posted: **17 Dec 2020, 16:59**

This is the OAP version of the Topaze...If only I could build a bit quicker, then I could have squeezed her into the 2020 thread...

Posted: **18 Dec 2020, 10:30**

Lovely work Chris - what will be the covering ?

Merry Christmas,
Dave C

Posted: **18 Dec 2020, 11:57**

The usual post Solartex regime, Dave...some of my dwindling stock of 'tex on the fuselage, and film on the flying surfaces

Posted: **18 Dec 2020, 16:42**

I've got just about enough Solartex left for patching. It's pretty ancient now and has mostly lost its tack.

Was just wondering what to go for on my 1/5th Spalinger - I fancy Ceconite will be too weighty, so, Oracover maybe ?

Perhaps the experts can advise...

Posted: **18 Dec 2020, 16:54**

Dave, at 5th scale overall weight is crucial. If you want a see-through finish on the flying surfaces, try experimenting with HK's matt clear film

Posted: **18 Dec 2020, 22:39**

Thanks Chris,

I'll get some and make up a few test pieces.

Cheers,
Dave

Posted: **20 Dec 2020, 05:35**

Well the plan is to start say February/March a scale 1:3 build of the Slingsby T6 Kirby Kite. It was designed at the request of Cliff Evans last year.
it is a gullwing concept what makes it interesting for me. A three view of the model with details attached
This built requires a lot of metal work because the wing to fuse connection is to scale
For those interested to built this model just contact Cliff Evans when you are in Europe or USA, or myself direct when living in Australia.

Posted: **20 Dec 2020, 12:58**

Jilles wrote: ↑20 Dec 2020, 05:35 Well the plan is to start say February/March a scale 1:3 build of the Slingsby T6 Kirby Kite. It was designed at the request of Cliff Evans last year.
it is a gullwing concept what makes it interesting for me. A three view of the model with details attached
This built requires a lot of metal work because the wing to fuse connection is to scale
For those interested to built this model just contact Cliff Evans when you are in Europe or USA, or myself direct when living in Australia.

There are two being built in the UK at present.

Posted: **30 Dec 2020, 09:03**

Looks nice Lee. Scratch built or plan?

Posted: **01 Jan 2021, 20:19**

Motley's Dart 17 is now mission-capable...

Posted: **05 Jan 2021, 12:10**

Terry Elliot in France has now finished his 1/6 scale T21 from Jilles Smits. Turned out very nice. All up weight 7Kg

Posted: **05 Jan 2021, 12:35**

1/6 scale T21 All up weight 7Kg

Are you sure....

BC

Posted: **05 Jan 2021, 16:37**

The 4.2 scale OAP-Friendly Topaze is now ready for covering & finish...

Posted: **23 Jan 2021, 12:49**

Job done, now she can join the Maiden Queue...

Stats: Span 3.6m
A.U.W. 9lbs
HQ35/14-12

Posted: **24 Jan 2021, 10:33**

Decided to progress a 1/5 scale Janus fuselage that I picked up a few years ago.
I don’t know who made the (seems to be Epoxy glass) fuselage but hopefully Barry at Sarik can find me a suitable canopy in due course.
However, the first issue was that the fuselage moulding had no wing root fairings at all, so I had a word with John Hall or ideas on fitting some.
After designing a built up HQ section wing, I got Cliff Evans to cut me some 1/8” ply root ribs (with allowance for 0.4mm ply skins).
Once the root position had been decided, I used the joiner slot/holes to position & fix a root rib to both inside & outside of the fuselage (forming a ply/shell/ply sandwich), using temporary fit joiners for final alignment.
This gave me root ribs at the tapered fuselage angle.
When that lot was set, I could then use the joiners to position the final root faring ribs which were parallel to each other & at right angles to the joiners.
Once the gap between the external ribs was filled with spruce spacers & hard balsa filler, the skins could be fitted to complete the root stubs.
The pics show the assembled stubs, internal ribs & joiner tubes.

Posted: **25 Jan 2021, 12:29**

Next up in the Interminable Lockdown series...1:4.9 scale cabriolet version of the Bergfalke 4

Tine for some scroll saw therapy...

Posted: **25 Jan 2021, 13:01**

chris williams wrote: ↑25 Jan 2021, 12:29 Next up in the Interminable Lockdown series...1:4.9 scale cabriolet version of the Bergfalke 4

Tine for some scroll saw therapy...

Looking forward to this one Chris..

Posted: **26 Jan 2021, 08:59**

Where is Chris getting all the wood for his builds? Is it true that he is the source of the balsa shortages? Has he bought up all the mills in Indonesia?

I'm not doing a big build this winter as my balsa store is almost empty.

I have resorted to buying a kit for a tiny little vintage free flight model (with an electric motor).

Brian.

