Christchurch and District Model Flying Club
 

Guppy replacement therapy
by Tim Calvert

As the Guppy unfortunately snapped the spar at 300ft, the result was somewhat terminal by the time it met Terra firma! (I was there, but no pictures—Ed)
The Guppy in full flight, before the crash
The Guppy given me some good flying and a great intro to gliders, it was little overpowered, no problem hitting 200m in under 30secs and taming its waywood tendencies under power took a while.  It was however a bit too light for the Stanpit competition, but fine off Barton in a light air,  not enough weight to penetrate in the usual Fri Sea breeze and something a bit larger for 2013 was called for.

After a some research I have selected on a 2m Allegro, its design heritage being smaller brother to Clives 3m Bubble Dancer, sharing a lot of the design concepts.  Being Electric only it does not need quite the exotic wing construction of the original Winch launch gilder only.  So using the experience of many other build blogs plan on a Balsa, ply, Carbon version thats slightly less high tech, but should produce a very usable Glider, with the benefit of being able to use the Guppy running gear.

The Carbon Spar caps and Boom have been ordered, and it will take place on the build board alongside the Ivan Twin Otter, which after the BIMBO day inspire me to get on with the build and also finish Black Magic, (and also my other non Aero project a  restoring a Classic British 1969 Racing Cycle), a winters building coming up!!

The Allegro.

The observant reader (yes sir, you at the back) will notice

1. The family resemblance to Clive’s Bubble Dancer

2. That this is not our man Tim.

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