I like working it out, once you've built a Sandpiper. My first Balsa build for 30 years! I built 3 Sandpipers today, but a bit windy for a good test flight, and I've half built a Kestrel, and next day off I'm going to build 3 or 4 more Kestrels, hopefully some test flights in-between. Love your stuff, Brad.
Wow! You’re a busy guy! Glad you have come back after 30 years; that’s awesome! 👍😊 I hope they fly to your expectation. Current plans can be found at NighthawkGliders.com/store
Your awesome, ordered the American Kestrel and it came in today, didn't have time to build it today but will tomorrow. I have also scratched built the Sandpiper and the Tornado, and both fly well. I haven't got to fly them in an open park just yet. The weather here in Oklahoma is either too windy or wet. I'm hoping for the perfect conditions and opportunitie to do so. Keep it up Night Hawk.
@@NighthawkGliders I am trying to learn how to trim them to do what I need them to do. I like the tool you use to cut the fuselage, what is it and where can I get one?
That is as balsa strip cutter. One of my favorite tools. You might find it at a local hobby shop or online! www.nighthawkgliders.com/blogs/what-you-need-to-build-balsa-wood-gliders
loved the Sandpiper, purchased all 3 plans to build with my boys. Just a quick question, what are the measurements you do for the wings leading edge when you slice at 0.37? I couldn't see them in the drawing. Again love these kits and thank you
That’s fantastic, Ted! The Sandpiper is a great place to start. We appreciate your enthusiasm! Enjoy your build and be sure to let us know how it goes! 😀
Love the design I’ve had a break for probably 6 years. I just purchased some balsa and made a few catapult launched gliders again. I really like your extended grip out the tail end.
Thanks for watching and subscribing. I like this design, too, but I really need to build a good number of these and put them to the test. Unfortunately, cold and windy weather still lingers. I’m also a fan of the “stinger” grip. 😊
Yeah, saw you flying your Sweepette 8" in some old videos you had... watched a few of your rubber powered flights as well. Say, now that you are building some more CLGs, you'll have to post some good flights. I bet weather in Australia is better than here in Indiana. Also, we may have to try to convince you to produce some original guitar music for our channel... 😀 Love it!
Thanks, for the comment, Hank! They keep us motivated to do more videos 😊. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and like the videos you want us to make more of!
Ur planes r great! Quick question, how do u protect the planes (balsa wood), can u paint them or apply something on them to make them water (rain) resistant?
Honestly, I leave mine “raw!” I don’t bother coating them with anything and I never fly them when it’s too wet outside. So, I’ll leave this comment open to anyone who has a more professional opinion on how to waterproof balsa! Thanks! 😊
Inspired by this video, I completed a foam version using bbq skewers and foam from a takeout food box. I guessed at the dimensions, but somehow it flies quite well. Under 10 g. Waiting for the evening to launch. Very fragile, we'll see how long it lasts. I will probably need to add some packing tape...
It is modeling clay plastelina. It’s non-hardening and oil based. You can find it at an art store or possibly at a school supply store. Also comes in many colors! One pound is a lot! 😀
If and when you make a tutorial could you please cover the part where you make the rounded leading edge with several straight cuts before sanding? I have been doing mine free handed and it is very tedious and inaccurate.
Absolutely! We’ll show the details for those leading edge cuts! Yes, I agree, free handed cuts are difficult, indeed! Thank you for your patience and waiting for this!
Not yet, my friend, but I have been working on refining the design. Weather has not been cooperative. Been much too windy and not allowing me to properly fly and test ☹️. Please subscribe (if not already) and stay tuned. Thanks for liking and commenting! I will announce when available.
Enjoy all your videos, and thank you for sharing. I saw a girl who built one of your gliders for Science Olympiad. Can the rudder be placed on the top instead of on the bottom?
Hi friend!! Nice video!! I would appreciate to know what kind of instrument is that on 2:46... It resembles the degrees of a stair!! It looks like its for making wing's dihedral!!! Whats the name of this instrument that appears around 2:46, friend? Can you teach us how to build it??? I need one of those!!!