Posted: **26 Jan 2021, 09:59**

Hes got a balsa forrest in his garden

Posted: **26 Jan 2021, 11:24**

I have never been a fan of the Just In Time theory of logistics...I prefer Just In Case

Posted: **26 Jan 2021, 11:39**

B Sharp wrote: ↑26 Jan 2021, 08:59 I have resorted to buying a kit for a tiny little vintage free flight model (with an electric motor).
Brian.

And some small radio gear??

BC

Posted: **26 Jan 2021, 11:48**

Chris probably has enough sawdust to make a model from!!

Posted: **26 Jan 2021, 18:32**

Barry, I had it all sitting in a box waiting just for a new model. I was a boy scout don't you know - Be Prepared!
Brian.

Posted: **26 Jan 2021, 22:40**

And crikey hasn’t radio gear got small! This tiny thing has almost the same torque as the old bricks we were screwing into our models 40 years ago. Digital technology just keeps getting better.

Posted: **27 Jan 2021, 10:51**

you do have large hands though Rog!!

Posted: **02 Feb 2021, 02:25**

Preparations are made to start the build of a scale 1:3 Slingsby T6 Kirby Kite. This one of my own designs requested by Cliff Evans. I will create a build thread on the forum. It will not be a fast built. A challenge will be the ply planking because I want to have a scale finish, that means a clear varnished surface. This asks for extra care/work/time to get neat joint lines between the ply sections particular on the fuse front end. I prefer the later used curved trailing edge of the rudder, canopy option could be both.
A computer rendered picture of the model is included in the attachments.

Posted: **02 Feb 2021, 12:51**

There are two of these being built here Jilles, just cannot get any photos from the builders!

Posted: **05 Feb 2021, 16:50**

The Bergfalke Convertible is coming together...

Posted: **05 Feb 2021, 17:10**

Well, I guess if you cannot be bothered to make a canopy and finish the job properly, then that's an easy way out...

BC

Posted: **05 Feb 2021, 17:30**

Trust me...a standard canopy is much easier....!

Posted: **06 Feb 2021, 10:55**

Just finished a new pat teakle salto

Posted: **06 Feb 2021, 11:32**

Nice Roo

Posted: **09 Feb 2021, 00:24**

Here is my plan built Jantar by Mike Trew , About 145 inch if memory serves.
Built up fuselage/cnc foam wings and tailplane, with full depth ply spars and carbon capping with epoxy bonded 1/16 balsa.I departed from the plan joiner, I used 18mm carbon tube instead.
Cheers.
Dave

Posted: **09 Feb 2021, 09:06**

Dave Mackintosh wrote: ↑09 Feb 2021, 00:24 I departed from the plan joiner, I used 10mm carbon tube instead.
Cheers.
Dave

That sounds a bit small to me???

BC

Posted: **09 Feb 2021, 13:25**

And me!!!

Posted: **09 Feb 2021, 13:40**

I think the original MT plan would have used at least 10x2 if not 12x2 steel joiner strip & brass box.
Your wing spars may be strong enough, but a 10mm carbon tube joiner sounds a bit weak & likely to snap at a wing/fuselage joint under reasonable g loads during flight.

If your joiner is actually a tube then it’s probably worth at least epoxying a close fitting high strength steel bar inside the tube as this won’t affect your completed wings & fuselage.
I have a 3m Discus & that uses an 8mm or 9mm carbon steel rod joiner.

Posted: **09 Feb 2021, 16:21**

Less of of a "build" more of a "rebuild" / refurb of a (new to me) used Alpina (clone)

It was naked glass/resin a few weeks back, its now base coated and awaiting a (slightly) warmer day to start some top coats.

Marc

Posted: **09 Feb 2021, 17:09**

Barry_Cole wrote: ↑09 Feb 2021, 09:06
Dave Mackintosh wrote: ↑09 Feb 2021, 00:24 I departed from the plan joiner, I used 10mm carbon tube instead.
Cheers.
Dave
That sounds a bit small to me???

BC

O0ps! Typo gentlemen,should read 18mm!

Posted: **10 Feb 2021, 10:35**

Just about to start building the 3.5m version of Chris Williams HW4-Flamingo. As I can't source brass box & steel blade as wing joining here in France I'm thinking of using 14mm carbon tube in the wings & fuselage and a 12mm steel rod as the joiner. Importing the brass/steel solution costs twice as much as carbon/steel method.

I would appreciate the views of more experience hands than mine as to whether this sounds like a sound scheme.

Posted: **10 Feb 2021, 10:38**

Gliders UK, they ship to France, failing that I have some.

https://www.gliders.uk.com/15-mm-x-2mm- ... nfo/GLB15/

Posted: **10 Feb 2021, 17:46**

Hi Cliff
I was aware that they did stock these but the overall cost is £35 with the shipping to France. For this reason I started looking for another solution. A 14mm carbon tube & steel rod costs the equivalent of £18 here. Obviously this has its attractions but I don’t want to risk the model by using the wrong approach or one of insufficient strength. The killer on the cost is the shipping to France.

Thanks for your input though.

