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* Sorcerer
Modifications - getting better performance from a basic design.
* Illustrated
how-to - Installing an Ikara Prop, adding teflon bearings, tapering balsa,
modifications for performance, more
as we add it.
* Last year’s
Cruiser directions – expert insights and suggestions for building &
flying if you are buying a Sorcerer. Leading
Edge has up-to-date directions.
* Buy Tools &
Supplies - Cutters, motors, .01g scales, glue, winders,
balsa.
ON THIS PAGE:
1. Selecting a model
2. Select the right accessories & supplies for
your model
2. Selecting and using a rubber motor.
3. Specific Product Modifications for
models except Leading Edge and Sorcerer.
SCHOOLS/TEACHERS/COACHES: PO's accepted, but ALL TRANSACTIONS ARE PREPAID.
(Please read Details below before
selecting products.)
1. Selection of a model - January 2009 Update:
January 21, 2009:
NEW!
Cezar Banks, the legendary grand master of
rubber-powered indoor duration flying, has designed the Leading
Edge endurance flyer
with some of the most sophisticated features ever offered in a a ready to
build kit, and we now have them for
sale. With asymmetric ribs, shaped
leading edge, long tailboom, Ikara props with plug-in hangers, and
ultralight plastic film, this is the most sophisticated model we have offered. We suggest you
order now for earliest possible delivery, starting in 3 to 5 days. First
come, first served: Express orders will not be shipped ahead of orders
received earlier.
There will be no Harlan Cruiser this year. We are
sorry to report that this kit is no longer being manufactured. At somewhat lower cost, you can buy the reliable
old standby, the Midwest Sorcerer,
which can be
modified to be more
competitive. The Sorcer
has been used for a number of years to produce winning competition models,
and is still (for the moment, anyway) only $35.95.
If you are just starting out, we suggest the following package:
Sorcerer kit
Supplies:
Xacto knife or other cutting tools
Mylar
Ikara props
Grip Pins
Enough Rubber to make several motors -start with our #377
Ambroid cement (you can also use CA)
Digital Scale (new item)
Balsa
(optional) - stock sizes can be sanded to adjust weight and
dimension.
Get
started by building a Sorcerer, adding ultra-lightweight plastic
film covering and Ikara Propellers, and try making your own balsa
subsitute motor sticks, tailbooms, and other components. Maximize
strength/weight efficiency by weighing each piece before installing it with
our accurate new .01 g digital scale.
This year, the Ikara props will come pre-assembled
with prop motor hook and bearing assembly, prop hanger, and rear motor hook.. The design will permit very rapid
swapping out of damaged props, so contestants who break props - a frequent
occcurence - can get right back into the battle.
We offer some
installation suggestions and other modifications such as tapering of balsa parts for more efficient strength/weight.
If you have built Sorcerers
or Leading Edges previously, you might want to try building a model from scratch
using parts and balsa from Turnertoys Flight Central. Dimensions must satisfy
current contest rules (S.O. or other events), but otherwise the basic design
from the current Sorcerer or last year's Leading Edge can serve as a guide to
design concepts and sophisticated construction techniques. You can make the
choice to follow the old designs or try something new!
As important as weight is, we do not believe that the precise weight of each
stick of balsa is as critical to
success as attention paid to detail, the patience and skill exercised in building, and
the hours of practice flying
to gain skill and make every possible fine adjustment. The
balsa we supply ranges in density from 6 lb/cu.ft (pcu) to 24 pcu in
three weight categories. We suggest you buy enough of this inexpensive material so
you can pick and choose from the range of weights you will receive in each
bundle: the denser pieces where strength is needed, the lighter pieces
elsewhere. Final center-of-gravity balance can be adjusted by wing placement,
sanding of parts, and bits of clay.
You should, of course, be willing to build your model over as many
times as needed until your flight times are clearly competitive.
If you have never built a stick & tissue model before, or have not
allowed enough time for adjustment and testing, consider starting with the
Shoebox or Right Flyer, both of which are modifiable and are competitive at
the local level. You will gain experience which can be applied to
your next event, for which we recommend a Leading
Edge or Sorcerer. Make sure to
plan further ahead next time.
All our competition kits, including the Delta Dart, Super Delta
Dart, Shoebox R.O.G., and Right Flyer, are excellent candidates for developing your
own winning combinations. The Delta Dart and Super Dart, however, are
not really recommended for Science Olympiad or similar competitions. They are ideal for beginners who are learning how
to assemble, adjust, and fly balsa and tissue kits, and who are just starting
to lean about aerodynamics. The Delta Dart and Super Dart are
especially easy to work with for younger (8 years +) students, since the
components are glued directly to the plans, and it is possible to assemble
with a glue stick in addition to a liquid glue. Both can be flown outdoors
just for fun on calm (no wind), dry days.
