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Mini Wanderer
- Thread starter Red
- Start date
Red
Very Strong User
Couldn't help it, I had to take it out in my back pasture for some hand tosses. Sorry for the crappy video, I just stuck my phone on the fence.
I'm thrilled! It flies fantastic. Slower and floatier than the micro one. This thing will be a light lift machine, perfect for those days where you just want to cruise. It was much darker than the video looks, I wanted to keep flying lol.
I'm thrilled! It flies fantastic. Slower and floatier than the micro one. This thing will be a light lift machine, perfect for those days where you just want to cruise. It was much darker than the video looks, I wanted to keep flying lol.
Awesome!! Flies even better than I would have thought from a hand toss!
We could go to thicker contest grade balsa, but not sure it would be stronger, would maintain the weight. I like the idea of a little thicker material, but not if it will harm the flight performance you show in that video.
We could go to thicker contest grade balsa, but not sure it would be stronger, would maintain the weight. I like the idea of a little thicker material, but not if it will harm the flight performance you show in that video.
Red
Very Strong User
I think the jump from1/16 to 3/32 in the wing won't add any appreciable weight. I had to laminate the spar and my wood wasn't the greatest, so probably a wash. Even if it was 5 oz. I don't performance would take a hit, this is really the sweet spot I think. I am going to add a little plywood to the radio tray and belly for a tow hook. Guess I better figure out an E option too.
Already has me thinking about the next design....hmmmmm
Red
Very Strong User
Almost home with this design. Just need to finish the manual which sits at about 30% complete, everything else is done.
Since we have been plagued with calm conditions, I installed a tow release in the nose and did some aero towing with it this weekend. Worked great! It has a very low sink rate, on par with my buddies composite DLG which is amazing.
Since we have been plagued with calm conditions, I installed a tow release in the nose and did some aero towing with it this weekend. Worked great! It has a very low sink rate, on par with my buddies composite DLG which is amazing.
Attachments
Red
Very Strong User
Used my Turbo Timber throttled back. I was going to try my UMX Air Tractor but had a bad battery.
Red
Very Strong User
Finally! Wayne has the cut files and plans for the Mini Wanderer, so he can now give an update as to when to expect kits. I still have the manual to finish, but that's pretty far along so it will be coming shortly.
If I am building a one off for myself, all I need is outlines with no markings or plans. For a kit, someone else needs to know what is rattling around in my head without guessing. It has to make sense to build with a minimum of guesswork.
If anyone is curious, the picture shows about 50+ hours of CAD work to get a kit to a "produce able" state. This doesn't include building prototypes, making part changes and fixing my inevitable errors arrgh! Every part needs tabs around the perimeter so they don't fall out of the carrier sheet, part markings, packing considerations, hardware etc. Add to that building a "fresh" kit and taking pictures for the manual. I figure 125+ hours to finish everything for a small kit of this size. It's possible I'm slow LMAO.
All this is not meant to be discouraging, the opposite actually! It goes to show anyone can make a kit if they stick with it. I've learned so much by letting other people build my creations and ask me what the heck I was thinking! If you aim to be a designer, or simply want to share the fun with someone else, this is a great way to get your chops up.
I have many, many more kits partially and fully drawn that Wayne may offer as kits. I probably have an equal number of sketches and ideas that will never see the light of day as well. Dreaming is part of the fun. So if you want to give it a try, please reach out if you are interested. I'd be happy to guide you along and share all the ways I did it wrong and hopefully save you some headache.
Nothing is cooler than seeing someone else enjoy one of your creations! Me, I'm looking forward to tooling this one around just after sunrise at Sunset when the seagulls are still flapping. It's magical.
If I am building a one off for myself, all I need is outlines with no markings or plans. For a kit, someone else needs to know what is rattling around in my head without guessing. It has to make sense to build with a minimum of guesswork.
If anyone is curious, the picture shows about 50+ hours of CAD work to get a kit to a "produce able" state. This doesn't include building prototypes, making part changes and fixing my inevitable errors arrgh! Every part needs tabs around the perimeter so they don't fall out of the carrier sheet, part markings, packing considerations, hardware etc. Add to that building a "fresh" kit and taking pictures for the manual. I figure 125+ hours to finish everything for a small kit of this size. It's possible I'm slow LMAO.
All this is not meant to be discouraging, the opposite actually! It goes to show anyone can make a kit if they stick with it. I've learned so much by letting other people build my creations and ask me what the heck I was thinking! If you aim to be a designer, or simply want to share the fun with someone else, this is a great way to get your chops up.
I have many, many more kits partially and fully drawn that Wayne may offer as kits. I probably have an equal number of sketches and ideas that will never see the light of day as well. Dreaming is part of the fun. So if you want to give it a try, please reach out if you are interested. I'd be happy to guide you along and share all the ways I did it wrong and hopefully save you some headache.
Nothing is cooler than seeing someone else enjoy one of your creations! Me, I'm looking forward to tooling this one around just after sunrise at Sunset when the seagulls are still flapping. It's magical.
Flylegacy500
User
I'm ready to order as soon as they become available on the website. Thanks for all your hard work Red! I love building and flying your gliders.
thenated0g
Moderator
The small kits are so enjoyable. You get to see it come together really quick. Nice work. Cant wait to see some flying around in may.
Red
Very Strong User
Oh man, best wishes for a speedy recover for all affected.
G-man
Very Strong User
> I'm thrilled! It flies fantastic. Slower and floatier than the micro one.
> This thing will be a light lift machine, perfect for those days where you just want to cruise.
Lovely. This plane is truly cool.
I'm excited to be able to get a kit in the near future.
Many thanks to Red, to Wayne, and those who make it possible.
> This thing will be a light lift machine, perfect for those days where you just want to cruise.
Lovely. This plane is truly cool.
I'm excited to be able to get a kit in the near future.
Many thanks to Red, to Wayne, and those who make it possible.