Posted: **10 Feb 2021, 20:06**

Hi,

I am new to this site. I will start building Chris Williams Bergfalke IV this year. I bought the plans and the short kit last year.
I recently started with the hobby again. (I have been away for 33 years)
I know I will need some support from you guys. And as we don’t have a lot of slopes in Belgium, I would like to E-Bergificate my Bergfalke to.
So Chris, your guidance will be more than welcome.

As this is also my first ever “short kit” build, I will have some challenges ahead.

Johan

Posted: **11 Feb 2021, 00:37**

Regarding the high shipping cost of the joiner material, you can ask Gliders UK to cut the material in half (ie to the size thats generally needed) and this will save you some money on the freight. Living in Australia we have the same problem if you want to use that joiner system.
Failing that you change the design and use carbon or aluminium as an alternative.

Posted: **11 Feb 2021, 00:46**

No problemo, Johan...

Posted: **11 Feb 2021, 08:16**

There's a *LOT* of control inputs going on in that pic!

~40 degrees bank angle, cross controls (?) AIL/RUD, up ELE, Brakes out (and power /ON?)

... and all in proximity to the ground (could be the lens I guess making it look closer)

Posted: **11 Feb 2021, 11:39**

Johan, have you received all the build pics for the Bergfalke from me...?

Posted: **12 Feb 2021, 15:02**

Re wing joiner material
Some time ago I built my first 1/4 scale glider ,and not knowing any better i used 1/8 x 1/2 mild steel for the wing brace ,cos i had some ,fitted vertically I felt sure it would be strong enough. We watched in horror when on being released from the toe the wings slowly clapped hands ,and the model spiralled in. the 1/8 x 1/2 had bent a full 45 deg
A friend of mine flies a large,expensive all glass glider ,the wing joiner as supplied with the kit was a stainless bar 1.25 in diameter ,following an impressive low level wiz followed by a loop he calls landing as he has a problem, he got it down safely .The G force had bent the stainless bay, it seemed impossible.
I have come to the concluion that theres a lot more going on in them there wings than meets the eye ,so with due respect unless you have a degree in
aeronautics I would recommend that you stick to the recommended materials. It will be cheaper in the long run, as a years worth of work only takes seconds to hit the floor.
Good luck ,stay safe
Arthur.

Posted: **13 Feb 2021, 01:32**

Gromotec in Germany sell glass fiber rods in a few dia.
Petrausch sells the fenolyth tubing for them.
I just ordered for a friend a 16 mm glass rod for his 4.4 m span glider.
One could use also the hardened steel rods that are used for linear bearings.
They come with weight too but are the only steel shafts that can be used my thinking...
From 20 mm on you can buy them hollow as well.
Sizes are 5 - 8 - 12 - 16 - 20 - 25 - 30 - 40 - 50 - 60 - 80.
Hollow they come from 20x14 - 25x15.4 - 30x18 - 40x27 - 50x28 - 60x34 - 80x56<ID.
Gromotec sells glass fiber once from 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - 10 - 12 - 16 - 18 - 20 - 25.
Petrausch sells the tubing from 10 mm ID.
He also sells Strongal ALu tubes, but these are not fit for gliders!!! His own saying to me!!!
I do hope this helps!
Noël

Posted: **13 Feb 2021, 09:07**

Noel, I am fiberglass rod averse having used it for wing joiners on thermal soarers in the past. My first experience was when one let go while winching on a breezy day. There was a mighty bang followed by a one winged model returning to earth. When the wreckage was examined the glass joiner had exploded but the fibres had not let go. They had formed something like two paint brushes joined together at the ends of the bristles. The second occasion was on a clumsy landing where one joiner let go. This time the fibres had expanded to more than double the original rod diameter and proved impossible to remove from the wing or the fuselage!
Brian.

Posted: **13 Feb 2021, 16:21**

My query about wing joining materials has brought forth several different views. Mild steel will bent, fibreglass rod/tubes can fracture or disintegrate and carbon can suffer structural failure at the wing/fuselage interface especially in the case of a hard landing.

That leaves us with the original material, brass box/steel blade. This solution goes back years. I’m not suggesting it isn’t good but surely it is not the only solution for long wings of larger heavier gliders given the advances in material science.

I may well have to stick to brass box/steel blade and swallow the cost but I’d like to investigate the alternatives first.

Posted: **13 Feb 2021, 21:15**

Consider also, the examples above of things failing are not equivalent to a steel blade: Rods are not blades and nor are bars.

The blade is *VERY* good at its job: resisting a bending force, when supported by the box and wing etc, in the vertical. A rod or bar will be less so, but will be better in the horizontal (not much use on a wing joiner), so its a little unfair to make them as "not as good", they are not intended to be, they are different shapes!

