October issue of RCM&E Magazine **20 PAGE FREE PREVIEW**

FREE DAMBUSTER PRO-PLAN! Dambuster!

Avro Lancaster for slope or electric

radio control models and electronics

Waterman Arrowbile VOL.66 NO.10 OCTOBER 2023

d lfl i k www.modelflying.co.uk

WALDO’S FABULOUS FLYING CAR

alker CloudYLW E KIT BUILD

VINTAGE ST

Carbon Copy

FLESHING OUT PARTIAL PLANS

Swift

MULTI ROLE GLIDER

PLUS II MERLIN MAGIC - SMALL DC DIESEL CARB II MIGHTY TWINS - GHOST SQN. MOSQUITOS

WELCOME Editor: Kevin Crozier. Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR kcrozier@mortons.co.uk

W

elcome to the October 2023 issue of RCM&E. I’ve been noticing a bit of a trend lately and that is the making of downwind landings. Two of my local model clubs have nice flying sites but both have hedges and trees on their approaches that can be a bit off putting to some pilots. The reasons for deciding in which direction to land varies depending on whom I talk to; some are more concerned about approaching over the shrubs on the field boundaries whilst others are seeking a clearer exit in case of engine problems in the event of a go-around.

It’s all a bit strange as regardless of site layout I will always try to land into wind or as close to as possible. So, seeing clubmates do exactly the opposite time after time is a bit of a mystery to me, especially if it leads to a scruffy high-speed arrival, often with the poor aircraft ending up on its nose or flipped over. But as long as the model suffers no apparent damage (the oft quoted ‘Any landing you can walk away from is a good one!’) then it seems to be counted as a successful end to a flight.

As a full-size light aircraft pilot (lapsed these days, I’m afraid) it’s ingrained in me to point any aircraft into the breeze. So, I wondered if I was missing something, particularly with regards to what tyro model pilots were being encouraged to do in this regard nowadays. I decided to do a bit of sleuthing on the BMFA website to see what the latest advice is on the subject. As always, my default reference with queries like this is the ‘old faithful’ BMFA Member’s Handbook, now easily available as a download.

It’s all there in black and white in Section 11, R/C Power Flying Site Layout and Flight Patterns: Sub-section 11.3 (c): Specify that any flying actually over the take-off/landing area must be into wind only (except in an emergency or when practising with no other models airborne). This avoids conflicting flight patterns over the active runway but does not prohibit other styles of flying away from it.

And, more pertinently, sub-section 11.4: Section 11.3 above has certain implications, the main one being that the circuit flown at any time will depend on the wind direction. For instance, if the prevailing wind is westerly and this gives you a left hand circuit on your field, a change in the wind to easterly means that you must fly a right hand circuit.

Because of this your members will have to become proficient in both left and right hand circuits and will have to be able to land either from their left or their right. None of this should bother most reasonably competent club flyers or any newcomer trained to fly like that from the

4 | RCM&E

start but a few flyers, even some quite experienced ones, may need encouragement and help to break old habits and begin flying in a slightly more disciplined style.

Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox for now. Fingers crossed, even if just a few people read this and try to change this particular bad habit then it will have been worth writing about.

Time now to take a brief look at what we have lined up for you in the October issue of RCM&E, starting with our regular columns. Kicking off with Bench Blog, Tim Hooper builds another unusual model, this time in the shape of a flying car! In Make It Scale, Danny Fenton gives some talks at the Festival of Scale then continues his Chipmunk build. Next up is One Man & His Shed, inside of which Dave Goodenough shows how to flip a partial model plan (i.e., one wing only), such as is sometimes used with our pull-out plans. In his Scale Gliding column Chris Williams tries launching a one-sixth scale glider from a bungee.

Finally, Keith Jackson’s Aerobatic Scene column includes a photo report from the 55th F3A World Cup in Lichtenstein, the BMFA South Midlands Aerobatic Day and an update on the Chilli Breeze project.

This month’s pull-out Pro-Plan is for a Dambusting Avro Lancaster. Ace PSS design duo Gordon Studley and Martin Gay have teamed up to offer up a small 1:32nd scale model of the famous WW2 four engine heavy bomber.

