Sunday 9 August 2020

Another Brand New Vintage Slope Soarer

In the search for a traditional slope soarer model that would tolerate my (occasionally) imperfect landings I came across this 'classic' from the 1970's on the OuterZone website. Conveniently, RCM&E also rediscovered it and published a revised version of the plan with their magazine a couple of years ago.

The designer, Dave Hardaker, called it the Kwiksilver, but the magazine editor of the time renamed it Quicksilver, either way it suits my needs since both the wing and tailplane are attached with rubber bands allowing them to knock-off when necessary. The ready made ribs and formers are available from Ebay which is a bonus.

So last September, having gathered all the materials, I set to work...

Here is the completed structure. Interesting features include no front hatch (for extra strength) and an all-flying tailplane on a plywood cradle.

After 11 months on the workbench I finally finished the covering and installation.

The butterfly stickers came courtesy of my 7-year-old daughter.
Connecting the push rod to the hidden elevator horn involved an LED torch and a dental mirror.
The battery and receiver are stuffed in the nose with plenty of padding.
At over 1200g it's no floater, but the broad cord should provide a reasonable wing loading.


The colour scheme is deliberately patriotic - now I just need an opportunity to 'fly the flag' and strap the bits back together after a rough landing.
Happy landings.

Russell H

Monday 3 August 2020

Beautiful 1/4 Scale K6e Glider for sale - NOW SOLD

My 1/4 scale K6e glider is up for sale for the bargain price of just £350.
Its a stunning looking 4m sailplane which comes with all servo's and a new battery pack. It is covered in cream solartex on the wings. The model has been beautifully built to a very high standard. It has a full scale cockpit and pilot.
Open for viewing - contact me for further details: paul.hampshire@shelf-space.co.uk


















Sunday 2 August 2020

It has been a while since I have been able to get out flying. I met up with Scotty and Robert Powell at Mill Hill yesterday morning. ATC were duly notified and asked us to keep an eye on our height as the previous weekend had seen some models flying higher than they would like.
Scotty flew his little red Messerschmidt which went very well (as always). Robert flew his needle and erwin which both looked very graceful and smooth in the air.
I flew my Strega which was going lovely until the right aileron linkage came loose and the model did some very funny things at not a lot of height. Partial control was regained, just enough to get her back to the landing site (aka a bush). Luckily no damage, just need to rescure the linkage.
I then tried my repaired again phase 6 but somehow the model had disappeared from my transmitter. quick bind and setup and she was ready to go. She flew well having been put back together with glass and poly C both inside and out on the fuselage. Had some lovely flying and looking forward to getting back up on a hill soon.
John