Here's an interesting article comparing Glass, carbon and Kevlar. Note under tensile strength, all three are pretty even! (would be good to find an equivalent for the steel bar/box for comparison) https://www.christinedemerchant.com/car ... ison.html

Posted: **14 Feb 2021, 10:23**

Nigel, I don’t think there is such a thing (in normal use) as an unbreakable wing joiner; all of them have their limits. It is unfortunately up to you decide the weight of the model, the proposed flight envelope and the likely loads and how aggressively you want to fly and choose/design the joiner accordingly.
14/15mm steel blade is very good and I have regularly used it in a variety of models over the years. The smaller and lighter models have had single blades while heavier, larger (4 to 5 metres or above) have had two parallel blades. These blades do bend and you may find that you may have to replace them if you have been a little too enthusiastic in your flying. I had one 1/4 scale glider where one side of the blade was almost tied in a knot. Having said that there was a Greenly tug with motor running dangling under it at the time.
I think all of the material options will work so long as you choose a size that is capable of handling the flight load x 2.
Brian.

Posted: **14 Feb 2021, 10:39**

Brian
In the absence of being unable to calculate the size of alternative wing-joiner systems to the brass box/steel blade I will stick to that solution as it’s tried and tested. It the only sensible thing to do. I’d like to thank everyone for their input of this issue and I’m sorry if the original thread has been hijacked by this issue!!

Nigel

Posted: **18 Feb 2021, 11:07**

Have you thought about titanium rod for joiner. Very expensive but good and light. There is a company on eBay that is selling meter lengths of grade 23 medical grade for £29. Used it in my 7 meter ash 31 after my steel bent no problem now.

Posted: **18 Feb 2021, 11:31**

What grade of steel were you using Roo?
I have a high carbon content (machine slide) rod for my 1/4 scale ASK21.
Stainless steel would be too soft.

Posted: **18 Feb 2021, 12:50**

Bergfalke progressing nicely... Span: 3.7m, current AUW ballasted for cg: 6.5lbs

Posted: **18 Feb 2021, 15:40**

Peter Balcombe wrote: ↑18 Feb 2021, 11:31 What grade of steel were you using Roo?
I have a high carbon content (machine slide) rod for my 1/4 scale ASK21.
Stainless steel would be too soft.

Hi Peter It was stainless 303 18 mm it has been ok on all my other gliders .but the ash 31 is was over 16 kg .using titanium and I have taken 1/2 kg of lead out of the nose. .now under 14kg.

Posted: **26 Feb 2021, 19:47**

A murmuration of cabrios... (Well, what else can you do during a power cut?)

Posted: **03 Mar 2021, 18:02**

And here is the one that started it all! Modelled on the full size based in Holland.

: ASK-13-Cabrio conversion of the Cliff Charlesworth Plan

Posted: **09 Mar 2021, 00:52**

And this one...
Noël

Posted: **09 Mar 2021, 12:23**

The new 1/3 scale 13 will be based on this one.

Posted: **20 Mar 2021, 11:35**

The maidens are really starting to build up...!

Posted: **21 Mar 2021, 16:50**

BS 18 is almost ready for the maiden flight, at 98% . Looking forward the summer time

Posted: **21 Mar 2021, 17:44**

Nice one Pat. Another Retroplane special.

BC

Posted: **21 Mar 2021, 17:49**

Wow, Beautiful Pat!

Posted: **21 Mar 2021, 17:54**

Superb work and an interesting subject. Well done

Posted: **07 Apr 2021, 21:43**

Finally, a start to this year's flying...two maidens today at CMFC: Mott's 1/4 scale Dart, and my new nr.1/4 scale version of the good 'ol Topaze

Posted: **08 Apr 2021, 09:45**

And there would have been a third maiden if a certain person had not left the tailplane at home.

BC

Posted: **08 Apr 2021, 11:28**

Excellent...just won a £10 bet...!

Posted: **08 Apr 2021, 12:02**

So I am a bit predictable....

BC

Posted: **11 Apr 2021, 20:41**

Next up: Sperber Junior...Scaled to 1:4.5, this should turn out the same size as the 5th scale Petrel and Flamingo

Posted: **11 Apr 2021, 21:49**

My Rhöngeist Pofessor
goes finish

Best regards Olli

Posted: **12 Apr 2021, 08:12**

Nice model Olli.

Posted: **12 Apr 2021, 10:00**

Motley's version of the 1/4 scale Minimoa from the forum nears completion...

Posted: **12 Apr 2021, 11:48**

Hi Chris

Here's the historic picture you really need, if you haven't already got it.

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 09:49**

Many thanks, Ian...

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 09:50**

The mini Bergfalke had its maiden flight at CMFC yesterday...

Specs:

Scale 1:4.7
Span: 3.7
Weight: 9lbs-(ish)

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 11:34**

Very nice model, did it handle as well as you hoped it would?

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 12:51**

A bit of a handful initially, due to a slightly rearward cg and too much elevator movement. Once these issued were sorted, she seems pretty much like the larger versions...

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 14:19**

Thanks for your reply Chris. Out of curiosity how do you store the many models you’ve built? I guess it must need to be an aircraft hanger!

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 16:11**

Never mind how he stores them, if you were to see the size of his workshop you would wonder how the hell he builds them!