Our feature articles start with a Model Magic by Stuart Mackay who looks at a pair of giant scale Mosquitos flown on the large model circuit by The Ghost Squadron. In his latest workshop feature on building a 1/2 size ENV aero engine, Stephen Wessel looks at valve timing and making cams. Then it’s over to Dave Goodenough for Airborne Antics as he records the mayhem at the Leek & Moorland Model Gliding Association’s Fun Fly gathering.

Our reviews test this month start with the XFly-Models Swift 2100. Although best known for their EDF jets, XFly make prop planes too. Andrew James flies their new electric glider for multiple power set-ups. Finally, Peter Miller takes a break from his drawing board and builds a Value Planes old timer kit, the Cloud Walker.

Happy Flying!

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

CONTENTS

RADIO CONTROL MODELS & ELECTRONICS I VOLUME 66 ISSUE 10

ONTHECOVER

16 Regulars

8

SWITCH ON

Photo: Tim Hooper In the 1930s US aviator Waldo Waterman had a dream of building a flying car for the masses with a three-seat fuselage and a detachable one-piece wing. Tim Hooper’s model of Waldo’s dream machine is based on the 1939 Megow Models plan, enlarged to give 38” wingspan and using lightweight R/C gear to wiggle the elevons about a bit in an advisory fashion.

Reviews

10 SWIFT 2100

Although best known for EDF jets XFly-Model make prop planes too. Andrew James flies their new electric glider for multiple power set-ups

26 ALL WRITE

56 IWATA HP-TH2

69 COUNTERPOINT

60 CLOUD WALKER

Our latest round up of model flying news and miscellany Have your say in RCM&E’s monthly chat room A selection of new gadgets, kits and bits for you to buy

78 PILOTS’ PICTORIAL

Send us a picture of a new or favourite model and it could appear in our regular readers’ models gallery

92 GOING PLACES

John Daniels casts his eye over a high-quality gravity fed dual action trigger airbrush for medium and wide paint coverage Peter Miller takes a break from his drawing board and builds a Value Planes old timer kit

10

Our monthly list of model shows, events and competitions for you to visit over the next few months

94 MARKETPLACE

Sell off your unwanted airframes and engines or maybe buy a few new ones

95 NEXT ISSUE

Take a look at what’s coming in the November ‘23 issue of RCM&E

98 PARTING SHOT

Captured by David Ashby, flying buddy Alan Twine’s moulded glider makes a final pass before a nasty looking rain squall arrives

60

22

6 | RCM&E

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

36

72

Features

36 MODEL MAGIC

Stuart Mackay looks at a pair of giant scale DH Mosquitos flown on the large model circuit by The Ghost Squadron

42 SUBSCRIBE…

Columns

16 BENCH BLOG

... and receive Luftwaffe Fighters & Supermarine Secret Projects FREE!

Tim Hooper conjures up another weirdie, this time in the shape of a real-life flying car!

44 ENV AERO ENGINE

22 MAKE IT SCALE

This time Stephen Wessel looks at valve timing and cams for his home-built half scale motor

Danny Fenton gives a talk or two at the Festival of Scale then continues with his DHC Chipmunk build

86 AIRBORNE ANTICS

Dave Goodenough records the mayhem taking place at the Leek & Moorland Model Gliding Association’s Fun Fly gathering

44

28 ONE MAN & HIS SHED

Dave Goodenough shows how to flip a partial model plan for building and motors up his beginner’s glider

72 SCALE GLIDING

Chris Williams tries launching a one-sixth scale glider from a bungee. But first he reports from the latest White Sheet scale meeting

80 AEROBATIC SCENE

Keith Jackson files a photo report from the F3A World Cup event in Lichtenstein and provides an update on the new Chilli Breeze project

48 86 free pro-plan

48 AVRO LANCASTER

Ace PSS design duo Gordon Studley and Martin Gay offer up a small 1:32nd scale model of the famous WW2 four engine heavy bomber

All reasonable care is taken in the preparation of the magazine contents, but the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for errors in the contents of this magazine or for any loss however arising from such errors, including loss resulting from negligence of our staff. Reliance placed upon the contents of this magazine is at readers’ own risk.

October 2023 | www.modelflying.co.uk

RCM&E | 7

SWITCHON

BELLANCA SKYROCKET

George Worley, the well-known proprietor of 4-Max Models, has built a fine looking Bellanca Skrocket in tribute to his father: Last year I found the same plan that my father used to build a free flight semi scale Bellanca Skyrocket. I was around 10 years old when he built it and we used to fly in the middle of Epson Downs Racecourse in Surrey.

