Mini Wanderer

[Red]

Several years back I shrunk the venerable Mark Smith Wanderer glider down to 30” span to use the then new UMX “brick” radio system that came is planes like the Vapor. This spawned a whole series of micro gliders designed for newer builders and cheap fun. The bricks allowed these small models could be flakey though.

With today’s tiny servos, a little larger one makes sense, thus the Mini Wanderer is born. I’m building the prototype now. This one has a 45” span designed for regular micro servos.

So far it is going together fine, but the cut files need a couple tweaks to be perfect.

 

[Wayne]

I like it. For me this size is more interesting. And the fuselage is much more accurate. I'll for sure be building one of these!

p.s. We will be stocking contest grade balsa very soon as well as some Bass and Spruce. Debated getting some small oak for PSS leading edges, but don't think many people do that anymore. A little spruce for the spars might be good for this one, or you think some AAA balsa will do the trick?

 

[Red]

I like it. For me this size is more interesting. And the fuselage is much more accurate. I'll for sure be building one of these!

p.s. We will be stocking contest grade balsa very soon as well as some Bass and Spruce. Debated getting some small oak for PSS leading edges, but don't think many people do that anymore. A little spruce for the spars might be good for this one, or you think some AAA balsa will do the trick?

I've gone from 1/8" spar to a 3/16" on this one. I don't think the loads warrant Spruce yet. I'll let you know after the prototype flies lol.

 

[Wayne]

Seriously looking forward to having one of these in my fleet. I have seen a few scratch built mini-wanderers over the years and they all were a ton of fun. Little rocket ships on the slopes, but could also thermal around. I have wanted to make one for 20 years.

 

[gnichola]

To be clear @Red this is NOT a UMX, correct? (too soon?)

 

[Red]

Seriously looking forward to having one of these in my fleet. I have seen a few scratch built mini-wanderers over the years and they all were a ton of fun. Little rocket ships on the slopes, but could also thermal around. I have wanted to make one for 20 years.

Won't be long now that I'm motivated lol

 

[Red]

To be clear @Red this is NOT a UMX, correct? (too soon?)

Oh noo you diiiint!

 

[Red]

I’m liking the bigger size so far. Still is small enough to be cute though! The servos look like they are swimming in the fuselage lol.

Time to finish the wing drawing so I can cut that out and start building it.

 

[Wayne]

It's so cute!

At first I thought you had cut the top of the vertical to add to the rudder area as was common practice back in the day, but doubt it is needed on the smaller scale. Those servos do look lonely in there.

 

[Red]

It's so cute!

At first I thought you had cut the top of the vertical to add to the rudder area as was common practice back in the day, but doubt it is needed on the smaller scale. Those servos do look lonely in there.

Nope, just a lightening hole. I decided today that I will replace the hole with an alien head though haha.

 

[Wayne]

And I will replace that alien with an Aloft eagle. LOL.

Just kidding.

 

[JohnT]

Another great plane! Where do you think the AUW will come in at?

John

 

[Red]

Another great plane! Where do you think the AUW will come in at?

John

Hi John,

As it sits it is 46g. I'm hoping it comes out 120g or less RTF.

 

[Hank GB Z]

Looking good Red. I like the use of the servos. I love the bricks for really small stuff but servos allows more choices. A while back I was out at Kite Hill and a guy had blown up your micro wander plans and scratch built one at I think 36” just big enough to use servos. It flew well. I think the 40” will fly well too.

Hank

 

[Red]

Looking good Red. I like the use of the servos. I love the bricks for really small stuff but servos allows more choices. A while back I was out at Kite Hill and a guy had blown up your micro wander plans and scratch built one at I think 36” just big enough to use servos. It flew well. I think the 40” will fly well too.

Hank

Agreed Hank. For me the bricks were getting expensive and harder to get. I tried a few of the knock offs but wasn't really happy. A little bigger allows more choices.

 

[Red]

I have the wing built now and ready to cover. I didn’t have any 3/16” for the spars and LE, so I had to laminate it. The cut files are good, I’ll make a couple minor changes and then they are good to go.

 

[RafaelAvila]

I have the wing built now and ready to cover. I didn’t have any 3/16” for the spars and LE, so I had to laminate it. The cut files are good, I’ll make a couple minor changes and then they are good to go.

Soon at alofthobbies???

 

[Red]

Soon at alofthobbies???

Yes! Trying for a test flight this weekend.

 

[Wayne]

How long is that planking in the center of the wing? We should be able to do that without the scarf.

Woohoo!! I want one of these badly!

 

[Red]

How long is that planking in the center of the wing? We should be able to do that without the scarf.

Woohoo!! I want one of these badly!

Just over 4". I was trying not to use anything wider than that.