A simple, low parts count model that takes a lot of work to make presentable:
Spin Models 1/48 XLG-225 Medak
This was one of the first sailplanes to use a laminar airfoil. There was only one prototype made to develop laminar airfoils for sailplanes in the early fifties. Information is very scarce for this one.
This Spin Models resin kit has very low number of parts and minimal detail. Lots of putty was used on the fuse as it was badly warped and attempts to straighten it out were less than completely successful. Tamiya Chrome yellow paint.
This is the second of a few 1/48 scale sailplanes I will build eventually.
I’ve wondered that also about many classic glider designs. Based on my knowledge of RC sailplane design and comparing to new designs, I would say that the fuse length is short compared to modern designs, and so they need a lot of rudder authority to circle and manuever at slow speed in thermals. New designs have longer fuses and so need less torque from the tail (rudder and elevator) for manuvering.
Thank You , Kensar ! I get so tired of folks calling them gliders . Yes , the monstrous things used in WW-2 were indeed Gliders . What these are indeed are Sail - Planes .
Going up in one and flying with the birds .( you have to use the same tactics to remain aloft as they do ) is akin to Diving the Great Barrier reef twenty Years ago . Sheer exhileration and freedom !
High aspect ratio wings and slow speed can create problems! Gliders in general require large rudders, the lower the speed the more problem and the more rudder authority you need.