I’m sure most of you have heard of Charles Lindbergh and his Ryan NYP called the ‘Spirit of St Louis’. He made the first solo transatlantic flight from New York and landed 33 hours and 30 minutes later, just short of Paris.

What most people don’t know was that Mr. Lindbergh’s first choice of aircraft for the trip was a Bellanca WB-2 which looks similar to the Bellanca Skyrocket. Due to some contractual problems with Bellanca and legal battles he had to choose the Ryan NYP instead. He made his record-breaking flight on the 20th of May 1927 and won the Orteig Prize of $25,000 Dollars.

On the 4th of June 1927, exactly two weeks after Charles Lindberg made his solo TransAtlantic flight, Clarence Chamberlin and Charles Levine took off in the Bellanca WB-2, named ‘Columbia’, from the same airport in

Setting course for Paris…

8 | RCM&E

Get in touch...

kcrozier@mortons.co.uk

New York and headed East towards Paris. They overshot the French capital and headed on to Germany.

However, as soon as they George’s father starts and launches the original free flight reached Germany, they became Skyrocket from the middle of Epson Downs Racecourse. lost. Urged on by Levine to reach Berlin, Chamberlin pushed the plane to the extreme. When the fuel finally ran out, they were forced to put down at Helfta near Eisleben, approximately 100 miles short of Berlin after a non-stop flight of 3,905 miles in 42 hours 45 minutes, having beaten Lindbergh’s record by just over 315 miles. They flew for 9 hours and 6 minutes longer than Charles Lindbergh’s flight.

The Ryan NYP and the Bellanca WB-2 used the same reliable Wright R-790 ( J-5 Whirlwind) Bellanca is almost complete in engine.

George’s busy workshop.

More about the model

It has a 51” wingspan and is a traditionally built model with a few modifications. It was originally designed by H.G. Bowers and appeared in ‘Model Aircraft’ in 1965 (MA396). It is very simple and quick to build. I downloaded

the plan from the internet and printed it onto several bits of paper, and then spent an afternoon taping them all together.

I try to build very light and this model came out at 2.58lbs (1171g) which is pretty good for a 51” model. It has got a small 4-Max PO-28341020 motor, a 20A ESC and uses a 3S 1300mAh LiPo to give 6-7 minutes of gentle scale like flying.

I had to add a skip load of lead up the front to get it to balance so in hindsight I should have made the rear lighter and used a larger, heavier motor just to help with the C of G. Just like my father’s free flight version, this R/C version also flies very well. It has my father’s name on one side and Clarence Chamberlin on the other. www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

Airbrushskills Ai b h kill

The Airbrush Company are one of very few companies who offer courses on using an airbrush. So perhaps it’s of little surprise that they have students travelling from all over the UK to learn more about using these precision painting tools, and also many participants from even further afield!

The Airbrush Company say: ‘We would like to spread the word about our courses to all those who are struggling with their new airbrush, those who want to progress their current skills, or those who simply want to try airbrushing before they commit to investing in equipment. Our Airbrush Courses are ideal for anyone who wants to get started in airbrushing, or who has problems getting started with their airbrush.

In our dedicated training room (pictured) we offer airbrush training taught by expert tutors on nearly every application, from beginners to advanced. These include custom painting, art and graphics, model painting and even cake decorating! Students have the chance to get hands on and try out various airbrushes, learn how to master a huge range of techniques, plus buy products at a student discount.’

If you are interested in attending one of The Airbrush Company courses please visit the Courses page on their website at: https:// airbrushes com airbrushes.com

XFlyEagleTwin40mm From their base deep in Guangdong Province, China, XFly-Model Technology continue to release new, innovative models to an ever-hungry market, the 40” (1019mm) span Eagle Twin 40mm being amongst their latest. Powered by a newly developed 12-blade 40mm EDF power system – one at each wingtip with a centrally-disposed LiPo in the fuselage – this hand-launch, flying wing racer has a power-to-weight ratio greater than 1:1.5.

