[RCSE] Sagitta XC

2005-05-24 Thread Augie McKibben
To all,

I think that this topic has been batted around several times on many 
occasions over the years.

After much hemming and hawing, I have finally decided to build that Sagitta 
XC. I think it will be the perfect ship for the LSF Level IV & V tasks I 
have ahead of me. I am building entirely from scratch, so I have the 
opportunity to change some things during my adventure.

Here are some of my expectations for the XC.

1) Light and strong, I would like to get it at or under 8 lbs.
2) Some hands free time while sloping. I do not want to have to fly it 
continuously while doing an 8 hour slope flight.
3) Lots of room for batteries.
4) Per the design, good XCountry performance for that 10K goal and returns.
5) I like to build in wood - Good performance from a wood glider.

Questions to answer -

-  I don't believe the XC is a glider that will zoom but can I, should I, 
make the spar stronger? I have never actually seen an XC launch but I have 
heard tails of it breaking winch lines. Does that mean that the spar 
construction is strong enough?
-  Is the E205 beyond its time? Should I pick a more up-to-date airfoil like 
an SD7037 for a wider lift and speed range?
-  Are the wing rods sufficient? (two 5/16" rods through the fuse and only 
3" into each wing seems wimpy)
-  Are the ballast tubes in the wings a good or bad idea?

Here are the things I think I should improve from what I have heard over the 
years -

1) Lighten up the wings with lightening hole through all of the ribs
-  hollow out the tip blocks
-  carbon tip joiners
-  hand selected balsa using lighter weights as I build out to the tips.
2) Bellcrank type elevator controls ala Harley's Genie, removing some of the 
cable slop.
3) Remove the rudder balance and use pull-pull cables, (larger rudder?)
4) Keep the lead edge of the horizontal stab more blunt with the stab 
overall fatter for better authority.

Any advice you guys can give would be appreciated.

Best regards,
Michael "Augie" McKibben
AMA 716126
LSF 7720  - Level III
[EMAIL PROTECTED]



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[RCSE] Sagitta XC

2005-05-27 Thread Augie McKibben
Thanks to all who responded to my question.

It sounds like many of wrestled with the plan form of the XC. I am not 
looking for world class performance, just a little better performance with 
some room for over speed errors.

BTW, does anyone know what that "red-line" is for the XC?
Do I have to use spruce for the lead edge or can I go with a nice hard 
balsa?

I guess I have made most of my choices for improvements.

1 - Fill the void in the main spar with hi-load 60 foam.
2 - Wrap the main spar with Kevlar thread, paying particular attention to 
the joiner areas.
3 - Sheet the center section of the wing (seems like a damn shame though).
4 - Do whatever I can to lighten up the tips.
5 - Lengthen the tail moment by 4 to 6 inches.
6 - Use an airfoil shape on the stab - Tom Kallevang, did you do some kind 
of rib/spar lay-up for the NA0009 or try to sand that shape into the 
existing construction?
7 - Remove the rudder balance.

I will make the fuse from wood (sounds like it needs some weight anyway) and 
use the cable for the stab. I don't see a good way to use a simple bell 
crank for the stab.

Thanks,
Michael "Augie" McKibben
AMA 716126
LSF 7720  - Level III
[EMAIL PROTECTED]



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Re: [RCSE] Soprano Feedback

2005-06-11 Thread Augie McKibben
Jim,

I have one of the Isthmus Model's Sopranos. I have flown it about dozen 
times. I am extremely happy with it. Launches hard and has great legs. I can 
slow it down for thermals and put the nose down to get out of dodge. Mine 
came in at 50 oz. I have not tried it with ballast yet. It is not a floater, 
although you can slow down to thermal, it flies more like a full house ship.

The spoiler is very effective and it spot lands nicely.

It is turning out to be one of my favorite gliders. Great launches, great 
penetration, fast, reliable, and durable.

My opinion only, the Soprano gives a pilot more options for a wider range of 
conditions.

I am looking forward to many more flights.
Up in Minnesota, we have had 75% of our days with rain.