The Shoebox ROG is a good first competitive choice for students with some
building and flying experience. It qualifies for competition, and is a
very competitive endurance flyer in its size class if built carefully and
adjusted properly. The Right Flyer is a fully competitive choice for longer
indoor endurance flights, although a bit heavy for its size. It can be flown
outdoors on calm, dry days, and is rugged enough to survive the occasional
minor mishap.
Our Build-N-Fly and
Ready-to-Fly
models (specifically the G-75 Flying machine) are also strong fliers, and may
be used by beginners to acquire experience in building and flying
rubber-powered balsa models. Endurance flying modifications are not included
in the directions, but a knowledge of simple aerodynamics allows some
productive tinkering. They are not considered contest-winning designs
(too heavy, among other things).
Do the job right with the right
supplies and accessories
Working with these supplies and tools requires practise, learning, and some
ingenuity and improvising.
1. Work Surface: We suggest using an accurately flat, sufficiently
large, soft balsa or pine board or piece of 3/4" softwood plywood,
clean, flat heavyweight corrugated boxboard, 2’ x 2’ ceiling tile, or
dense insulation foam board as a construction surface for use with these
pins. Cover work surface with wax paper to permit easy removal of finished
assemblies.
2. Assembly Pins: These make the job easier, produce better
quality work. Two structure sides can be duplicated, one one top of the other
with wax paper in between, for symmetric structure precision. Also
provides light clamping pressure for setting glue joints at any angle. Use
the pin shoulders to hold the work, or pin through a piece of scrap used to
press the work to the workboard. Gentle side pressure can be applied to
keep joints in place while drying, and cambered ribs can be held vertical
with 1 or 2 pins on each side of the rib. Note: Use very light pressure on
balsa parts and do not pin through balsa on Leading Edge or Sorcerer models!
3.
Speed Winders are a necessity for competition, especially for the Leading Edge
& Sorcerer, which may require more than 1500 winds. Also aids in precise
counting of winds, which is an essential part of testing and adjustment for
optimum flight. Use 15:1 or 10:1 winder for Leading Edge & Sorcerer; M389 5:1 is
OK for other models. Do not use an electric winder for competiition!
ALWAYS COUNT THE NUMBER OF WINDS!
4. Mylar Film
We offer 1.4µ Mylar film in rolls 12.5” x 10’, enough for
covering several models. It is superior to tissue in several ways.
It is included with the Leading Edge kits, and may be purchased separately for
$11.50 for the Sorcerers. We include updated instructions for use.
Application takes practice, but is worth the effort.
5. Cutting Tools:
[all cutting tools are sharp and potentially hazardous. Use may require
competent adult supervision]
Xacto Knives: We offer individual capped knives with safety caps and
replaceable blades. This is the long-time standard, suitable for kids
over age 8 with competent supervision.
Excel Brand single edge razor blades. Single edge blades are the choice of experienced modeler. Our blades are
sharper than Xacto blades, more effective for most cuts, and make beautifully
clean cuts if used skilfully. However, they are also more hazardous to
handle, must be disposed of safely, and are not recommended for children younger than 12 years. We
offer them in 10-packs for $2.50 with your order of other supplies - no
additional freight charge. We will not ship them separately!
6. Our Ikara Propellers are designed by Ray Harlan. They
feature a highly efficient combination of weight, size, shape, and pitch, and
are not available elsewhere. They are extremely light and easy to modify. They twist easily to change pitch angle,
and can be reshaped with sharp scissors to change diameter and surface
area. , they are available separately
(see URL above) to enhance the performance of the Sorcerer or other model.
7. Care and selection of Rubber Motors:
Flight
Central offers a variety of thicknesses of competition rubber string. For
longest life and maximum performance, lubricate the rubber motors with
Sil-Slick, available at our supplies
page. Store motors in marked Zip-Lock Bags. Use Speedwinders for
proper stretch-winding (directions in model kit package), and always count
winds. Do not use an electric winder!! Select motor acording to weight specs and energy requirements, model
weight and room dimensions, among other things.
