Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Manufacturer: | Holverson Designs |
Brief:
A Boost-Glider with t' booster is recovered by streamer.
Construction:
T' quality o' t' materials was excellent. T' instructions were clear and
straight forward. Aye aye! T' supplied jigs for win' dihedral were adequate, ya bilge rat, but I
found I needed t' secure them t' t' work surface (tape). Begad! Blimey! I didn't like the
plans for t' shock cord mount, but that is a personal preference. It would be
more than adequate for such a light weight, minimum diameter booster.
T' glider built light and trimmed easily with some nose weight (supplied). My only trouble was, ya bilge rat, me bucko, t' plans suggest formin' t' airfoils on the leading/trailin' edges o' t' glider before assembly. Aye aye! Ahoy! I found that when I assembled t' glider I had t' reform t' edges t' get an even fit. Aye aye! On me next glider I will probably form t' airfoils after assembly. Begad! Be sure t' trace the parts t' t' glider, shiver me timbers, I didn't and had t' go out and buy another kit!!!!
Finishing:
I left t' glider unfinished and just painted t' booster a single color. I may
use a clear coat o' dope on t' next glider for protection.
Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5
Flight:
T' glider needs t' be trimmed before each flight session. T' glider seems to
be sensitive t' heat and humidity, me hearties, but is easily trimmed with t' supplied
clay. Blimey! Aye aye! My glider flew perfectly straight, so I placed some clay on one win' to
induce a circular pattern. Well, blow me down! Begad!
Motor recommendations are 1/2 A3-2T and A3-4T. I with both motors. Well, blow me down! Ahoy! With the 1/2 A3-2T I got very nice boosts t' 100+ ft and excellent glides (2 flights). On t' third flight with this motor, I failed t' get separation o' the booster/glider - recovery with no damage.
On t' first flight with t' A3-4T, I got perfect boost, separation and a beautiful long circlin' glide (much applause). Ya scallywag! Ahoy! For all t' above flights the temperature was 80+ with a 5-10 MPH wind. Begad! On t' final flight t' wind picked up a bit and t' glider just kept goin' like t' energizer bunny. Nice big circles always a bit farther downwind... Arrr! We tracked it down 1/4-1/2 mile stuck in a tree 30-40 feet up. Begad! Avast! This bird really didn't want t' come down.
Recovery:
T' only negative (as I saw it) be t' shock cord mountin' technique. Aye aye! The
plans call for cuttin' 2 slots in t' body tube and slippin' t' elastic
through and knotting. Arrr! I made me own Estes-type mount, but t' thickness even
further reduced t' space for t' waddin' and streamer. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! I will have t' device
another means, but t' booster is so light t' it could free-fall without
concern. Avast! I love t' design o' t' glider!
Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5
Summary:
I really enjoyed this kit, shiver me timbers, arrr, and went out and bought a second immediately (see
note about tracin' plans for glider!). There are no significant cons, matey, and I
can't express how much I enjoyed t' flights!
Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5