1/6 Slingsby T21 - Jilles Smits

[Wayne]

Hello again

"Disclaimer"
I make no apologies for any typo's or misspelling due to either predictive text or my slight, if there is such a thing as "slight" dyslexia however I believe that the general meaning and texture of this thread will be conveyed.

Background:
It's been just over a year since I completed the build of my SG38 and test flight however I'm still waiting for all the right day to give it a good airing, In the meantime I thought I would re-engage with building a Slingsby T21.

I was first inspired to build a T21 when I saw it on the front cover of the 1976 Radio Modeller magazine back in the early 1990's and managed to get hold of a set of plans.
Having build the fusealarge and coverd in silver Solartex set about building the wings.
I used a plywood master route rib and bolt sandwiched layers of balsa to it, hand sanding to shape, I still have the plywood master rib in my workshop to remind me of those tedious rib making days.

The build was progressing well until I reached the out wings where the ribs, according to the plan appeared to tapper to the tip however when laying down the ribs as per the designed cut outs appeared to be incorrect even having re-studied the plans for ages I could not fathem it out as the ribs were either longer outboard or had a larger route, then with a hasty new house move I decided to leave the fusealarge in the loft for someone to apt upon at some point in the future, wonder if it's still there .

1976 T21

1/3 or 1/6 scale ?

I would love to build a 1/3 scale however having decided to buld 1/6 scale i know that at some point I will want to build a 1/3 scale but for now and practical reasons i.e. transporting and carrying up the slope I've gone for the 1/6 scale.

My intention is to build a usable model, to build the fusealarge first, install most of the electrical gear adding some detail not exactly scale but near enough for my liking, I will post some photos along the way together with the Pro's and Con's of the kit which is the 1/6 scale short kit from Laser Cut Sailplanes.
https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk/produc ... -kit-plan/

[Wayne]

Taken delivery

[Wayne]

Can't resist a quick play with the fusealarge parts

Yes the action man is too large

[Wayne]

So having cleared my building board and marked a centre datum line I started construction of the fusealarge at F1 though to F9 having firstly dry fit assembled the formers to get an idea of how the sequence of assembly should be bearing mind that there is no instructions or building notes apart from what's on the plan layout at this point I thought it prudent to make up the alluminium wheel supports that need to be epoxed to both K1 formers.
(Tip) when making the alluminium wheel supports use the former K1 to check the alluminium wheel supports for correct shape, dry dry fit before epoxying in place with a 4mm temporary axle to ensure everything lines up, I used a 4mm carbon rod for an axle as this was on hand and lighter left it longer than needed so it could be withdrawn once the epoxy had hardened, be sure to key both alluminium support sides that have to be epoxied to K1 with one corse sand paper before epoxing.

[Wayne]

With the wheel supports epoxied in place and all formers F1 to F9 which forms the cockpit section of the fusealarge I set the former centre reference tabs over the datum line on the building board and allowed the glued formers to set.
Having noted that there is an option for a tow release servo I remembered that I had a tow release so dug it out and installed it although I can't see it getting used as I intend to use the T21 as a slope sourer.
Also installed the black plastic laser printed nose, looks a little on the small side as it does not fully cover the top and bottom corner spars think I'll need to pack the spars out later in the build.

[Jolly Roger]

I hope the build is going well Ted.
There's a T21 regularly flies over our house from the Yorkshire Gliding Club. It oozes cuddly character and hangs motionless in any kind of breeze. Compared with the sleek glass ships that race along the ridge, the T21 is a total dinosaur, but it is so relaxing to watch and seems to make time slow down.

[chris williams]

I filmed a T21 in action at Keevil, many years ago. Take a look: it's exactly as Roger says.

[jack]

I built the 1/4 scale T-21 from the pen of Mr Williams,finished in the colours/reg of the aircraft l learned to fly in,you really cannot beat the wind in your hair,dont have any now of course-hair or wind-so l am sadly selling my t-21 and downsizing to smaller airframes,the design from dear mr williams was a delight to build and fly,good luck with yours,will watch the build with great interest.....jack.

[Wayne]

I hope the build is going well Ted.
There's a T21 regularly flies over our house from the Yorkshire Gliding Club. It oozes cuddly character and hangs motionless in any kind of breeze. Compared with the sleek glass ships that race along the ridge, the T21 is a total dinosaur, but it is so relaxing to watch and seems to make time slow down.

Lucky you, all I get is chinooks as we live at the end of the Wye valley and they fly tucked in to the sides of the hills

Yes there is something majestic about the "real" gliders which is one of the reasons I'm building mine, you can't beat building something yourself and seeing it take to the sky, and its different to what everyone else is flying.

[Wayne]

I filmed a T21 in action at Keevil, many years ago. Take a look: it's exactly as Roger says.

Thanks for te video, I enjoyed that, especally watching it climb out on the winch