I thought it would be a good idea to follow up with some more information regarding our plans for F5J this season. Bellow is some links and additional info you may find useful. You’ll notice that some of the comments bellow is filtered through my OPINIONS. Keep that in mind – they are my opinions only, so – worth what you pay for them.
As the contest director for SASS and contest coordinator for SASS I do have the power to guide the decision making. I’ve worked closely with other SRAC (and SASS) club members, Roy Stubbs, and Trevor Moody to help align the direction of both clubs in the hopes we might adopt the same rule set and thus increase the participation in both clubs.
The info on this page is limited the to the new out-runner class only. At SASS (and SRAC too I’m sure) We will still allow anyone with a speed 400 setup to fly with us.
If we get enough competitors at SASS, we will run OPEN class as well. Remember – OPEN or UNLIMITED class is just that – anything goes, there really aren’t any rules regarding power systems or airframe size. If you want to play in this class – we’d love to see ya! Right now I think we have about 5 – 6 pilots in the area with open class models.
Here is a link to the Albuquerque New Mexico club’s rules. (PDF file). The Albuquerque Soaring Association is recognized as the leading / driving force in F5J around the country. This club has put in more time and effort than any other – SASS (like many other clubs) are just following their lead.
Here is a link to the slide deck prepared by Trevor Moody – and given at the Feb 2007 SASS club meeting. Note: this is a Microsoft Power Point file
Bellow are links to models that are good choices for the out-runner class. There are probably many more to choose from, but these are the popular ones that I HAVE FLOWN, so I can confirm from first hand experience that they are good models. For unlimited class – remember anything goes. Most of the high-end 3m molded TD type ships can be ordered with “electric” fuselages.
These links are in no particular order. Price pretty much equals performance, the more you spend the nicer the model. But remember – ALL these models are VERY VERY nice, so even the cheaper of the bunch (like the Renny) are still excellent models. For those of us who just want to play and aren’t diehard contest flyers, don’t feel like you have to buy the most expensive model to compete – cuz you don’t.
Most of the models linked bellow are available from multiple vendors. Sometimes the same model is listed with a different name. Read the descriptions and compare the photos before you decided to buy. All of us have had good / bad experiences with the online vendors, so order from whoever you feel most comfortable. I would also encourage you to support our local hobby shops and buy as much from them as possible. Galaxy Hobby in Lynnwood has spent much time ramping up for F5J, and while they don’t stock some of the “specialty” models, they do stock many of the beginner models, and all the power system gear. R/C Hobbies in Woodinville is ramping up as well and should have much of the same gear in stock soon.
As you read through the specs on these models keep a few general rules of thumb in mind.
Models with lighter RTF weight climb faster / higher on less power, and will float better in dead air. Because of their low wing loading these models will be more susceptible to turbulent air currents around them, and will require a more "active stick" / higher pilot load then a heaver more steady model.
Heavier models will track better, will likely feel easier to fly. But, they wont climb as fast, or float in dead air.
Handling in more important then “raw performance” if you are a new pilot. In this case a plane like the Renny might actually be an advantage over a model like the Pulsar. The Pulsar is a higher performance model, but demands more attention from the pilot, while the Renny's slightly higher wing loading and safe wing shape will be easier to thermal turn in bumpy conditions.
Try to balance your skill level with the models specs.
Airframes:
Hyper - http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=3255
Hyper 60 - http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=5151
Pulsar - http://www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16305&category_id=267
Pulsar Poly - http://www.espritmodel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2857
Sky Sergio - http://www.soaringusa.com/products/product.htm?product_id=16307&category_id=267
Wind Dancer - http://polecataero.com/products/wind-dancer
Renny - http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=1273
Gabby - http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=5144
Omega Poly - http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=2862
Omega II - http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=4844
EZ glider - http://www.multiplexusa.com/models/ParkFliers/EasyGliderE.htm
Megellan E - http://www.icare-rc.com/magellan_e.htm
Assent – http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL1075.
Fling (converted) – http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma1062.html
NOTE: almost all the popular HLG / DLG models can be
converted to electric power. Many of these models make good
choices for pilots on a budget who still want a high
performance model.
NOTE: Don't be afraid to get a Multiplex EZ glider -
that is a VERY capable soaring machine. It's not "cool" like
the carbon birds in it's class, but a VERY good value, and
surprisingly - its got great performance.
Bellow are some links to popular power system options. Please – READ The rule sheet, there are many different motors that meet the specs for this class.
Power Systems:
Hacker A 20/20L (many other motors meet the specs, but this one this the most popular)
Any ~30 amp ESC – Typically a Castle Creations Phoenix 25 or 30
2 cell Li-poly battery – Typically a 2s 2100 Thunder Power ProLite or similar
Carbon / or Carbon plastic 12x7 – 13x7 folding prop
Typically a 30mm hub / spinner combo
On a tight budget? - have a look at the Chinese hacker knock off's on eBay. I've had great luck with a combo deal that included a motor and ESC for less the $50.00 to my door
There are MANY different options for power systems and related support gear. Don’t be afraid to poke around on eBay. I recently got a Chinese Hacker A20/20L knock off with 30 amp ESC for less then $50.00 shipped to my door. No – its not Hacker quality, but its still a good motor, and it only has to run for a few seconds at a time. It’s been running very solid, no issues so far.
Most hobby shops (including our local ones) will set you up with complete RTF packages. You can get the model, power system, servos, everything you need to go play. Just ask them to set you up. Each one will be selling you “what they have” – so keep that in mind. If you’ve got your heart set on a Hacker motor, and all they’ve got is MEGA, guess what thy’ll tell you the “best” motor is? Hmmm….. Just remember, in this class of soaring its not mission critical that you have the absolute latest “bleeding edge” technology to have fun. Last year, Galaxy Hobby’s owner Bob Jacobson did VERY well in the SRAC duration events using a converted Fling with an inexpensive power system. Even though he’s only got a few years experience as a model soaring pilot, he kicked ass on plenty of veteran flyers with $700.00+ models. Its not how much carbon your planes got – its weather on not you fly it in the thermals that matter!
See you all at the field
Feel free to contact me with any questions
Thanks
Dave