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RCPowers FF Gliders by Scott Lott

Discussion in 'Free Flight' started by Crash, Dec 19, 2008.

  1. Crash

    Crash Moderator Staff Member

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    Hey gang! Scott Lott (aka NuttyPro67) created some really cool gliders for us!

    These models can be downloaded in PDF form at the following website:

    http://www.rcpowers.com/gliders/glidersabout.htm

    While you're there, you may want to take some time to check out the website; they have some very cool stuff!

    Anyhow, Scott blessed me with the raw DXF files so that I could make them available to the PhlatClub. I've worked them up as best I could to be cut on our machines. Be warned, however, that these things are on the small side, so I had to make some "adjustments" to them so that they would cut with our 1/8" bits. In the file package, I am including (in my "format", of course) my SU file, my SU file with the cut data, a PhlatCode file, my image file (formally known as my "thumb" if you watched my vid series), and Scott's PDF package. With these files you should be able to make any changes if I have made any mistakes.

    Have fun and be sure to thank Scott for his work! Attached files [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] RCPowers Gliders.zip (1.2 MB)Â
     
  2. kram242

    kram242 Administrator Staff Member

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    Great work Mike! thank you for sharing with us.
    BTW THANK YOU for a great Christmas present!.. Im having a great time reading a lot!
    Mark
     
  3. Crash

    Crash Moderator Staff Member

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    You are quite welcome, mi amigo! I was wondering if you got it. :)

    A quick story about the gliders (let's see if I can actually tell a story quckly lol) - I learned something while doing these things.

    Scott put together some VERY clean DXF files for these planes. As usual, his work is top-notch.

    I imported in the DXF for each plane and then scaled them based upon the cutouts for the wing. Really easy, right? Anyway, I proceeded to make faces on the parts and slam through the PhlatCodes. Again, really easy. The only problems I had was addressing how some of the cuts could be handled with the 1/8" bit (V cuts, etc.). I think I made adjustments that will work great.

    Anyway, after making the Code for the last plane, something caught my eye! While panning around to inspect my work, I noticed that all of the parts appeared to be just above the Z plane!!! When you select a part and "Flatten to 2D", you lose all of the faces. Then the PhlatCode elements are pretty much useless!!

    From start to finish, I was able to work up all three designs complete in about 30 minutes total. Well, I had to start all over! I ended up losing about an hour trying to come up with an effective process to "repair" the files, but finally just gave up and started over from scratch.

    MORAL OF THE STORY - ALWAYS remember to "Flatten to 2D" BEFORE you start applying any of the other processes to your files! lol
     
  4. kram242

    kram242 Administrator Staff Member

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    Ahhhggg that sucks!

    One trick I use is to turn on xray mode and select all my parts then take and grab one edge of the part closest to the point of origin. Angle you view a little and move that edge clost to the point of orgin and it will snap to it. Now your parts are flat. Go to the view of looking down on your parts and select them all again if need be and move them left/right or up/doen to get them inside the safe cutting aera. At that point you should be good to go.
    Mark
     
  5. rescue911

    rescue911 Active Member

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    Made a couple of those already.There ok to look at .If you like lawn darts. :questions:
    Could not figure out how much weight to add for it to fly.
     
  6. MartinT

    MartinT Member

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    ???

    Well just use a bit (more?) of trial and error. Put some weight on it, throw it SLOWLY at an angle of about 25- 30 degrees nose up, and watch the behaviour as it floats, what you are looking for is when it stalls, it should gently drop it's nose. When it stalls and drops tail first or like an elevator, the CG is too far aft. So in that case add some more weight. Try again. Now you see the nose drop like a brick, take some weight off, try again, and again ,and again. Every time watch the behaviour (don't see this as a negative thing, but this is really a learning experience in understanding the miracle of flight!)
    When the CG is correct, you should be able to throw it with a slow speed, and the nose should very gradually come down in order to maintain a slight forward speed, (this sacrifices height of course, so it's trajectory will look arced when viewed from the side).

    These are proven awesome performing gliders!! When properly CG'd they can fly amazing distances... :banger:

    Have fun! :02cents:
     

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