The EDF configuration and mixing setup (assisted by an optional custom gyro) sees the model capable of delivering differential speeds and easing through an array of manouevres - rolls, flat spins, inverted flat spins etc. – with a top speed beyond 110mph. An abundance of power makes for a fuss-free hand launch, with wearresistant plastic to the model’s underside affording protection to the EPO airframe when landing. Flight duration is around 5-10 minutes on a 4S 1800 – 2200mAh LiPo.

Supplied factory-assembled in the UK from CML Distribution – www.cmldistribution. co.uk - the Eagle Twin requires your choice of 5-channel R/C and aforementioned LiPo and is available in two colour schemes in two versions, priced at £159.99 with gyro supplied or £139.99 without.

O Overlandernews l d Overlander Batteries is revolutionising remotecontrolled aviation with its latest additions, tailored for R/C helicopters, small aerobatic planes and gliders. Overlander, a company renowned for high-performance energy

October 2023 | www.modelflying.co.uk

solutions, delivers batteries that transform the way model aviation fans experience flight.

The 500mAh 2S and 3S 80C packs are at the forefront, giving aircraft a powerful boost. They provide precision for intricate manoeuvres and thrilling flights, in addition to power.

The 350mAh 2S 25C battery adds versatility, balancing power and endurance. Emphasising reliability, it ensures consistent extended flight performance, ideal for aerial explorations.

Anticipation builds for the upcoming 650mAh 3S 50C and 350mAh 3S 40C batteries.

These advancements raise the bar for R/C

flying, catering to longer flight durations and enhanced power delivery. Overlander’s dedication to innovation shines, focusing on performance, precision, and safety. These batteries empower R/C enthusiasts to reach new heights confidently.

RCM&E | 9

SWIFT 2100 SW Although well known for their fine EDF jets, XFly-Model make some excellent prop planes too. Andrew James assembles their new electric glider which offers multiple power options Words » Andrew James Photos » Kevin Crozier, Steve Hannon

I

have to admit to having been very impressed with all the XFly-Model kits that I have seen so far, based on the three jets and a STOL twin that the Editor has brought to our flying patch.

Upon opening the Swift 2100 box that favourable impression continued, especially when I realised that this model should be easy to totally disassemble and repack inside its box, making it a good choice as a holiday model i.e., one that could be innocently secreted behind the seats in my estate car and with which I could feign complete surprise when being unpacked at our destination…

Mind you, the box isn’t really small at all so I don’t think it would stay that well hidden, but I’ll give it a try!

MULTI ROLE

Another reason for wanting to try this kit is that

“Swift can double up as a quick build camera plane too”

10 | RCM&E

although it is supplied as a conventional electric powered glider it also comes with a 50mm Electric Ducted Fan pod which can be used to jet power the model when fuelled by a 4S LiPo. The plan was to try the Swift as an electric glider first, as supplied ‘out of the box’, and then fit the EDF pod. But after the initial test flights, when I turned my attention to fitting the jet pod I realised that doing so would require a permanent change to EDF power, the pod needing to be glued into position on top of the fuselage. It’s a shame because it would be nice to be able to swap between tractor and EDF power at the field.

Maybe XFly-Model could look into making a less permanent mount for the EDF motor to make the Swift a truly multi-role model.

So, what to do with either the spare tractor motor or the spare EDF pod? Well, the obvious answer would be to purchase a spare fuselage

from XFly’s distributor CML so that you can select either power type at will. You’ll also need another pair of rudder and elevator servos, and extension leads. The wings, wing joiner, canopy and horizontal tailplane can be swapped between the two power types.

I will be investigating this in a further review so that we can assess how well the Swift 2100 performs under jet power. So, watch this space!

MORE OPTIONS!

When converted to EDF the tractor prop and spinner are removed and replaced with a foam nose cone. But you could do this without fitting the EDF pod and – hey, presto! – you’ve got yourself a very neat 2.1 metre span slope soarer.

The kit also contains an alternative canopy on which can be mounted either a GoPro or Mobius style camera or even an FPV camera and video Tx. So, the Swift can double up as

With only six 3mm screws and with no glue required assembly is fast and easy.

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

SWIFT 2100 SW Although well known for their fine EDF jets, XFly-Model make some excellent prop planes too. Andrew James assembles their new electric glider which offers multiple power options Words » Andrew James Photos » Kevin Crozier, Steve Hannon

I

have to admit to having been very impressed with all the XFly-Model kits that I have seen so far, based on the three jets and a STOL twin that the Editor has brought to our flying patch.