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 16:53**

It's all down to the judicious use of Quantum Entanglement...

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 17:53**

chris williams wrote: ↑15 Apr 2021, 16:53 It's all down to the judicious use of Quantum Entanglement...

Which also explains why it’s only when he actually looks for the tailplane that it decides whether it’s in the car or back home

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 19:41**

Trevor wrote: ↑15 Apr 2021, 17:53
chris williams wrote: ↑15 Apr 2021, 16:53 It's all down to the judicious use of Quantum Entanglement...
Which also explains why it’s only when he actually looks for the tailplane that it decides whether it’s in the car or back home

Now I understand it all.

BC

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 20:53**

Must be difficult if they are all stored in a big heap together knowing which wings or tails fit which model!

Posted: **15 Apr 2021, 21:21**

Yes, tailplane recognition is an acquired art... If only I could acquire it!

Posted: **01 May 2021, 16:23**

The 'Junior proceeds apace...

Posted: **01 May 2021, 18:34**

Very nice Chris.

Posted: **04 May 2021, 14:06**

My latest is a 1:3.5 version of the cantilever Gull, colour as it was before restoration.

Posted: **04 May 2021, 15:21**

Nice one, William...Gulls rule!

Posted: **06 May 2021, 15:28**

My RRG Professor is ready to fly

i have made last weekend the maidenfly

:-)

The Professor flies absolut beautiful

Best regards Olli

Posted: **06 May 2021, 16:58**

Congratulations, Olli...!

Posted: **06 May 2021, 23:52**

Olli wrote: ↑06 May 2021, 15:28
The Professor flies absolut beautiful

Best regards Olli

Superb looking glider. Varnished wood, can't beat it. I want to do a fafnir some day . . .

But you know the rules . . no video - it didn't happen.

Well done
Phillip C
New Zealand

Posted: **22 May 2021, 12:39**

All ready for covering & painting...

Posted: **22 May 2021, 13:29**

Very nice Chris. I see you chickened out from the scale airbrake position

Posted: **22 May 2021, 16:32**

Well spotted, Cpl Jones...I wondered who would be the first to notice that.

Posted: **22 May 2021, 16:43**

Chris, What was the reason for using another position for the spoilers?

Posted: **22 May 2021, 16:58**

Nigel Ellis-Gray wrote: ↑22 May 2021, 16:43 Chris, What was the reason for using another position for the spoilers?

Ease of manufacture..

BC

Posted: **22 May 2021, 17:10**

They re on the gull curve, a bit of a B****r to do

If you want to know what is written on the rear fuselage
here are the details

MUSTER : RHÖNSPERBER SPEZIAL
WERK Nr : 4125
RÜSTGEWICHT : 170 Kg
ZULADUNG : 90 Kg
FLUGGEWICHT : 260 Kg
ZUGELASSEN FÜR WINDENSTART 80 Km/Std. FLUGZEUGSCHLEPP 100 Km/Std.

Herst. Flugzeugbau
Schweyer
Ludwigshafen

EIGENTÜMER:
DEUTSCHE FORSCHUNGSANSTALT FÜR SEGELFLUG
DARMSTADT-FLUGHAFEN
TEL 2232 / 33

Posted: **22 May 2021, 17:24**

A quite understandable choice!

Posted: **28 May 2021, 22:00**

Hi Vince - great photo and details of the Sperber Junior.
Obviously the data chart appears only on the port side (as required by regulation) but have you a photo that shows whether or not the information on the fin and rudder also appeared on the starboard side.
Paul

Posted: **28 May 2021, 22:18**

Difficult to determine, it seems photos of right sides of any glider are quite rare. The markings on the right side are different

Posted: **29 May 2021, 16:52**

Now you mention it Vince, its true that photos of the right hand side of gliders are rarer than the left - perhaps because pilots enter the cockpit from the left ?
Competition number 61 appears with the registration D-Sperber Junior. I have seen a photo which has 61 but no name on the starboard fuselage side and its unclear if this was before the name /registration was added or if the fuselage had been broken and repainted.

Your photo with the writing on fin and rudder, is later. The glider now carried the NSFK registration D-11-48 so is at least mid 1937. At this point a small competition number 5 was at the top of the rudder. I still haven't seen a photo of the starboard side in this period.
Paul

Posted: **30 May 2021, 11:05**

Motley maidened his new Minimoa from the free plan at CMFC yesterday...

Posted: **30 May 2021, 13:28**

Edmund Krauser has been very busy indeed: having finished the Rhonsperber and S25 from the SSUK free plans, he's approaching the end of his Steinadler project, too...!

Posted: **30 May 2021, 18:52**

Moswey from Laser Cut Sailplanes build by John Goldson from Sandhays.

Posted: **30 May 2021, 20:09**

Very nice.