The selection of a motor, and determination of length, is
dependent in part on the ceiling height of the competition venue and the prop
pitch angle. You need enough torque to get
the plane up to the ceiling in a steady, gradual climb. The torque curve at that
height should yield just enough to start the plane flying level, after which it
descends under power. Also, the greater the prop pitch angle, the more
torque you need. High ceiling, steep prop pitch indicates more rubber
mass. A thinner rubber gets more winds and a shallow prop pitch, spins
faster. A thinner rubber may not provide the power needed for
climbing. Experiment! There is no straightforward formula for
calculating this. Another variable is number of winds. We sell replacement motors. Select #377 (3/32") for Leading Edge or
Sorcerer.
Important: You MUST attach an
O-ring to the tail end of the motor to facilitate removing and replacing the
motor from the motor hook for winding. Hold the motor at 30 degrees from the
fuselage while winding, and have your partner hold a cardboard sheet between
the motor and fuselage to protect the airplane from damage if you lose
control of the motor while winding. Wind about 1/3 to half the winds while
stretching the motor to twice its length, then walk in slowly while winding
the remainder.
Top Of Page
8. Adhesives:
A.
Ambroid Cement is the choice of many experts. It is very forgiving,
does not require joint pressure, and can be removed from an incorrectly built
joint with acetone. Apply sparingly with toothpick or balsa sliver. Where
weight is critical, do not follow tube directions; apply to one part only.
Where strength is more important, apply to both parts, rub into wood and
remove excess, allow to dry a few minutes, then reapply to one part and mate
surfaces. Hold in place until dry with gentle pressure with pins. (Ambroid is
similar to Duco Cement, the old standby, at hardware or hobby stores.)
Ambroid Cement is available online at Flight Central’s Competition Section
(see URL above) for $3.25 for 1.8 oz tube.
Potential
Negatives: Contains VOC's (volatile organic compounds) which may create an
inhalation hazard. Use with adequate ventilation. Also hardens by drying,
rather than curing, so open tube may harden up before it has been completely
used. Do not pour working supply into dish or cup.
B.
We also recommend a water-based glue such as Elmer's Professional Carpenters
Glue or Titebond II, which can be cleaned up (before they set - approximately
20 minutes) with water, and afterwards, with some difficulty, with hot water.
A properly established joint using them is very strong, and has a very slight
flexibility. They have only fair initial tack strength, unless heavy clamping
pressure is used (not possible with these delicate materials). NOTE: Grip
Pins allow some clamping pressure to be applied either vertically or
laterally at almost any angle. These glues are minimally toxic and are almost
completely free of VOC's. Pour a little into a disposable cup, apply
sparingly with toothpick or stick of balsa. Excellent for use with younger
kids, especially in groups!
Potential Negatives: They work best when contact between wood pieces is precise and
intimate, and some pressure can be maintained until they set (use pins). They
do not hold as well on end-grain as they do on side or face grain. They are
only slightly thixotropic, i.e., a large drop of this kind of glue on a
vertical surface will run a little. Assemblies must be allowed to set at
least one hour before being moved.
Top Of Page
|
NEW!
Cezar Banks
Leading Edge
The
Sorcerer
Accessories & Supplies
Delta Dart
Super Delta Dart
Shoebox R.O.G.
Right Flyer
Competition Airplanes Home Page
Balsa
& supplies for Bridge, Boomilever
& Tower
Just for fun:
Electric-power Radio Control Whitewings
precision paper gliders Kites
Ready-to-Fly
& Easy-to-build
Balsa airplanes & Gliders
NEW!
Cezar Banks
Leading Edge
The
Sorcerer
Accessories & Supplies
Delta Dart
Super Delta Dart
Shoebox R.O.G.
Right Flyer
Competition Airplanes Home Page
Balsa
& supplies for Bridge, Boomilever
& Tower
Just for fun:
Electric-power Radio Control Whitewings
precision paper gliders Kites
Ready-to-Fly
& Easy-to-build
Balsa airplanes & Gliders
NEW!
Cezar Banks
Leading Edge
The
Sorcerer
Accessories & Supplies
Delta Dart
Super Delta Dart
Shoebox R.O.G.
Right Flyer
Competition Airplanes Home Page
Balsa
& supplies for Bridge, Boomilever
& Tower
Just for fun:
Electric-power Radio Control Whitewings
precision paper gliders Kites
Ready-to-Fly
& Easy-to-build
Balsa airplanes & Gliders
NEW!
Cezar Banks
Leading Edge
The
Sorcerer
Accessories & Supplies
Delta Dart
Super Delta Dart
Shoebox R.O.G.
Right Flyer
Competition Airplanes Home Page
Balsa
& supplies for Bridge, Boomilever
& Tower
Just for fun:
Electric-power Radio Control Whitewings
precision paper gliders Kites
Ready-to-Fly
& Easy-to-build
Balsa airplanes & Gliders
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