- Original Message - 
From: "Jim Laurel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "rcse Yahoo" 
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 12:55 AM
Subject: [RCSE] Soprano Feedback


> Ok, so who's flying a Soprano out there?  Let's hear some feedback!  I 
> would like a big RES plane and am trying to decide between Soprano and 
> AVA.
>
> Cheers - Jim Laurel
>
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[RCSE] Compu-FoamCore / Genie Cores

2005-12-03 Thread Augie McKibben
To all,

I want to give a well deserved plug for Les' cores.

I just purchased my second set of Genie cores from Laszlo Horvath (Les). 
Both of my sets and others I have seen are superb. Best value I could hope 
for. I will need almost no prep (no sanding) to get things going. Just stick 
'em together and go! And they come packaged as meticulously as they are cut!

If I factor my time to make templates, purchase foam, cut the plan forms, my 
4 to 6 or more blown cuts until I get the heat just right and the sanding 
needed to make the marginal okay, I am miles ahead with Les' cores.  PLUS! 
They are perfect, repeatable and he sends then out right away.

So.if you are planning a winter build that requires you to cut your own 
cores, consider giving Les a call. Order two sets! He will save you time and 
money in the long run.

Have a great building season!
Augie Doggie 


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Re: [RCSE] Res....Again

2005-02-28 Thread Augie McKibben
Glenn,

I bought a Soprano from Mark late last fall and have been waiting for the 
thaw ever since. They are beautiful, great lines and excellent construction. 
I had the luxury of getting to fly Mark's Soprano a half dozen times last 
year. That sold me right then and there. Launches high, wide speed range, 
can cover a lot of ground. The MH32 flies a little faster but I didn't find 
that a hindrance.

I am still waiting for the thaw!

Regards,
Augie McKibben


- Original Message - 
From: "John D Frugé" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Bob Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Mark Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; 
"GRW" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; 
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: [RCSE] ResAgain


> The Modesto CA club has 3 Soprano's flying and I just got a crate in with 
> #13 and #14 in it. The parts look and fit great. I know the guys that have 
> there's flying love them. I cant wait to get these going as well.
>
> Soprano has my vote!
>
> John Fruge
>
>
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Bob Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: "Mark Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "GRW" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; 
> 
> Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 6:14 AM
> Subject: Re: [RCSE] ResAgain
>
>
>>I too was going to suggest the Soprano but Mark was quicker with a 
>>response. :)
>> I got mine airborne only a couple of days before the 2004 Nats and 
>> consequently didn't have much time to get it sorted out. I was still able 
>> to be the top dog in my flight group in three out of the four rounds 
>> flown.
>> Regards,
>> Bob Johnson
>> Fond du Lac, WI
>>
>>> Try a Soprano. typical Ukranian quality and
>>> construction with conventional fuselage layout. Next
>>> order will be here in about 2 weeks. I'm just about
>>> sold out already. Get on the list quickly.
>>>
>>> Mark Miller
>>> www.isthmusmodels.com
>>> --- GRW <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> What is the hot plane for res these days?  I know a
>>>> lot like the AVA, then there is the Topaz, and the
>>>> UB and now I found one called the Danny and seems
>>>> like there are a few others.
>>>>
>>>> I know I know practice practice practicebecause
>>>> they are all comprable but . I have asked this
>>>> question several times and am now ready to order one
>>>> so... Just trying to see if there is an avantage of
>>>> one over the other.  Wing Loading, strength,
>>>> penetrating capabilities etc
>>>>
>>>> Any input is appreciated.  Thanks.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Glenn W.
>>>> Tri-Cities, Wa
>>>>
>>>> -
>>>> Do you Yahoo!?
>>>>  Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced
>>>> search. Learn more.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> __
>>> Do you Yahoo!?
>>> Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard.
>>> http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
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>>>
>>
>>
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Re: [RCSE] Buiilt up RES ship...

2006-07-12 Thread Augie McKibben
Doug,
How about a Mirage!

Isthmus Model Company
http://www.isthmusmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=111
There is information for improved strength in the spar and adding a spoiler 
/ wing bolt.
One of the finest built up nostalgia glider ever designed...IMHO

My last one came in at 31.5 ounces
113" span
I flew it last weekend in gusty wind up to 19mph with 20 oz of ballast and 
it flew superbly.