Posted: **31 May 2021, 06:12**

BS 18 airone 's flight was done last month. She flight well and light ( plane weight is 7.5 kg for 4.5 m wingspan )
Pat'

Posted: **31 May 2021, 08:54**

Great to hear Pat. Any video available?

Posted: **31 May 2021, 09:13**

Pat - What a great model with lots of detail, well done

Posted: **31 May 2021, 11:21**

Cliff Evans wrote: ↑31 May 2021, 08:54 Great to hear Pat. Any video available?

Hi Cliff,
Unfortunatly not , no cameraman available

and quite difficult to catch up some pics .
Maybe more later during a GPR meeting in July

Posted: **01 Jun 2021, 20:11**

The Junior awaits her maiden...

Posted: **01 Jun 2021, 22:00**

very very nice Chris.

Posted: **02 Jun 2021, 06:07**

How have you achieved the very smart blue decoration? Stunning colour scheme.

Posted: **02 Jun 2021, 07:48**

Nigel Ellis-Gray wrote: ↑02 Jun 2021, 06:07 How have you achieved the very smart blue decoration? Stunning colour scheme.

Photoshop????

BC

Posted: **02 Jun 2021, 08:14**

Lovely model, Chris

Posted: **02 Jun 2021, 08:36**

What a cruel comment Barry!

Posted: **02 Jun 2021, 09:31**

The fuselage is covered with Solartex and 2K painted, the flying surfaces are covered with HK white film with matching blue trim...

Posted: **04 Jun 2021, 12:25**

Motley's 1/4 scale Mini had its first taste of the slope at WS yesterday...

Posted: **04 Jun 2021, 12:31**

The mini Bergfalke IV also had its first slope session. As the lift was extremely iffy at times, the secret propeller came in super-handy! At this size, it's a very handy model for those well-stricken in years... (This brings our fleet of electric Bergfalke 4's up to four)

Posted: **04 Jun 2021, 12:33**

The light conditions weren't ideal for the S.Junior's maiden, but flew she did, even if the landings were both hurried crosswind affairs...

Posted: **04 Jun 2021, 13:59**

chris williams wrote: ↑04 Jun 2021, 12:31 The mini Bergfalke IV also had its first slope session. As the lift was extremely iffy at times, the secret propeller came in super-handy! At this size, it's a very handy model for those well-stricken in years... (This brings our fleet of electric Bergfalke 4's up to four)

Is the collective noun for them a "Stefan"? as in a group of Stefan E-BERGs

(OK! OK! I'll get my own coat)

M

Posted: **08 Jul 2021, 22:57**

Hello,

New to the forum and this looked like the appropriate place to ask my question.

Just in the process of completing my first glider build in 30 years. Getting back into it and having much fun enjoying some much needed man meditation

.

Not an exciting build by your standards being an Aeronaut laser cut RES 2 meter glider, but thought a good place to start.

Looking forwards I want to start my first scale vintage glider build in next couple months that will also be a bit of a trainer.

It needs to be a manageable size to start (3-4 meters) and a safe ‘easy’ flyer. Construction not that radical as still learning the ropes.

Any suggestions from the group?

All going well it will get a start in August and finish before before 2021 ends

.

Cheers from down under

Alex

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 06:57**

Hello Alex

Welcome to the forum. There will be many suggestions for a first scale build.

Bearing in mind ease of construction I'd go for the Cliff Charlesworth ASK18. It's a great performer without too many curves to the fuselage and construction is very traditional. The only area of problem I have ever had with mine is the elevator linkage in the fuselage. If you follow the drawing with a simple clevis to the elevator horn you will find it's difficult to assemble at the field.

Better to use Chris Williams idea with a steel pin attached to the elevator and a sliding piece of brass in the fus with an appropriate sized hole in it.

Cliff Evans could help you with plans etc.

Hope this helps

Ian

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 08:55**

ian davis wrote: ↑09 Jul 2021, 06:57 Hello Alex

Welcome to the forum. There will be many suggestions for a first scale build.

Bearing in mind ease of construction I'd go for the Cliff Charlesworth ASK18. It's a great performer without too many curves to the fuselage and construction is very traditional. The only area of problem I have ever had with mine is the elevator linkage in the fuselage. If you follow the drawing with a simple clevis to the elevator horn you will find it's difficult to assemble at the field.

Better to use Chris Williams idea with a steel pin attached to the elevator and a sliding piece of brass in the fus with an appropriate sized hole in it.

Cliff Evans could help you with plans etc.

Hope this helps

Ian

https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk/produc ... -kit-plan/

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 11:40**

ian davis wrote: ↑09 Jul 2021, 06:57 Hello Alex

Welcome to the forum. There will be many suggestions for a first scale build.

Bearing in mind ease of construction I'd go for the Cliff Charlesworth ASK18. It's a great performer without too many curves to the fuselage and construction is very traditional. The only area of problem I have ever had with mine is the elevator linkage in the fuselage. If you follow the drawing with a simple clevis to the elevator horn you will find it's difficult to assemble at the field.

