FT DR1 on it's maiden flight despite the CG being where they said to put it, it was completely uncontrollable and hit hard doing loads of damage.
I tthink it was actually tail heavy and I'm sad now, because I don't think it's repairable and a new airframe is crazy money here in the UK due to crazy postal prices!
Anyone know which is the best model to get, so I can use the electronics out of the DR1 in something that will fly?? I'm feeling a bit disillusioned with FT because my Storch wouldn't fly either.
Cheers
Ouch!
Bummmer dude. It really blows to be in that spot. Did you build these from scratch or did you use a speed build kit?
I ask because it has been reported that the foam board people get in the UK is heavier than what we use in the US and the result tends to be a tail heavy aircraft. A speed built kit might give you the reference you need to go forward since some of the variables have been removed.
Still it doesn't help with the nutty postal prices.
Here are some options that may help:
1. Next build, start a thread. Get help from the community while you are building and film the maiden with a high def camera in good light. This community is the best. Video and a log of photos and progress help the helpers. We may not prevent you from crashing but with video and photos we may be able to pinpoint why.
2.
Graupner (this is the .de link Germany) sells some FT goodies. I don't know if the postage is any better ordering through Graupner.de but I would check it if I were you. There are lots of UK flyers here, a build log may also help introduce you to them and them to you and you can collaborate more with people in your circumstance. Maybe buy a case of foam and split the cost.
3. A DR1 and Storch use some foam. The Storch is a pretty simple plane but also kinda big. The FT Tiny Trainer is similar but smaller and uses less foam. The TT is very forgiving and can be built with a polyhedral glider wing or the faster sport wing with ailerons. It may be simpler to build, use less foam (cost less) and be more forgiving if flown on a calm day.
My first attempt with a 3D was an unmitigated disaster. I destroyed it before I ever started the motor just by tossing it to see if it would glide. My first attempt with the TinyTrainer was on the same path until I got help from the community. Once you get one in the air it all becomes MUCH simpler, but getting there the first time by yourself is truly HARD.
Create your own thread. Take good, well lit photos as you build. The experience available here is the difference for most of us when we are new.
Welcome to FliteTest, Ouch. I hope this helps and would love to see you film a glorious maiden flight from across the pond.