Ali1979 Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 Hello, I’m considering a return to the hobby after a considerable break. I spent much of my childhood building, crashing and repairing R/C balsa glider kits and plans. I’m looking to keep things very simple but would like to build (rather RTF / foam) a 2 channel glider again. For cost and convenience I think I would be better with sub 250g but would be keen to know peoples views and recommendations. Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 (edited) Hi Ali, See Lidl foam chuck gliders conversion base threads on here and /or similar...but you did say you would prefer balsa etc.. Bonzo moon and others... Slope soarer, powered ( 3 channel really these days due to increased safety ) or thermal/bungee/powered tug launch ? Over... Edited January 14 by Rich Griff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDB Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 (edited) https://www.angelwingdesigns.co.uk/ have kits that fit your brief, the quality of the parts and instructions are excellent and there are YouTube videos by Nick Chitty taking you through some of the builds. They go together like a 3d jigsaw puzzle. Can't recommend the Pug DLG enough. 👍 Edited January 14 by PDB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 The Alt DLG flies beautifully and us a nice build with some interesting techniques... https://www.hyperflight.co.uk/products.asp?code=ALT-DLG&name=alt-1m-dlg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 Presumably your requirement of sub 250 g is to avoid the need to register with CAA? Everybody has found it's very easy to do the simple CAA test and that's not even necesssary if you have a BMFA A certificate etc. In any case if you fit a camera to any plane ( even sub 250g ) you have to register with CAA and pay the fee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Colbourne Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 (edited) How about the two channel conversion of the KeilKraft Invader as championed by John Woodfield? John used wing twist and pitch rather than try to make a linkage to the twin fins. John quotes a total weight for the model including R/C of 130 grammes (4.6oz). As most of these gliders needed some lead inthe nose in free flight form, the radio replaces much of this, so their is very little overall increase. John Woodfield's KeilKraft Invader converted to R/C R/C KeilKraft Invader in flight The KeilKraft Invader can be bought as a kit or downloaded from Outerzone Edited January 14 by Robin Colbourne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Green Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 (edited) If you like to build, the old Ridge Runt, Soarcerer & Impala are all great slope trainers. Over 250g though... To be honest I think you'd struggle with a 9-ounce slope soarer, better to take the test then the world's your lobster :) Rich:>>( 3 channel really these days due to increased safety ) yeah those free-flight maniacs will be the death of us.... Edited January 14 by Phil Green 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 Erm.....f/f'ers usually do it in the middle of no where..... Besides, they are the real aeromodellers... I consider a free running IC engine, under no control at all ( apart from the quantity of fuel in the tank ) in a 2 channel glider or what ever, to be unacceptable these days... Waiting for feedback from all... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 3 minutes ago, Rich Griff said: Erm.....f/f'ers usually do it in the middle of no where..... Besides, they are the real aeromodellers... I consider a free running IC engine, under no control at all ( apart from the quantity of fuel in the tank ) in a 2 channel glider or what ever, to be unacceptable these days... Waiting for feedback from all... The only person suggesting an engine here is you. The OP asked about a 2 channel glider, of which there are many examples - rudder/elevator - no engine or motor, so no need for 3 channels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 They're probably trimmed better, and arguably safer than the vast majority of our rc stuff..... especially given the 'cheque book' rc brethren whose pockets are deeper than their skill pool 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 Hi leccy, I did ask a question of all, still waiting for his response ...... He does not have to answer of course..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 You've had feedback..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 52 minutes ago, Rich Griff said: Hi leccy, I did ask a question of all, still waiting for his response ...... He does not have to answer of course..... You asked for feedback from all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 My mistake, feedback from ali1979 .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali1979 Posted January 15 Author Share Posted January 15 Thank you all for your replies, much appreciated. The object of my next model is basically nostalgia so will be a 2 channel balsa glider. After that I’ve always fancied an electric Junior 60 so 3 channels will come but one step at a time! I think it’s time to move past the 250g limit, do the test and choose something a little more robust and easier to see. Thanks again Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 If you move away from the <250g limit that you imposed you won;t go far wrong with a Veron Impala, as Phil suggested - a true classic, with the plan available from OuterZone. https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=4658 Enjoy the build and be sure to post some pictures. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve too Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 19 minutes ago, Ali1979 said: ... I think it’s time to move past the 250g limit, do the test ... Read the Drone Code and have it open in another tab while you do the flyer ID test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 Balsa cabin sonata, even an electric one ( 3 channel ), you mainly wanting a slope soarer ? Yes, impala and several older designs.....hot pants, crusader and many other better known models... However if you are intent on making your own, see outerzone " found centennial" wing, easy to make, strong and light with spruce spars ( rocket sticks ) and two extra bays on central part, one extra bay on wing tips ( it did I add two extra tip bays as well, will have to check ). Easy simple fuz with room for standard sized servos... At some point sn electric one will be made as well as a sloper..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 Cribbing, mmmmm..... Surely better to read, read, read and get some of it to stick in your head...you will always have your head with you, you may not have "your notes/crib sheet. ". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve too Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 (https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/individual/prepare-for-the-drone-theory-test) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dickw Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 If you join the BMFA you can do their test here https://rcc.bmfa.uk/rcc The BMFA version of the test is aimed more at traditional aeromodellers rather than being "drone" centred, so the words are different but the test is similar. Membership of the BMFA includes insurance, and they can also do your CAA registration for you. Dick 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 Although referred to as a test, in reality it's an exercise to give some awareness of the legal responsibilities of a UAS pilot and a traceable record that you been made aware of your responsibilies. I suspect that although ignorance of the law is not a defence anyway, this might have some value to the Prosecution case - or level of sentencing - in a Court of Law. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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