Better to use Chris Williams idea with a steel pin attached to the elevator and a sliding piece of brass in the fus with an appropriate sized hole in it.

Cliff Evans could help you with plans etc.

Hope this helps

Ian

Thanks Ian

I’ll go check it out!

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 11:52**

Cliff Evans wrote: ↑09 Jul 2021, 08:55 [quote=“

https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk/produc ... -kit-plan/

Thanks for the link Cliff

Wow to be honest I was surprised at the recommendation. I figured a boxy high wing trainer type like a Grunau Baby would come up.

To be honest I was a little scared of curves as a first project. You guys make it look easy.

Looking at the ASK 18 it’s a lovely looking model and I have been an admirer of Cliff Charlesworth. I’ll check the build threads to see who has made one.

Maybe I’ll just have to dive in and swim

Thanks again

Cheers

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 12:41**

ian davis wrote: ↑09 Jul 2021, 06:57 Hello Alex

Welcome to the forum. There will be many suggestions for a first scale build.

Bearing in mind ease of construction I'd go for the Cliff Charlesworth ASK18. It's a great performer without too many curves to the fuselage and construction is very traditional. The only area of problem I have ever had with mine is the elevator linkage in the fuselage. If you follow the drawing with a simple clevis to the elevator horn you will find it's difficult to assemble at the field.

Better to use Chris Williams idea with a steel pin attached to the elevator and a sliding piece of brass in the fus with an appropriate sized hole in it.

Cliff Evans could help you with plans etc.

Hope this helps

Ian

Brass tubes are so yesterday...these days we use ball link clevises

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 13:12**

Thanks Chris

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 14:10**

Alex,
I cannot spot a Charlesworth 1/4 scale ASK18 build thread on the forum, but one has been built fairly recently by Brian Taylor (using the updated wing design mentioned below).
I’m sure that it would make a lovely build & there will always be help/input available on the forum.

As mentioned above, there is a new CAD derived wing design available for this model which utilises the HQ3.5 section, thereby eliminating the need for building in any washout as was standard with the original design.
The CAD design should also greatly ease the assembly, as things will notch together much better than with the original Cliff Charlesworth hand drawn plan. The wing ribs also have lower building tabs to allow the complete wing to be built up over a flat board, plus I think there is optional top surface wing bed to use whilst applying the lower skins if needed.

The fuselage is still the original design, so using more modern techniques in some areas would be worth considering - such as the elevator pushrod/connection mechanism as already mentioned by others.

Have a word with Cliff at Laser Cut Sailplanes for more info.

Peter

Posted: **09 Jul 2021, 14:21**

Peter Balcombe wrote: ↑09 Jul 2021, 14:10 Alex,
I cannot spot a Charlesworth 1/4 scale ASK18 build thread on the forum, but I do know that one has been built fairly recently (using the updated wing design mentioned below).
I’m sure that it would make a lovely build & there will always be help/input available on the forum.

As mentioned above, there is a new CAD derived wing design available for this model which utilises the HQ3.5 section, thereby eliminating the need for building in any washout as was standard with the original design.
The CAD design should also greatly ease the assembly, as things will notch together much better than with the original Cliff Charlesworth hand drawn plan. The wing ribs also have lower building tabs to allow the complete wing to be built up over a flat board, plus I think there is optional top surface wing bed to use whilst applying the lower skins if needed.

The fuselage is still the original design, so using more modern techniques in some areas would be worth considering - such as the elevator pushrod/connection mechanism as already mentioned by others.

Have a word with Cliff at Laser Cut Sailplanes for more info.

Peter

Thanks Peter for the interest and advice. The model does look like a nice challenge and performer by all accounts.

Cheers

Alex

Posted: **16 Jul 2021, 12:49**

Continuing my quest to look back into the past through the wrong end of a telescope, the Rhonadler is now getting the scaling down treatment...This time to 1:3.9

Posted: **16 Jul 2021, 23:02**

A smaller Rhonadler - brilliant.
Any guesstimate on weight Chris ?
Paul

Posted: **17 Jul 2021, 00:19**

Hopefully, under 7.5kgs...!

Posted: **17 Jul 2021, 00:23**

1/4 scale SG38 finally completed today….now waitin* for a windy hill to test it

Posted: **17 Jul 2021, 17:41**

CW 1/5 Petrel Progressing..

Posted: **17 Jul 2021, 20:49**

Graeme Hogg wrote: ↑17 Jul 2021, 00:23 1/4 scale SG38 finally completed today….now waitin* for a windy hill to test it

Is that the one from "land of the giants"?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DFS_SG_38 ... elflug.jpg

Posted: **17 Jul 2021, 22:19**

mjcp wrote: ↑17 Jul 2021, 20:49
Graeme Hogg wrote: ↑17 Jul 2021, 00:23 1/4 scale SG38 finally completed today….now waitin* for a windy hill to test it
Is that the one from "land of the giants"?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DFS_SG_38 ... elflug.jpg

I wondered the same! This is my 1/3 scale SG38.