Upon opening the Swift 2100 box that favourable impression continued, especially when I realised that this model should be easy to totally disassemble and repack inside its box, making it a good choice as a holiday model i.e., one that could be innocently secreted behind the seats in my estate car and with which I could feign complete surprise when being unpacked at our destination…

Mind you, the box isn’t really small at all so I don’t think it would stay that well hidden, but I’ll give it a try!

MULTI ROLE

Another reason for wanting to try this kit is that

“Swift can double up as a quick build camera plane too”

10 | RCM&E

although it is supplied as a conventional electric powered glider it also comes with a 50mm Electric Ducted Fan pod which can be used to jet power the model when fuelled by a 4S LiPo. The plan was to try the Swift as an electric glider first, as supplied ‘out of the box’, and then fit the EDF pod. But after the initial test flights, when I turned my attention to fitting the jet pod I realised that doing so would require a permanent change to EDF power, the pod needing to be glued into position on top of the fuselage. It’s a shame because it would be nice to be able to swap between tractor and EDF power at the field.

Maybe XFly-Model could look into making a less permanent mount for the EDF motor to make the Swift a truly multi-role model.

So, what to do with either the spare tractor motor or the spare EDF pod? Well, the obvious answer would be to purchase a spare fuselage

from XFly’s distributor CML so that you can select either power type at will. You’ll also need another pair of rudder and elevator servos, and extension leads. The wings, wing joiner, canopy and horizontal tailplane can be swapped between the two power types.

I will be investigating this in a further review so that we can assess how well the Swift 2100 performs under jet power. So, watch this space!

MORE OPTIONS!

When converted to EDF the tractor prop and spinner are removed and replaced with a foam nose cone. But you could do this without fitting the EDF pod and – hey, presto! – you’ve got yourself a very neat 2.1 metre span slope soarer.

The kit also contains an alternative canopy on which can be mounted either a GoPro or Mobius style camera or even an FPV camera and video Tx. So, the Swift can double up as

With only six 3mm screws and with no glue required assembly is fast and easy.

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

TESTING, TESTING | Multi-role glider

Swift 2100 is easy to hand launch,, quick to build uild and fun fu to fly.

a quick build camera plane too.

Electric flight, jet power, slope soarer and camera plane: that’s quite an impressive list of options from just one model kit, I hope you will agree.

BOX, BOX!

As I say I’ll be keeping thee moulded foam box and internal packing piecees to store the Swift.

Quite often these days foaam models come with supposedly removeable taails but in my experience empennages raarely fit without out q needing some packing to square them up against the wings. And the easiest way to keep such packing pieces in place is to glue the tail on permanently. So, it made a refreshing change to find a horizontal tail fixing that is not only easily removeable but which is level with the wings too! Hence, the Swift 2100 looks like it should be easy to put back in the box for holiday flying and it will ease long term storage.

As you can see from the nearby pictures it’s a kit of few parts and is mostly moulded from EPO foam with carbon fibre reinforcements.

The two wing panels come out first, equipped with 9g digital flap and aileron servos. The ailerons are connected to the servos with short wire pushrods but the flaps are left for the user to connect to avoid overdriving the servos until the transmitter has been set up correctly.

Underneath the wings is the nicely moulded

October 2023 | www.modelflying.co.uk

Above: Swift is one of those rare models that can be put back in its box for taking on holiday or storage.

Left: Minimal hardware includes a strip of hook & loop tape, flap and elevator pushrods, wing & tail fixing screws and a well-illustrated manual. The wires are for extending the ESC motor wires when fitting the EDF pod.

RCM&E | 11

TESTING, TESTING | Multi-role glider

Swift 2100 is easy to hand launch,, quick to build uild and fun fu to fly.

a quick build camera plane too.

Electric flight, jet power, slope soarer and camera plane: that’s quite an impressive list of options from just one model kit, I hope you will agree.

BOX, BOX!

As I say I’ll be keeping thee moulded foam box and internal packing piecees to store the Swift.

