RC Gliding thread
Discussion
StephenP said:
This is my Phase 6, built in the early 90s I think. It's been stored in bubble wrap for at least 15 years!
Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
I’ve been looking at the phase 6 for a while. I’ma bit daunted by the build blogs out there, but the size and characteristics look perfect. Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
Edited by StephenP on Friday 23 October 13:42
Did you build yours with flaps? how fiddly was it?
LotusMartin said:
StephenP said:
This is my Phase 6, built in the early 90s I think. It's been stored in bubble wrap for at least 15 years!
Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
I’ve been looking at the phase 6 for a while. I’ma bit daunted by the build blogs out there, but the size and characteristics look perfect. Paint scheme designed by me (photography being a hobby of mine), with stickers supplied by Fujifilm head office. I wanted something that looked a bit different!
Edited by StephenP on Friday 23 October 13:42
Did you build yours with flaps? how fiddly was it?
I didn’t think the Phase 6 was much different from the Middle Phase in terms of construction? It doesn’t get much easier than that to build.
Got mine in 1991, still fine after many, many hours of flying.
I second dr_gn's thoughts. Both the Middle Phase and Phase 6 share a similar build process and have similar flying characteristics assuming a) the Middle Phase is the aileron version and b) the Phase 6 is the semi symmetrical wing version.
They don't work too well in really light wind conditions, but with a nice breeze both are a joy to fly. Adding ballast will allow either to be flown in stronger wind conditions.
I've never flown the rudder/elevator version of the Middle Phase so can't comment on good it is on the slope, but Chriss Foss has a well deserved reputation for his designs, so I would imagine that it flies really well.
They don't work too well in really light wind conditions, but with a nice breeze both are a joy to fly. Adding ballast will allow either to be flown in stronger wind conditions.
I've never flown the rudder/elevator version of the Middle Phase so can't comment on good it is on the slope, but Chriss Foss has a well deserved reputation for his designs, so I would imagine that it flies really well.
DIW35 said:
I second dr_gn's thoughts. Both the Middle Phase and Phase 6 share a similar build process and have similar flying characteristics assuming a) the Middle Phase is the aileron version and b) the Phase 6 is the semi symmetrical wing version.
They don't work too well in really light wind conditions, but with a nice breeze both are a joy to fly. Adding ballast will allow either to be flown in stronger wind conditions.
I've never flown the rudder/elevator version of the Middle Phase so can't comment on good it is on the slope, but Chriss Foss has a well deserved reputation for his designs, so I would imagine that it flies really well.
The r/e version of the Middle Phase is fine, but after learing the basics I quickly got bored with the lack of response. In some ways I think an aileron model with a bit of dihedral would be the best trainer. It seemed to me to be more intuitive (ie lever turns right, model rolls right), rather than the lever moves right, model yaws right a bit then rolls and turns when it wants to. The built-up light-weight wings are rudder-elevator, but that's a different experience on almost flat calm warm evenings where you're hunting for slope of thermal lift; you can often just sit back and let it circle hands-off. Happy days.They don't work too well in really light wind conditions, but with a nice breeze both are a joy to fly. Adding ballast will allow either to be flown in stronger wind conditions.
I've never flown the rudder/elevator version of the Middle Phase so can't comment on good it is on the slope, but Chriss Foss has a well deserved reputation for his designs, so I would imagine that it flies really well.
Incidentally, one of the best bits of advice I got while learing to fly r/c aircraft was on the reversed control action when its coming towards you for landing. My instructor said all you have to do when it's coming towards you is to move the Tx stick under the wing that's dropping - almost like you're adding lift to that side of the model. Never had any issue with landings since then, especially on the slope in a gale when you're having to "hover the model backwards" by pulsing in elevator while keeping the wings level.
just had a play with my Venom up the hill behind my house. much much better now i’ve added 60g to the nose - much more neutral. wind was not ideal blowing across the slope, gusty and not very clean air made it VERY challenging with my inexperience. lost it a couple of times into the field next door - but no damage. Got a few nice flights in 
Edited by LotusMartin on Sunday 25th October 15:28
Edited by LotusMartin on Sunday 25th October 15:29
LotusMartin said:
I’ve been looking at the phase 6 for a while. I’ma bit daunted by the build blogs out there, but the size and characteristics look perfect.
