Slope Soaring Sussex is a friendly group of RC glider flying enthusiasts based in Sussex, UK. We slope soar at various locations on the South Downs and have a field for thermal soaring. ‘Slope Soaring Sussex’ is a BMFA affiliated RC Glider-only flying club. We fly many types of RC gliders from conventional slope soarers to Scale, DLG, F3B, F3J, F5J, PSS and more. Our aim is to encourage and promote safe, responsible and enjoyable radio controlled model flying. New and experienced flyers welcome.
So, haven't built a model for a fair number of years but . this Sabre caught my eye. I needed something to do whilst away for work during the week on my narrow boat. This should be a bit of a challenge as space is very, very limited.
First things first. I built a building board, timber frame with ply on one side for rigidity and plaster board on the face so I can stick pins in. Cut the plan to fit the smaller build board to give myself a little wiggle room.
The wing is built on a sub frame to ensure correct dihedral and washout. These were pre cut as part of the short kit but all slots were undersize and had to be sanded out so they would fit. the who;e assembly is then like an accordian and needs to be pinned down to maintain the correct alignment over the plan.
I used scrap balsa glued to the frame and then pinned down to do this.
Bottom wing skins are then added. I have pinned the skins down between each ribs to hold the shape whilst the glue dries. I have left these a few mm oversize so I can sand down to the false leading and trailing edges when fitted. Rib and spar positions now need to be drawn onto the wing skin.
All of the wing ribs need to be sanded on the leading and trailing edges to follow the angle of the swept wing. The spar slots also need to be angled in the same way. They can now be glued down over the bottom spar. False leading and trailing edges have been left oversize to cut back and sand when dry.
Top spars and webbing now in place and holes cut for servos (small square ply plates can be seen in bottom left of picture). I will fix the servos to these plates and then screw into hardwood rails around the holes in the wing. Remembered to now cut the spars for the servo extensions. Next job is to sand the profiles on false leading and trailing edges and then sheet the top wing surface. Thanks John. Really looking forward to seeing how your build develops.
Yesterday morning John, Scotty, Robin and (new member) Gino made the climb up to the Northern bowl at Itford. The wind was very light but the slope was bathed in warm September sun light and it was a real pleasure just to be 'chillin' on the slope.
John brought along his new DLG which went very well. It has a fantastic colour scheme that makes it very visible to see in the air. Robin had his mini DLG as well as his Alula. Robin is getting loads of flying with his mini DLG and it was flying well for him.
Scotty had his vintage 'Cloud Rider' and his Ahi. Both Scotty and I enjoyed flying his vintage rudder / elevator glider but you really should wipe that dust off the wings Scotty!
I flew just one model, my big old Sapphire. Its' second outing since it's build and this flight was going to be in thermals rather than slope lift. The Sapphire really impressed me with its ability to float around on minimal lift. It may be slow to turn but boy can it float!
Here is a video showing the Sapphire doing what it does well.
As I mentioned above, we have a new member in Gino. Unfortunately, Gino has had rather light conditions on the two times he has joined us up on the slope. I don't think it will be long before he gets to enjoy a good blow and some cold fingers.
Sorry it's been a while since I last posted on our great blog. I have been building a Peter Goldsmith Sapphire for a few months now and as you may have seem I had various issues with the kit along the way but with the help from RC Europe and Peter himself I finally got it built and maidened yesterday at Firle Beacon.
The model is very light as it has a basic balsa skeletal framework. The rudder / elevator controls and the big dihedral wing makes it a stable flier.
It was a little windier than I would have chosen but the Sapphire glider dealt with the bumps and knocks very well. I did find the lack of build instructions and guidance a big issue but it did make me have to find solutions to problems that will stand me in good stead for other builds.
