Steve Colman

A big "thank you" for your responses to my thread "Lightening the load" in which you bestowed your collective knowledge regarding RES gliders. I have decided to get the Kavan Resco kit as shown in the pic. It may not be the best performer out there but from the few building and flying reports I've read it seems to be a decent flying machine that will serve my requirements well enough. Additionally, it's well priced and I get a little discount and free shipping too. Thanks guys. Steve.

Too much procrastinating on my part is leading to madness! I have found a 2m RES glider with motor option. It may not be the best available but it would be fine for me and it's available from an outlet in Europe in which a friend of mine works so might even get a couple of Euros discount. But there's a problem, a big problem! After recently maidening my Topmodel CZ Marabu all the hassle of setting up the 4 servo wing has been forgotten and I'm thoroughly enjoying the flying experience which leads to the problem. Typically, I'm now reassessing my original plan and once again find myself thinking about the Topmodel CZ Astra. (or similar) I'm sure I will love the RES experience, I still have a Graupner Elektro UHU that I fly occasionally and it's so relaxing. Any hints how I can overcome my problem would be very welcome. In a perfect world getting both would be the perfect solution but that's simply not an option at the moment so, it has to be one or the other.

The lipo batteries from HK are not so cheap now either.

Maidened my Topmodel CZ Marabu in perfect conditions this morning. Needs a few more trimming flights but I'm very pleased with its performance.

Topmodel CZ Marabu basking in the afternoon sun at the club. Only took me 4 years to complete ? The maiden a possibility for tomorrow all being well.

Jonathan, I don't want to go full house, I want something simpler to set up and fly hence looking at the RES models. The 2.5m - 3m models I've been looking at are the Hollein Introduction at 2.86m and the PicaRES Longears at 2.5m. However, I can see the sense of the more compact 2m models which would also fit my original idea.

Hi Earlybird, After converting the prices from Hyperflight into euros they are between 15% and 20% more expensive than sellers in mainland europe and I'd also have to pay import taxes on top. Therefore, much better value for me to buy from over here. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Hyperflight if I was in the UK however as I've only ever heard brilliant things about the service that Neil offers.

Thanks very much for your reply Jonathan. I checked out your friends video, and although I had seen it before in my research viewing, it's one that demonstrates the capabilities of these models very well and just the sort of flying I would love to do. If I were to get one of these I'm drawn towards adding a small motor. My thoughts now are; should I go for a 2m model or something a little larger (2.5 - 3m)? I can see pros and cons of either. I check Hyperflight regularly, although living in Spain means additional costs thanks to Brexit so I'll most likely buy from somewhere in mainland europe. Thanks for the "fxres" website link. Despite not living in blighty there's lots of useful and interesting to digest. Thanks again. Steve.

I use these.

My go to powered glider for everyday flying has been my Mpx Solius which is certainly one of the best all round general purpose models available in its class.However, I have always thought about getting something of a similar size but lighter and floatier for those wonderful calm summer evenings. The model I have been thinking about for this task has been the Topmodel CZ Astra; a very elegant model with virtually identical wingspan but weighing in at around half the weight of the Solius. However, having just completed a Topmodel CZ Marabu I've found the mounting (accurately) of the 4 wing servos and related bits and pieces is not something I wish to repeat again soon so I've started to look elsewhere for something simpler.This has led me to investigating motor equipped 2m RES models and find the idea quite appealing as it would provide a model which fits with my desire to have a lighter and floatier Solius sized model but with the simplicity of just rudder/elevator control + spoiler, against full house with ailerons + flaps. I would be interested to hear from anyone who flies both full house and RES type models and how they find the differences between flying both types. Do you prefer flying one type over the other and why for example? Also, should I go for a 2m model or something a little larger like 2.5m as there doesn't seem a great difference in price at the basic level at which I'll be looking. Whichever way the model is primarily for fun use with perhaps an occasional informal interclub competition thrown in. I welcome all wise words, help and advice from those more in the know than myself. Thanks.

