Foamie for Light Lift???

[grieder]

I am looking for a slope glider that I can use when there isn't much wind/lift.

Preferably a lightweight foamie that I can smash into trees as there aren't any slopes in Townsville without trees or rocks.

Does anyone have any suggestions and info on how I can get hold of one?

Also, does anyone know of any good slopes around Townsville area?

Replies greatly appreciated.

[chamm37]

Alright I can help you out on the your plane situation but I don't know of any sites up there. A ideal plane would be the Alula, Weasel or the Eagle...

The Eagle is made from Canterbury Sailplanes and is made up of EPP foam so it is very durable.
www.modelflight.com.au/canterbury_sailplanes/canterbury_sailplane_eagle.htm

The Weasel is a great little sloper that is also made of EPP foam and will take a beating but it is not for a beginner. Although beginners have learnt on the Weasel, it isn't advised...
www.dream-flight.com/weasel.html

The Alula is a great light wind sloper and also theramls pretty well as well. I have one of these and they are awesome as and are great fun. It is also EPP...
They are made from Windrider so just search that on the internet and you will find a link...


There are a couple more planes but I am running out of time and have to go but have a look at them and also a Bee is a good when built light ;D



Regards,
Chris ;D

[windsock]

Having a Weasel my vote would be the Weasel. The new Weasel looks great (out of stock until mid June).

Another plane like the Weasel is the Wasp (Australian Made):

www.offtheedge.com.au/page.asp?id=17

Gerard

[aussiejarred]

then again, if your a tight-a... like me, you could always get the alternate alula...

shop.eflypower.com/shop/views.asp?hw_id=1831

not the best, but still fun for a muck around, i often find myself HLGing in the backyard in the arvo's...

[sean]

Might be worth condsidering a Wowings Duck:

www.wowings.com

Good in light air but maybe not quite as good in ultra-light air as the planes Chris mentioned above.

Sean.

[snab]

Try contacting Lindsay Moore (MAAQ Vice President).
Details available on the MAAQ Website.

He's currently researching various area's around the
Townsville region with regards to Slope Soaring.

Kind Regards,
Mike

[nick]

howdy

i agree with sean
a wowings duck would be my call too
good in light air and is still fantastic when the wind blows up,
i don't know how to beat a rocky site, maybe a laminate film for covering but i haven't done one myself so im not 100% sure but they are real tuff from what i have seen, check out the web site, and the skua is good from about 10 knots on an average slope.
good luck


regards nick

[nick]

oh
and by the way
wowings are queensland made

QUEENSLANDER

lol

[thevon]

Hi Grieder,
I lived in Tville for a year but wasn't into sloping then. I've been back since a few times, and of course can't help sussing out the hills everywhere!

There's nowhere I've noticed that looks "perfect" - as you say it's rocky or trees. But, anywhere that has a slope facing into the wind will work ... the hard part is getting the plane back onto the ground safely!

You'd have to be able to fly off Castle hill in a few wind directions. Also on the road up to Mt Stuart, and perhaps the top of it, could be good.

Up the top end of beach of the Common I seem to remember a hill, and slopes right on the beach are generally the best - very clean wind so you don't need a big slope. I'd be having a good look there.

Bigger wingspan planes, and conventional (tailed) planes make better use of the lift, so you get more flying in lighter air. Paradoxically the big planes are less likely to have a crash, so safer to fly, but more likely to be damaged on landing. I'd bet that there's a wind direction and a spot where you could fly a fragile moldie on Castle hill, and land it safely and slowly with flaps. But it's the sort of thing you'd work up to.

Good luck with the trying!

[grieder]

Thanks everyone for your input!

Been out at the Ross Dam, Pallarenda and Castle hill. Been alright with the CS Arrow but can't wait to get my new Alula.

Lovin it

[drcuzo]

Correction

Alula is Dream Fight not Windrider (the Bee)

www.dream-flight.com/alula.html

Steve

[skyboyken]

Hi Grieder,

I maidened my new Alula Evo last Sunday at Bald Knob in super light conditions. So far as we know Nick and I had the first 2 Alulas in Oz there.

I can honestly say I have never had more fun with a foam airplane .

I can also honestly say I had just as much fun later in the day at a nearby slope flying combat in light/moderate conditions with a bunch of other guys.

So when you say 'light winds' it really depends on how light is light. If I was looking for one plane to go from almost nothing to fairly strong wind and be fun all the way I would choose a Weasel by Dream Flight. However I don't own a Weasel. Instead I have an Alula and a combat wing, and the Duck is as good as they get.

Whatever you decide, Go Great!

Ken.