Mad Scorpio RC glider and Things to do

This is megatastic, a Scorpio rocket glider with RC! :)

I've got many projects that are sitting around to be completed. So much to do, so little time. Work, family and other aspects of life always seem to take higher priority. Here's a potted list:

• Scorpio 19.25" FF Rapier rocket powered glider, a superb design by Steve Bage. Lovely kit from Shorty's Basement to build. Cool video here.

• Pearl 1.49m R/E radio control discus launched glider. ARF from South Coast Sailplanes, but kitting it out with radio gear will take some concerted effort and time.

• Sovereign, 2m RC glider. Full kit to build from Mountain Models The photo below shows a fabulous example by hangerdude from the RC Groups forum. Isn't that a mouth-watering picture?

• Dingbat vintage HLG from plans, which I've been meaning to build for years.

• AND Lots of flying to do - CLGs, HLGs, DLGs, rubber, RC electric, RC gliders...
  

Wee Bo Weevil: 12" Catapult Launched Glider CLG

The original Texas Bo' Weevil hand launched glider HLG by Don Chancey was published in American Aircraft Modeler in 1972. It was a 17" span all wood design of traditional layout and very steady, reliable performance.

I thought it would be fun to miniaturise, modernise and catapultise it!

So, here's a 12" span scaled down version, with carbon fibre boom and pop-up wing DT operated by a button timer. Natty rainbow colours anyone?











Side view showing the wing down. To give you a sense of scale, the button timer on the nose is 15mm diameter.

I call it the Wee Bo Weevil.








Another view of the DT system, with wing in the up position.

All up weight including nose ballast is 13.5g. It launches and flys pleasingly well, but is not as super-performing as a "clean" and modern 12" design, a la the experts such as Lee Hines, Tony Matthews, et al.

Fun though, and it's great to watch dog walkers in the park looking puzzled as it DTs down.