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