I cannot let this theme "Flyomtaler, tester & byggeblog Seilfly" remain unused any longer, thus I plan over the next few months to describe a new project to research, design and build a known amateur conversion of a classic two seater glider into a motor glider at one quarter scale.
I have long wanted to attempt to set my 54 years experience of building model aeroplanes in the traditional way on paper and what better subject than the glider which I first trained and flew solo on at 14 years old with the Air Training Corps/Royal Air Force in Northern Ireland - Slingsby's T31B Tandem Tutor. Large numbers of the type became surplus to requirements during recent years and some of them have been acquired by amateur builders for conversion into an economic motor glider designated T31M.
I hope in this process to highlight the history of the type, to describe the research process for documenting and designing a presentable true scale model, and further to report on the drafting and building process including all the tips and building methods that one learns over the years. I make no bones in expressing my personal dislike of the ARF direction that our hobby has taken in recent years although I use them myself for convenience - they have their place but cannot fill the pleasure of seeing your own creation in the air.
Quarter scale is choosen since a number of members at Røyken and Hurum choose this scale to form an embroyo interest group for building and flying classic gliders (pre-glass) and Golden Age light aeroplanes (glider tugs) in a relaxed and gentlemanly manner for the shear pleasure of it.
Quarter scale has been choosen as a size which still requires only limited investment in gagetry in comparison with the very large sailplanes of the IGG for example (although they are enormous fun also). Building in quarter scale also uses material dimensions that can still be easily handled by old farts like me (the fingers and eyesight are not as supple as they used to be). Thirdly, larger models always in general fly better and more sedately than the smaller models.
My only reservation is that because of my medical history I am forced to write these words in the english language although most of you out there know that I have very little problem to read and speak norwegian. I hope you all will forgive me this necessity (it would be worse if I used the celtic) and feel free to converse in your native language.
If I can in this way increase the interest, particularly among the younger enthusiast, to build model aeroplanes in the traditional way I will be a very happy chapie.
Pictures
1. T31M Conversion
2. T31B in ATC Service
I have long wanted to attempt to set my 54 years experience of building model aeroplanes in the traditional way on paper and what better subject than the glider which I first trained and flew solo on at 14 years old with the Air Training Corps/Royal Air Force in Northern Ireland - Slingsby's T31B Tandem Tutor. Large numbers of the type became surplus to requirements during recent years and some of them have been acquired by amateur builders for conversion into an economic motor glider designated T31M.
I hope in this process to highlight the history of the type, to describe the research process for documenting and designing a presentable true scale model, and further to report on the drafting and building process including all the tips and building methods that one learns over the years. I make no bones in expressing my personal dislike of the ARF direction that our hobby has taken in recent years although I use them myself for convenience - they have their place but cannot fill the pleasure of seeing your own creation in the air.
Quarter scale is choosen since a number of members at Røyken and Hurum choose this scale to form an embroyo interest group for building and flying classic gliders (pre-glass) and Golden Age light aeroplanes (glider tugs) in a relaxed and gentlemanly manner for the shear pleasure of it.
Quarter scale has been choosen as a size which still requires only limited investment in gagetry in comparison with the very large sailplanes of the IGG for example (although they are enormous fun also). Building in quarter scale also uses material dimensions that can still be easily handled by old farts like me (the fingers and eyesight are not as supple as they used to be). Thirdly, larger models always in general fly better and more sedately than the smaller models.
My only reservation is that because of my medical history I am forced to write these words in the english language although most of you out there know that I have very little problem to read and speak norwegian. I hope you all will forgive me this necessity (it would be worse if I used the celtic) and feel free to converse in your native language.
If I can in this way increase the interest, particularly among the younger enthusiast, to build model aeroplanes in the traditional way I will be a very happy chapie.
Pictures
1. T31M Conversion
2. T31B in ATC Service
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