Sloping Off - September 2006
Bluebird
a 100in Electric assist Glider
Review by Terry Antell
If you are one of the many people who read magazines from the back to the front, please look at Chairman's Chatter for the thinking behind this review - Ed.
J Perkins distributes the BLUEBIRD. It’s a R/E electric assist thermal glider. It comes with all parts completely finished, this includes elevator hinging done and fixed, along with the clevises. It requires 2 standard size servos, a 7 or 8 cell NiCad pack of 2000 to 2500mah and of course a receiver. The motor, prop and prop adaptor are supplied and already fitted.
The kit (if that’s what you call it) suggests a 6 cell pack. No way would she safely gain sufficient height, particularly on a public site like Stanpit.
I first of all tried a 4/5th Sub C, 8 cell pack of 1600mah. A rather steep climb was accomplished! Next I tried a standard 7 cell sub C pack. Still a good climb rate. Now to reduce as much weight as possible. I bought a 7 cell 4/5th Sub C battery pack from Channel 4 Models. Ok, only a 1700mah pack, but the weight (and size) was reduced (2 1/2oz less than a standard Sub C pack).
Just fit 2 standard size servos, hook up to the already installed push rods and she’s ready. Oh yes, glue the two halves of the V tail together then fix with the 2 bolts supplied.
The dihedral looked too little. I was proved right. The turn rate was too sluggish for my liking, making the landing a little uncomfortable. The wing had 4” under one wing tip with the other one laying flat on the ground. I made up another wing joiner, this time with 6” under one wing. An improvement, but still not wonderful. I again bent the joiner, this time having 8” under one wing. Marvellous, much more control and she makes lovely thermal type turns.
With a one minute climb, using the motor at max throttle, she’ll glide for around 6 minutes in still air. Now use your skill to increase this.
Why all this trouble? Well, as you should be aware, the Club run an Electric Thermal contest throughout the summer months. Allowing ANY model means a fat cheque book will give the best chance of winning under the current rules. We (the committee) have thought about this, long and hard. We decided that if everybody used one model, one motor and one battery pack it would put us all on level ground. Also, if a few of one model were flown, say 4 or 5 launching together this would allow those taking part to be in the same parcel of air at the same time.
All launch and climb for a minute, then use their skills to stay aloft for up to 10 minutes. This would give something to aim for WITHOUT making it a landing contest. The 10 mins to include the 1 min climb out. The second flight score to be added to the first. Should more than 5 wish to take part on an evening then a second set of members would fly (as above). All scores are noted and carried forward. If two groups fly, then a fly off between the round winners would take place to find the actual winner on the night. All flights to use the same battery with NO recharging.
The contest to take place every 2 weeks from May to August. No, not on a Friday evening, this will be for the Gliders contest/sport flying.
Now for the good bit, I hope you think it’s good.
The recommended price for this kit is £89.99 (Sussex Model Centre sell it at this price). Channel 4 retail it for £79.99. I have spoken to the proprietors at Channel 4. Providing we order 5 or more kits then we can have each model for £70. This includes motor and 8 x 4.5” prop which is already fitted, too. The 7 cell 4/5th Sub C battery costs £19.99. A standard 7 cell sub C pack may be used. The power will be the same; however, the wing loading will be increased.
I currently have a list of 9 members who have said they want one. Anyone else?? Me please - Ed.
