Interested in Sailplanes and Gliders?

[aeajr]

Thinking of flying gliders, but you are not sure? That is how I was.

I started with electrics with no interest in gliders. Then I met a group of guys who fly gliders. After watching them for a couple of months, in between my electric flights, I had to try it. Now I am hooked. I have 5 electrics, but I also have 5 gliders. I love to fly the electrics, but it is the gliders that I think about all the time.

Here is a link to a picture essay I did on flying gliders. I hope it helps you understand why I have become so passionate about them. I call it, "Sailplanes are wonderful".
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=18

Here is a column on gliders that might be helpful
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=23

[CAFplanekid]

I think im about to get into hand-launched gliders in a big way, even though i dont currently own one, nor have I ever flown one. I have flown some freefligh HLG's, one of my own design flew away off an easy launch. So far, i have the plans for 'The Bug' ordered, and am collecting materials to build quite a few of em, have my name on the list for the 'Gambler+' when it comes out, and have decided i will have to have a 'Seeker' too, because it is just so fast and nimble, even though it is foam. There is just something about gliders :)
Jonathan

[aeajr]

Yes, there is just something about them.

Why hand launch and not slope? Why not hi-start or winch launched planes?

Not being critical, just asking why you picked hand launched?

[CAFplanekid]

I picked Handlaunched becaused i dont have any hills around here, and dont want to mess with a winch setup or highstart. Im an outfielder too, so i have a pretty good arm. I want small, compact planes that i can take with me when i travel (the Seeker, for example, folds up into a 22x5x2 box!). Another reason is i want to take a break from expensive brushless stuff and Lipo batteries, so dont want to spend a whole lot right now. That may change of i get addicted, the really nice composite ships can be as much as 300!

[aeajr]

Sounds exciting. Keep me informed.

I started in electrics, expanded to thermal duration from 2 meter planes and hi-starts to 3 meter full house sailplanes and now winches.

I recently took up Slope soaring and am very very new at that. I just built a Zagi 3C comabt wing as my first slope plane. Will see how it goes. Long Island is not slope heaven, but when the wind is high and in the right direction I can do this if the conditions are bad for TD.

I have not tried hand launch, except in test throws with my sailplanes and gliders. However I think discus launched planes look real interesting.

I will be interested in your progress. Maybe you will help me open up another phase of my RC flying.

[CAFplanekid]

My first project will be the Bug. For more , go here: infhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/BugHLG/o

It is a small (mosquito class) scratchbuild HLG that has been very popular. I am going for an ultralight setup, will use 170mah Lipo cells and lightened HS-50 servos, and a small 4 gram RX with Azarr antennae, along with an extended wing for a realy low wingloading. I may even shorten or replace the servo wires to save another gram or two.

[aeajr]

Can't wait to see the build pictures