Larry Renger was the designer. He also developed the classic Falcon Boost Glider.
Pop Pod boost gliders were pretty new then. The first Citation Bomarc and was a pop pod glider.
With a "pop-pod" glider the internal engine tube ejects and descends by parachute. The eject pod allows the elevator to raise and the model glides in.
The online instructions are a different format for Estes and worth a look. To see them, CLICK HERE. There are differences between the original and re-issued kit.
The original kit hard cardstock formed nacelles on the underside of the wing. The new kit uses a split BT-50 tube.
The original kit included a pre-bent elevator retainer wire. The current kit uses three glued together pieces of balsa.
I'll be watching this one with interest, as I have one in the build pile from the Estes sale.
ReplyDeleteHi Metal,
DeleteThis one was chosen for that reason. I figured there are a LOT of people who bought the Skydart in the clearance sales.
Hey Chris,
ReplyDeleteThe Skydart is one of my all time favorites. I've built several and fly them at nearly every launch. One tip I can provide is in regards to the elastic that pulls up the elevon. I created a different method that stands up a lot better than what the plan calls for. Photos of the mod are located here, http://www.cv41.org/personal/gallery3/index.php/bnmr/collection/estes/sky_darts/skydart
Buzz
Thanks Buzz,
DeleteI just went to your website to check it out. Looks like a straighter pull on the elevon and an easier change of the elastic with a rubber band. I'll post your pics and a link to your website in a later post.
Another build I can't wait to revisit after my soon to come last day at work! I've been adding to the build pile and counting down to 1 Jul for months... :-) One thing I want to change on my Skydart is the paint scheme - maybe something like the Avro Vulcan camo pattern?
ReplyDeleteHi Openroad,
DeleteCounting down the days - Congrats on your retirement.
One thing I've tried to do on this build is fill the grain and keep the weight down for a longer, better glide. I just looked up the Avro Vulcan - it's shaped like the Skydart! A camo pattern like that might add some weight.
Hmmm...wonder if I could print the pattern on paper then paoer the wings instead of using filler? I typically don't fill fins when I paper them.
ReplyDeleteHi Openroad,
DeletePapering is not a good thing on any boost glider - way too much extra weight. This model has such a large flat wing. The only papering that might work would be the old model airplane tissue, that would still add extra weight.
And of course another idea is to replace the "plank" wing with one consisting of a framework and lightweight covering (sort of like a Guillows model aeroplane kit). The downside of course is it'll end up being a much more complex build. The wing structure will need to be light yet strong enough to withstand the stresses it would encounter while the model is under boost.
DeleteI'm apt to think that built-up wing on the size of this model might not be worth the trouble -- though on an upscale size, built-up wing (structure being similar to that of an build-up R/C plane) might be the way to go.
I typically use dope and jap tissue to finish mine. Minimal weight, but really adds to the strength. Smooth finish as well. I have painted one and glide time wasn't too terrible. Glide performance really depends on how well you trim the Skydart.
DeleteThis is my first real boost glider so your opinion is much appreciated - looking at the historical pictures the early blue-white paint scheme with RAF roundels is probably a better choice than camo. What fun!
ReplyDeleteI would even consider making some holes in the wings and then using a light weight covering. I did say 'consider'... :)
ReplyDeleteOr as they used to say... .light makes flight.
ReplyDelete