Check it out!
Augie McKibben


- Original Message - 
From: "Douglas, Brent" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 9:16 AM
Subject: [RCSE] Buiilt up RES ship...


I'm fishing for a Fall / Winter building project, and I've got a short
list put together.  Any thoughts on the following.  If you or a friend
have  seen, flown, or built any of these, I'd like to hear your
thoughts.

Skybench's Bird - 100" or more or the 970 (as a nostalgia ship, too)
Polecat's Easy Bubble Dancer
M&M GliderTech's Marauder (115")
* any others?

Thanks,
Brent
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Re: [RCSE] (Aussie 2M)...

2006-07-12 Thread Augie McKibben
"Brent"
Sorry about the Doug...

Also, Isthmus Models is coming out with a two meter Cara.
Built up with CF tube spar.
Hard launches & very wide speed range.
Flew it in the same winds as the Mirage and it spec'd out several times 
while moving around the sky like a moldie.
Best 2 meter I have ever flown...no lie.

RES
2 Meter
38 ounces
4 piece wing
Full flying stab
Glass fuse with nose cone

Contact Mark Miller - I cc'd him this email

Augie McKibben

- Original Message - 
From: "Douglas, Brent" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 7:40 AM
Subject: RE: [RCSE] (Aussie 2M)...


If you can get a line on an Organic, that's a great ship to have Not
cheap, but not 1,000 bucks, either.

I'd also put out feelers for a (used) SuperV or a 2M Mantis, if you can
take the abuse you'll get about how it looks (as you make time after
time)

Good luck,
Brent
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[RCSE] Re: Harley Michaelis' Genie Line of Sailplanes

2008-08-06 Thread Augie McKibben

For some reason my links were changed in my email.
Here they are again and should be working.
http://www.geniebuild.com/
http://www.geniebuild.com/harleys_genie.html

Thanks you,
Augie

- Original Message - 
From: Augie McKibben

To: soaring@airage.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:15 AM
Subject: Harley Michaelis' Genie Line of Sailplanes


Harley Michaelis is one of those rare individuals in RC soaring community 
that is both innovative and generous. By continually refining and sharing 
his designs over the past 30 plus years, whether through magazine articles, 
his long standing web site or participating in the soaring community's 
on-line conversations, he has made immeasurable contributions to the world 
of RC soaring.


A couple of years ago, members of the local club I belong to asked if I 
would like to participate in a club build of the Genie. Admittedly, I had no 
experience with Harley's Genie, full house gliders in general and little 
experience with bagging wings. I had always been a proud and staunch wooden 
model builder. I agreed to take on the challenge and during the process of 
researching and building the Genie found a hidden love for the model. The 
design is well thought out from nose to tail with lines that are both 
distinctive and graceful.


As I learned to build my first Genie and then the second and now on my 
third, I have kept in touch with Harley, asking questions and getting 
advice, hopefully getting a little better at building each time. Harley has 
been an inexhaustible source of advice for me. As I learned to fly my first 
full house glider I became more enthusiastic for the Genie. And when my 
second Genie (a Genie Pro) finally moved from the bench to the field, I was 
hooked. Right then and there I could not imagine flying another glider.


A few months ago, I had started a web page to follow my third and eventually 
fourth Genie build http://www.geniebuild.com/ to share my build experience 
and help promote scratch building in general. These pages will go up and 
down as projects are started and completed.


Just as this summer was getting starting, Harley and friend Mark Miller 
(Isthmus Models) had inquired if I would be interested in taking over the 
task of sourcing parts and putting together parts packages for those glider 
guiders that want to build one of the Genie line. Flattered that Harley 
trusts that I can effectively and faithfully carry on supporting and 
promoting the Genie line of sailplane, I have accepted. I will be sourcing 
and shipping the full line of Genie parts, plans and instructions, while 
maintaining the web site and on-line pdf's at it's new address 
http://www.geniebuild.com/harleys_genie.html.


Best regards,
Michael "Augie" McKibben
LSF IV - 7720 


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