Did you build yours with flaps? how fiddly was it?
Mine was built a loooong time ago so can't really remember much about the build, sorry. It was, however, a standard build without flaps.Did you build yours with flaps? how fiddly was it?
StephenP said:
LotusMartin said:
I’ve been looking at the phase 6 for a while. I’ma bit daunted by the build blogs out there, but the size and characteristics look perfect.
Did you build yours with flaps? how fiddly was it?
Mine was built a loooong time ago so can't really remember much about the build, sorry. It was, however, a standard build without flaps.Did you build yours with flaps? how fiddly was it?
Each fuselage side is 2 pieces of 1/16th ply, joined to give correct length. Triangular strip is glued along the top and bottom of each side to provide a decent surface on which to glue the top and bottom surfaces. A couple of formers are used in the wing area to give the correct width.
If you pressed on with the build, you could probably put one together in less than a week, not including the covering. I took my time with mine, just doing a bit here and there, and it didn't take me much more than a week to finish it.
DIW35 said:
Wings are quite straight forward - foam core with veneered surfaces. Just need to add leading and trailing edge strips and shape. Same with wing tips, just add and sand to shape. Aileron stock is used for the final bit of trailing edge. Wings are glued together and strengthened with a length of fibreglass bandage wrapped around the centre.
Each fuselage side is 2 pieces of 1/16th ply, joined to give correct length. Triangular strip is glued along the top and bottom of each side to provide a decent surface on which to glue the top and bottom surfaces. A couple of formers are used in the wing area to give the correct width.
If you pressed on with the build, you could probably put one together in less than a week, not including the covering. I took my time with mine, just doing a bit here and there, and it didn't take me much more than a week to finish it.
Thanks for that - really helpful. i’m a bit concerned about ‘glassing’ the fuse and wings plus getting everything aligned properly. i would also prefer flaps and ailerons for CROW landings which i know complicates things a bit. Each fuselage side is 2 pieces of 1/16th ply, joined to give correct length. Triangular strip is glued along the top and bottom of each side to provide a decent surface on which to glue the top and bottom surfaces. A couple of formers are used in the wing area to give the correct width.
If you pressed on with the build, you could probably put one together in less than a week, not including the covering. I took my time with mine, just doing a bit here and there, and it didn't take me much more than a week to finish it.
found someone selling one built for £60, it’s a bit of a drive but probably worth it. Will most likely buy a new kit as well so at least i have something to work from. I’ve not built from balsa before so a bit concerned my skills/general clumsy assembly won’t be up to it.
LotusMartin said:
DIW35 said:
Wings are quite straight forward - foam core with veneered surfaces. Just need to add leading and trailing edge strips and shape. Same with wing tips, just add and sand to shape. Aileron stock is used for the final bit of trailing edge. Wings are glued together and strengthened with a length of fibreglass bandage wrapped around the centre.
Each fuselage side is 2 pieces of 1/16th ply, joined to give correct length. Triangular strip is glued along the top and bottom of each side to provide a decent surface on which to glue the top and bottom surfaces. A couple of formers are used in the wing area to give the correct width.
If you pressed on with the build, you could probably put one together in less than a week, not including the covering. I took my time with mine, just doing a bit here and there, and it didn't take me much more than a week to finish it.
Thanks for that - really helpful. i’m a bit concerned about ‘glassing’ the fuse and wings plus getting everything aligned properly. i would also prefer flaps and ailerons for CROW landings which i know complicates things a bit. Each fuselage side is 2 pieces of 1/16th ply, joined to give correct length. Triangular strip is glued along the top and bottom of each side to provide a decent surface on which to glue the top and bottom surfaces. A couple of formers are used in the wing area to give the correct width.
If you pressed on with the build, you could probably put one together in less than a week, not including the covering. I took my time with mine, just doing a bit here and there, and it didn't take me much more than a week to finish it.
found someone selling one built for £60, it’s a bit of a drive but probably worth it. Will most likely buy a new kit as well so at least i have something to work from. I’ve not built from balsa before so a bit concerned my skills/general clumsy assembly won’t be up to it.