Yeah! That is my homemade dihedral gauge. I made it myself using balsa. It is 3 inches tall at the center. On one side, the 1st step is 1/2 inch tall and each step increments 1/4 inch. On other side the 1st step starts at 3/8 inch and each step increments 1/4 inch. That gives me a good total range from 1/2 inch to 3 inches in 1/8 inch increments. Easy-cheesy, right? 😜
that little jig is great! fun Q, you're familiar with KFm airfoils? KFm-2 the easiest, right behind the step, an air barrel forms and spins. it's pressure releasing a lot of drag from the wing surface behind the step(s). steps should be 7-8x longer than they are tall... kinda ouch for how thick a wing might become with flat layering... but, I'd spotted a variant using a bit of small trailing edge stock as a leading edge. it looked to sit barely higher than midpoint, the triangle diverting air up over (and under) the wing surface for an "air" airfoil for most the wing's length. looked cool anyhow. ---as I wonder if slick tape to the leading edge isn't creating a somewhat similar effect for air slipping over it easier a little further back on the wing (from leading edge), or maybe 2/3 the tape over the top and the 1/3 wrapped under may do a little more? another "oh hey" moment, back when, flying balsa CL planes, we'd build then fog the craft with Aqua Net hair spray a few times many minutes apart. not to make it soak in, but skin harden a little and as a seal so the balsa didn't drink in the fuel-proof paint making the plane heavier. might be a good treatment to give these gliders, they wouldn't drink in water when landed in semi wet grass etc.
Love that "smack" into the wall! while in A&P school, I was 'playing' some 1" wingspan jobs, the clay kept the bird stuck on the wall as long as needed! :D
In this video, it is 12 inches. But I’m not so certain that is best choice. Maybe 13 inches or so would be better. I still need to work our the details.
Hi Tim! This model is a “flapper” style CLG glider. The concept is this... the wings are flexible and during the high speed launch the notch allow the wings to bend up and more flat; thus decreasing lift by altering the shape of the airfoil. But when it’s gliding, the wings bend back down changing the airfoil shape to maximize lift. These type of gliders are a bit more tricky to trim and the wings do need to be pretty thin and flexible to work. We’re still trying to master these! 😊
Hello, I'm a technology teacher. My students will participate in a flight competition with the same model you made. Is there anywhere to find the plans for your model. They watched your video but we can't figure out the measurements. I appreciate your help!
That’s fantastic! We’re happy your students want to do a competition! We’re sorry for not having any public plans on this model, but we do on the Sandpiper 12 if your interested. Sandpiper 12 Plans: goo.gl/XBy5RK Sandpiper 12 Tutorial: goo.gl/hgcJAH
@@NighthawkGliders lovely answer. you outclassed a not-that-positive comment in a very wholesome way. BTW, i follow you since not long ago; double congrats for the models and the music! (I'm also a model builder, looking forward to try some of your designs). have a nice day!
Thanks! We appreciate your comment and your following! We just collaborated with the PowerUp Toys channel-You should check it out! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WxmkF459siU.html
Hi, Charac. I’ll be honest, this model is a more finicky glider and I need to fine tune the design parameters some more. But, the moment we publish a tutorial, I’m sure with your talent, you will build a great one! 😀
This model still needs a little more tweaking in design. (I’m still trying to make it even better). But I found my gliders to have an *aft* CG. That means it will be located towards the back of the wing. E.g. around 55% of the inner chord from the leading edge is a good place to start.
Would love to see a build video! I've made two of the Sandpiper 12" following your earlier videos-- thanks for those! Now I need to learn to trim them. Thanks again.
That’s great! I’m hoping they fly well for you! Thanks for liking our videos, subscribing to our channel, and sharing! We’ll have more videos to come! 😀
That’s awesome! 😊 Since she’s a beginner, might I suggest that she try our tutorial on how to build the 12” Sandpiper? The Sandpiper is much easier and great for beginners! Happy building and good luck!
I am done with buildibg 5 Sandpiper model just as tutorial video.. Now i am planning to build this one... Look great.. In deed a tutorial can help.. Could you please share your Email id... Will share some pic with you... Plssssss need your suggestions... What is most important factor to give a long flight... Is it weight...? And one more request... Type of tweak that can help a hobbyist in making changes after built... Imean how d glider behave on which factor