Durafly Tundra wheels from Hobby KIng would be another option.

I'm more or less in the same boat a little further south in Spain. Customs/tax charges at both ends from anything sent from the UK which makes even the smallest items a non viable option. I now source all my stuff from outlets across mainland europe including Hobbyking, Lindinger, Aerobertics, etc.

Maiden of a large scale Starfighter at the club field this morning. Unfortunately I wasn't there to witness the event in person and the video is comprised of short clips taken from wattsapp, hence the poor quality. I hope to do a proper video as the opportunuties arise as the season progresses.

I'm not jealous of your workshop Peter. Honest I'm not.

MattyB, I am looking at 1.5m and 2m models also: but the little one seems quite appealing for some reason. The sale of the Helios (and any other model I can sell) will have to fund a large percentage of any new project and will go some way towards my final decision. I've been trying to persuade a friend to sell me his Supra which he hasn't flown in two years for which I have the cash put away in a safe place just in case.

Frank, if I do buy it I will do a build thread if I can.

A big thank you for all of your replies.I have decided to sell the Helios use the funds to get myself the kit detailed in the link below or maybe even a 2m F3-RES kit. Just want something convenient, simple, light and floaty to relax with.https://www.hoelleinshop.com/planes-...01&c=171&p=171

MattyB, you make a very valid point about the fuselage strength of a DLG. I will check mine out but I'm sure you may be correct. I think the simplest way to add a motor to mine will be via a standalone pod mounted atop the wing which houses motor+ESC. Perhaps a small inrunner with a 10A ESC and a small 2S lipo would suffice. No hacking of the airframe required and easy to remove if it doesn't work well. I'm not in the UK and fortunate to have many days suitable for DLG flights.

Thanks for the replies. The power options at Hyperflight look excellent but I'm afraid I'm not going to invest that sort of dosh to be honest. Also my particulat DLG doesn't have a circular fuselage, it's flattened making it difficult to fit a standard motor/spinner without serious mods. A better option would be a self contained detachable power pod. Ron, I could practise with my other arm but I don't think it would end all that well! Frank, I already have a Top Model CZ Swish powered glider of the same size so adding a motor may not be the best option and will add extra weight as you rightly suggest. However, I do have a fully stabilised multi-rotor with GPS and return to home but might still be best if someone else flew it. But, I'm often at the field alone so would prefer not to be dependent on another person. Therefore, as you and Grumpy Gnome say, the bungee may be the most simple and effective solution.

Hi, A worsening shoulder injury prevents me from launching my 1.5m DLG in the traditional way and I'm seeking opinions on alternative launch methods and their pros and cons. My thinking so far is: 1. Fit a tow hook and launch using a bungee. 2. Fit a tow hook and launch using a towline. 3. Add a small motor, esc. (Not very practical given lack of space and additional weight although a motor pod complete with integrated ESC and small flight battery may work). 4. Add a small servo as a release mechanism and drop from a multirotor. (Requires a multirotor pilot). 5. Sell the model !? All thoughts, ideas for alternative solutions greatly appreciated. Steve.

Absolutely brilliant!

While not in the same league as earlier posts, I've managed to break two props in the last three days which is double the number for the whole of last year!

I don't have much of an interest in trains as such but I do find model train layouts provide an enormous breadth of modelling opportunities from topographical, architectural, vehicles, etc that are difficult to find in other disciplines. If I had the space I would love to construct a giant diorama which would perhaps include some track and a train along other details such as a river and/or canal with boats and locks, and suitable waterside buildings. A meadow with some cows and sheep; a campsite for motorhomes, campers and tents with a swimming pool and a kids play area. A small wooded area with tree houses and whatever else the imagination fancies. I am currently investigating producing one-off architectural models at HO/OO scale in order to generate a little income.

I may have posted the photos before but a little music always adds a little something.