LotusMartin said:
I think the glass is for strength? weak spots on the fuselage? Only from the blogs i’ve read on the P6
Yes, now you mention it, I seem to remember back in the '90's people saying the fuselage on the Phase 6 was weak behind the wing. All the more reason to go with the Middle Phase II Advanced 
The other thing about the Phase 6 is it's built-in wing. On the MPII it's banded-on, so it'll absorb more impact damage if you catch a wing on landing (or crashing). There is also the option of bolting the wing on to the MPII, with Nylon snap-bolts, and there's a nice little vac-formed fillet for smoothing the front of the wing to the foreard fuselage.
I converted one of the foam chuck gliders from Lidl to RC a couple of years ago. It flies really well and makes a great model to chuck in the car and take slope soaring at short notice.
Control is from two 9g micro servos and 'wingerons' which act like an elevon mix on a delta model to control pitch and roll. You can see the cut in the wings near the root and the lack of any elevators or rudder. The spar is a carbon rod that runs inside a carbon tube to form the 'axle' that the wings rotate around. It runs off a cheap Spektrum 4ch micro receiver and a 2S lipo battery.
Click on the 2nd image to see a short video of it flying.
Control is from two 9g micro servos and 'wingerons' which act like an elevon mix on a delta model to control pitch and roll. You can see the cut in the wings near the root and the lack of any elevators or rudder. The spar is a carbon rod that runs inside a carbon tube to form the 'axle' that the wings rotate around. It runs off a cheap Spektrum 4ch micro receiver and a 2S lipo battery.
Click on the 2nd image to see a short video of it flying.
AndrewGP said:
I converted one of the foam chuck gliders from Lidl to RC a couple of years ago. It flies really well and makes a great model to chuck in the car and take slope soaring at short notice.
Control is from two 9g micro servos and 'wingerons' which act like an elevon mix on a delta model to control pitch and roll. You can see the cut in the wings near the root and the lack of any elevators or rudder. The spar is a carbon rod that runs inside a carbon tube to form the 'axle' that the wings rotate around. It runs off a cheap Spektrum 4ch micro receiver and a 2S lipo battery.
Click on the 2nd image to see a short video of it flying.
Nice - I bet there was a few test flights until that mix was right! - I have a few micro fliers and like a chuck conversion myself.Control is from two 9g micro servos and 'wingerons' which act like an elevon mix on a delta model to control pitch and roll. You can see the cut in the wings near the root and the lack of any elevators or rudder. The spar is a carbon rod that runs inside a carbon tube to form the 'axle' that the wings rotate around. It runs off a cheap Spektrum 4ch micro receiver and a 2S lipo battery.
Click on the 2nd image to see a short video of it flying.
The wind direction was right for my local slope today with a forecast of 15mph but it was much stronger than that with some lairy gusts thrown in but I got 45 minutes of challenging flying with the wobbly solius that lives in my van.
Ideally I would like a composite that packs as well as the solius (it basically clips together and fits in a small turnigy glider backpack and is a neat solution, as such it is my most flown glider)
Does anyone know if a composite glider that might fit the bill? It can't be too expensive as I do fly in high winds and the landing site is dicey at my local
I have considered a multiplex fun ray for high wind flying but have yet to see one myself.
Pic from earlier
Update: ended up buying a used Phase 6. i’ve converted it to independent servos for them ailerons but had so many problems getting it to work right. It turned out i had a faulty rx AND a fried UBEC voltage regulator. all swapped out now and working a treat - just need the right conditions to fly her now!
LotusMartin said:
Update: ended up buying a used Phase 6. i’ve converted it to independent servos for them ailerons but had so many problems getting it to work right. It turned out i had a faulty rx AND a fried UBEC voltage regulator. all swapped out now and working a treat - just need the right conditions to fly her now!
Nice one...The phase 6 looks very tidy for a used sloper and should go great in good blow.....My sympathies regarding chasing your rx and ubec issues.....I have had to give up throwing DLG for a bit with a knee problem so have migrated towards powered gliders....
The two below were pictured last November (I only started the kit last month)
The Dpower 220 is an artf bought as a departure from the norm for me
And this suffered a ubec problem on its maiden when coming into land (which it does quickly... A floater it is not) Which resulted in it colliding with the only thing to hit within hundreds of meters, a steel pole no less...... The joys of RC flying!
