Top Cat

I have been a fan of Stan Yeo's glider kits since 2016 when I built the excellent Sierra Mk2 – I have built a few more since then.

On the PhoenixMP website Stan has kindly made his model plans freely available to download. Most of the plans are usefully accompanied by a photograph of the completed model. One exception has always been Stan's 'Top Cat' classic slope soarer design from the 1970s, but in the accompanying text Stan says he would really like a picture, if anyone has one... this was all the encouragement I needed to set to work in April this year and a couple of weeks ago I was able to oblige:

It looks good, but obviously it doesn't fly too well like this so I filled in the gaps to make it more aerodynamic:

Then fitted it out with a 35MHz receiver, which is as close as I could get to the 27MHz AM kit that would have been installed in the prototype. I left out the original flap/elevator mixer that was shown on the plan as I wouldn't trust any mechanical connection between the fuselage and wing in the event of a hard landing. In any case, control movement mixing can now be digital. When building from a vintage plan I am not a purist and will happily update the technology while still retaining the original's outline and appearance.

I see from other Facebook groups that flying vintage RC gliders is very popular, sometimes using single channel radio control which must be a real challenge on a windy slope.

For me the simplest models seem to offer the most fun, and building them from scratch is a very rewarding hobby.

Happy landings

Russell H

Wonderful Weather for a Wildthing - 16 April 2025.

As usual I was late for the start of the party at Beeding Bowl. Driving up to the car park I had expected to see my fellow modelers aviating but no. Unpacking the car I heard a shout from the Club Boss, Rob S. Apparently, just before I arrived a rather nasty rain shower has presented itself over the slope so an expedient decision  was made to retire to the warmth and dryness of the car.

Once the shower had passed Rob S, Kevin M and I walked to the slope. They informed me that they had already had many flights that morning and the air was stable. Hearing that away we went enjoying the conditions. The wind was from the South West with a bit too much South in it at a speed of 18mph plus.

Considering that it was only Sunday when I was last here, it was very much colder with a stronger breeze.

It was great to see the Club Boss, Rob S back on the slope after sometime away. He had brought along the Club trainer and yes it's a Wildthing.

Club Trainer in Flight

Our next club member to arrive was Mike G with a rather nice Middle Phase eager to be flown. Once Mike had assumed his position on his little stool he decided to enjoy the view and build up some courage to fly. Sadly, while we were there that did not happen. I must admit today's conditions were not favorable for flying a ply and balsa constructed glider, a foamy was best.

Next to arrive was Robin S with a Wildthing. Plenty of flying was had by all.

Robin S on Finals to Land.

What a Landing!!!

Poor old Kevin struggled with his Wildthing. Early morning flights were good but he suffered some issues. We think it could be a C of G issue making the model fly erratically on later flights. Both myself, Rob S and Robin S tried in vain to rectify on site but no luck. However, Kevin did manage to provide some entertainment by carrying out a "Touch and Go" on the top of a bush. Impressive skills there mate.

Glider Park

Last to arrive this morning was George K who also brought along a Wildthing but stated that it was far to blustery to fly. 

Today's Flyers

In Summary, an excellent mornings flying but a bit cold but the company made up for that.