Posted: **18 Jul 2021, 18:01**

Chris - will the Rhonadler be appearing as a plan with cnc parts ?
Also, any intention of going mad and doing a 1/6 one ?
Paul

Posted: **18 Jul 2021, 20:06**

There's always a plan, Paul, but I dunno about the rest...

cw

Posted: **19 Jul 2021, 09:42**

Paul_Williams wrote: ↑18 Jul 2021, 18:01 Chris - will the Rhonadler be appearing as a plan with cnc parts ?
Also, any intention of going mad and doing a 1/6 one ?
Paul

Parts will be available at some point.

Posted: **22 Jul 2021, 12:36**

Time for a quick dihedral check...

Posted: **23 Jul 2021, 21:44**

very nice Chris, an elegant sailplane - if noit 1/6, maybe 1/5 to match the new Minimoa

Paul

Posted: **21 Aug 2021, 17:23**

Eddi Krauser has reached the end stage of his Steinadler build...

Posted: **21 Aug 2021, 17:34**

Now that does look nice in green!

Posted: **21 Aug 2021, 17:40**

Nearly flew mine yesterday, but the tug went on strike (again)

Posted: **22 Aug 2021, 07:59**

chris williams wrote: ↑21 Aug 2021, 17:40 Nearly flew mine yesterday, but the tug went on strike (again)

Next time. Strike is over. 5% Pay rise agreed.

BC

Posted: **23 Aug 2021, 20:16**

Coincidental to my 1/4 build, Alexander Carton in Belgium is starting on a half-scale version of the Rhonadler 35. He has already done this with the Rhonsperber...

Posted: **23 Aug 2021, 20:32**

chris williams wrote: ↑23 Aug 2021, 20:16 Coincidental to my 1/4 build, Alexander Carton in Belgium is starting on a half-scale version of the Rhonadler 35. He has already done this with the Rhonsperber...

That will be quite something.

Posted: **27 Aug 2021, 20:31**

The Rhonadler is just about ready for covering & finish...

Posted: **19 Sep 2021, 20:52**

Thinks: If I didn't keep putting off painting the fuselage the job would be done by now...

Posted: **29 Sep 2021, 20:03**

I'm not ready with my Rhönadler 35 yet. Due to other tasks (selling my mother-in-law's house), things are only progressing slowly for me at the moment. Deviating from the plan, I build a solid center piece with contact surfaces from the aileron. The pictures show the current construction progress

Posted: **05 Oct 2021, 12:25**

The 1/4 scale version of the Rhonadler is now maiden-ready...

Posted: **05 Oct 2021, 12:32**

Very nice Chris.

Posted: **08 Oct 2021, 21:26**

Rhonadler maiden today... With a light wing loading and the combination of scale & HQ aerofoils she's a great big floaty pussy cat...

Posted: **09 Oct 2021, 08:36**

Congratulations on yet another winner Chris. It looked magnificent.

Posted: **09 Oct 2021, 18:17**

Nice one Chris! Another lovely model that looks great in the air.
Well done!
Brian.

Posted: **10 Oct 2021, 09:45**

Thanks fellers...(The cheques are in the post)

Posted: **10 Oct 2021, 11:59**

I wish I had said something nice, now....

BC

Posted: **11 Oct 2021, 17:33**

Why change the habits of a lifetime Barry? We love you just as you are!
Brian.

Posted: **28 Oct 2021, 08:08**

Just completed a 1/4 scale Slingsby Falcon 4

Posted: **28 Oct 2021, 08:43**

Very nice William. Who is the plan by?

Posted: **12 Nov 2021, 07:23**

I've just seen your post, Cliff, the plan is by Jim Owen, downloaded from the SS site some time ago. Some errors on the fuselage plan.

Posted: **12 Nov 2021, 08:32**

Thanks William, can you tell me what the errors were?

Posted: **12 Nov 2021, 10:18**

Formers in the cockpit area were the wrong shape, and the two main formers were not as tall as shown on the fuz side view, which seem to be correct. The wing and tailplane are ok but he's drawn the main spar parallel with the LE, which results in the sheeting at the tip being wider that scale. I notice that the plan is still shown on the list, but not in the "Available for download" section?

Posted: **12 Nov 2021, 13:00**

Thanks William, did you redraw and keep the former drawings? I will not put it up for download until corrected.

Posted: **12 Nov 2021, 19:36**

Nice to see you are still actively churning out pretty scale aeroplanes William. Well Done.
Brian.

Posted: **14 Nov 2021, 15:16**

I am build a Slingsby T31 in austral version
at M 1:2,5 with 6,25 wingspan

Best regards Olli

Posted: **14 Nov 2021, 17:22**

Nice.

Posted: **23 Nov 2021, 16:25**

My 1/5 scale Chris Williams Minimoa is ready for her maiden flight when I am feeling brave and can feel my fingers. It should be a doddle as I am now "type approved" on the prototype.

Bill

Scale Soaring UK

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