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Post by miniac on Feb 8, 2004 16:55:28 GMT -5
Hi,
I'm just starting out in r/c flying. Used to fly FF gliders years ago. I bought a Svenson Starter Glider kit to learn the basics of r/c gliding, but what I really want to do is fly PSS.
So assuming I learn the basics OK on the Svenson what would be my next move? Would you recommend I get another higher performance model to get good at slope soaring, or would it be possible to move straight on to a PSS model. If the latter what would make a good PSS model for a beginner to the sport? Kit or plan, I'm not too bothered. If it's a plan job I would prefer something from balsa as I have no experience with or tools for GRP or foam.
The plan is to start building my next model as soon as the starter is finished. I like to have something to do in the evenings.
Thanks,
Miniac
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AndyB
New Member
Posts: 45
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Post by AndyB on Feb 10, 2004 8:53:51 GMT -5
Hi, What follows is only my own view, other people may have different ideas. I should also say that I have a definite leaning towards jets, so I recommend getting a second opinion! I'm not sure what level of experience you have at the moment and I imagine that the Svenson Starter is rudder/elevator control? Almost all PSS models use ailerons and elevator as the primary controls, so the major requirement for PSS is that you should be comfortable with aileron/elevator flying. I'm sure it's possible to learn to fly ailerons on a PSS model but I wouldn't recommend it as any repairs will be more likely and more complex than with something like a Chris Foss Middle Phase; I had one of these as a sport model when I first got into slope flying, had to let it go a few years ago due to lack of space. If you're OK with ailerons then IMHO you could do a lot worse than having a go at one of the Conway/Griffiths/Briggs BAe Hawks; they're easy to build, very nice to fly, foam wings and a canopy are available, and 1/12 scale pilots can be had from Pete's pilots. The plan and instructions are available from rc-pilot (see other posts for IM address links). Some people start PSS with foamies but I find that in many cases they only bear a passing resemblance to the real thing - some are better than others, of course (e.g. Vortex Plastics). If you're not yet Ok with ailerons then given your preferences stated above I'd suggest either a) buy a suitable second-hand model from a fellow club member (less emotional attachment and get flying quicker), or b) buy a balsa-based kit from Chris Foss www.chrisfoss.co.uk/ (e.g. Middle Phase with ailerons) or Phoenix model products www.phoenixmp.com/ (more time to build but you know exactly what you've got and are sure that everything is built properly). A foamie is a another option but it's very much a personal taste thing. I wouldn't recommend one of the more efficient moulded sport models for various reasons, the main one being cost folllowed closely by questionable suitability as an intermediate trainer - high speed and neutral stability is probably not what you want at this stage. Having said all that, I have some sympathy with your approach - I wanted to build a Tornado as my first slope model :-). Best of luck with everything, hope this has helped a bit.
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Post by rc-pilot on Feb 10, 2004 16:53:34 GMT -5
Sensible advice from AndyB! Alternative to the Hawk is one of the many WW2 fighters, these having a more conventional layout. Check the plans list on the PSSA website. Avoid any extreme configurations until you have got your hand in, some can be tricky to fly and are often less efficient so you will have less opportunity to use them.
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