All caused by me damaging the power supply whilst trying to package it in so can't blame my kit or anything else apart from myself. So take some solace that it happened on the ground!
I hope your knee improves. I’ve been dlg-ing my Elf a fair bit although i’m not sure the field i use has much in the way of thermals. Will be interesting to see if that changes in the spring/summer.
I’m almost certain i’m going to order a 2 piece wing Auri F3k before the spring. I feel i can handle it now without destroying it on its first outing!!
I’m almost certain i’m going to order a 2 piece wing Auri F3k before the spring. I feel i can handle it now without destroying it on its first outing!!
I have an elf and they are tricky to hook up unless there is some strong low level thermals around due to the height you can throw too.
I use my elf in the local playing fields as at the end of a sunny day (anytime of year) when the air is still I get good lift over the tennis courts (red tarmac) and in the summer the cricket wicket is excellent too, You can slope them over hedges and embankments, and with a bit of weight the elf slopes well in light clean conditions.
The difference between the elf and a full carbon will be night and day in cost and performance, the increased launch height allows for much more options in travelling around the sky.
Crashes can be expensive and repairs can sometimes be tricky but the reward of catching good lift and achieving some good climbs can't be bettered.... I went to 320+ meters once last year..... Amazing.
My knee... I want it better so I have to leave off the rotating for a while...... One of my current projects is fitting a small motor and folding prop (both tiny) in a pod over the wing of the elf and small EDF on a carbon DLG to allow me to just toss them up then power for a bit.
I use my elf in the local playing fields as at the end of a sunny day (anytime of year) when the air is still I get good lift over the tennis courts (red tarmac) and in the summer the cricket wicket is excellent too, You can slope them over hedges and embankments, and with a bit of weight the elf slopes well in light clean conditions.
The difference between the elf and a full carbon will be night and day in cost and performance, the increased launch height allows for much more options in travelling around the sky.
Crashes can be expensive and repairs can sometimes be tricky but the reward of catching good lift and achieving some good climbs can't be bettered.... I went to 320+ meters once last year..... Amazing.
My knee... I want it better so I have to leave off the rotating for a while...... One of my current projects is fitting a small motor and folding prop (both tiny) in a pod over the wing of the elf and small EDF on a carbon DLG to allow me to just toss them up then power for a bit.
shedweller said:
I have an elf and they are tricky to hook up unless there is some strong low level thermals around due to the height you can throw too.
I use my elf in the local playing fields as at the end of a sunny day (anytime of year) when the air is still I get good lift over the tennis courts (red tarmac) and in the summer the cricket wicket is excellent too, You can slope them over hedges and embankments, and with a bit of weight the elf slopes well in light clean conditions.
The difference between the elf and a full carbon will be night and day in cost and performance, the increased launch height allows for much more options in travelling around the sky.
Crashes can be expensive and repairs can sometimes be tricky but the reward of catching good lift and achieving some good climbs can't be bettered.... I went to 320+ meters once last year..... Amazing.
My knee... I want it better so I have to leave off the rotating for a while...... One of my current projects is fitting a small motor and folding prop (both tiny) in a pod over the wing of the elf and small EDF on a carbon DLG to allow me to just toss them up then power for a bit.
look on hyperflight - they do an electric version of the elf now and they sell the motor/ESC I think. I use my elf in the local playing fields as at the end of a sunny day (anytime of year) when the air is still I get good lift over the tennis courts (red tarmac) and in the summer the cricket wicket is excellent too, You can slope them over hedges and embankments, and with a bit of weight the elf slopes well in light clean conditions.
The difference between the elf and a full carbon will be night and day in cost and performance, the increased launch height allows for much more options in travelling around the sky.
Crashes can be expensive and repairs can sometimes be tricky but the reward of catching good lift and achieving some good climbs can't be bettered.... I went to 320+ meters once last year..... Amazing.
My knee... I want it better so I have to leave off the rotating for a while...... One of my current projects is fitting a small motor and folding prop (both tiny) in a pod over the wing of the elf and small EDF on a carbon DLG to allow me to just toss them up then power for a bit.
I’ve launched my Elf up to 45m into a slight breeze which I couldn’t believe at the time, usually it’s more like 30-35m. I reinforced the throwing peg when i built it as i figured i would be giving it some stick.
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