Quite often these days foaam models come with supposedly removeable taails but in my experience empennages raarely fit without out q needing some packing to square them up against the wings. And the easiest way to keep such packing pieces in place is to glue the tail on permanently. So, it made a refreshing change to find a horizontal tail fixing that is not only easily removeable but which is level with the wings too! Hence, the Swift 2100 looks like it should be easy to put back in the box for holiday flying and it will ease long term storage.

As you can see from the nearby pictures it’s a kit of few parts and is mostly moulded from EPO foam with carbon fibre reinforcements.

The two wing panels come out first, equipped with 9g digital flap and aileron servos. The ailerons are connected to the servos with short wire pushrods but the flaps are left for the user to connect to avoid overdriving the servos until the transmitter has been set up correctly.

Underneath the wings is the nicely moulded

October 2023 | www.modelflying.co.uk

Above: Swift is one of those rare models that can be put back in its box for taking on holiday or storage.

Left: Minimal hardware includes a strip of hook & loop tape, flap and elevator pushrods, wing & tail fixing screws and a well-illustrated manual. The wires are for extending the ESC motor wires when fitting the EDF pod.

RCM&E | 11

You can remove the folding prop and add the Galaxy 50mm EDF pod to the top of the fuselage for an alternative flying experience. But be warned – it’s a permanent change!

The folding propeller and metal spinner are both good quality items. The foam nose cone is used instead when in EDF mode.

Swift features tough carbon composite reinforced EPO foam throughout, typified by this well-finished wing set.

Short wire aileron pushrods are pre-fitted, but the flaps are left for the pilot to set up to save damaging the servos when first switched on. Note the balls fitted to the control horns.

Out of the box, Swift is fitted with a brushless motor in the nose. Plenty of room in there for different sizes of LiPo, with the Rx mounted vertically between the wing root mouldings. Note the neat exit for the ESC battery lead to poke through.

12 | RCM&E

Green Multiplex style conversion leads make hooking up the wing servos easy. There’s no way of plugging in the wrong servo here!

An FPV setup is also possible using the flat-topped canopy and an optional servo-equipped camera mount available from CML Distribution.

fuselage, complete with a ready fitted 31361000kV brushless motor, 40A ESC and 9g digital rudder and elevator servos. The tail servos are fitted with extension leads and at the cockpit end they are labelled with their channel names, ready for quick connection to your chosen receiver; the other servo leads are labelled in a similar manner.

The fuselage is quite a chunky design but looks to me as if it is styled on the Polish MDM Fox aerobatic glider, complete with swept fin (moulded into the fuselage so no fitment required) and a working monowheel. It’s just the right size to give a good grip for easy hand launching.

The fuselage is topped off by a carbon effect canopy under which is oodles of space to fit a 3 or 4S 2200 - 3300mAh LiPo, the larger size being needed if using the EDF pod. The LiPo is strapped to a ply battery tray under which is mounted the ESC. A nice touch is a cut out in the tray to allow the XT60 lead to safely enter the battery bay. Use of an XT60 plug means that the ESC can also be connected to LiPos fitted with EC3 connectors without needing to use an adapter.

I’ll discuss the other airframe parts as we come across them during the very brief build.

But to finish this section off I just wanted to point out that the Swift 2100 comes prefinished with some very nicely applied

Chunky but sleek fuselage has a Fox feel to it.

Wing root detail. All very neat.

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

You can remove the folding prop and add the Galaxy 50mm EDF pod to the top of the fuselage for an alternative flying experience. But be warned – it’s a permanent change!

The folding propeller and metal spinner are both good quality items. The foam nose cone is used instead when in EDF mode.

Swift features tough carbon composite reinforced EPO foam throughout, typified by this well-finished wing set.

Short wire aileron pushrods are pre-fitted, but the flaps are left for the pilot to set up to save damaging the servos when first switched on. Note the balls fitted to the control horns.

Out of the box, Swift is fitted with a brushless motor in the nose. Plenty of room in there for different sizes of LiPo, with the Rx mounted vertically between the wing root mouldings. Note the neat exit for the ESC battery lead to poke through.

12 | RCM&E

Green Multiplex style conversion leads make hooking up the wing servos easy. There’s no way of plugging in the wrong servo here!

An FPV setup is also possible using the flat-topped canopy and an optional servo-equipped camera mount available from CML Distribution.

fuselage, complete with a ready fitted 31361000kV brushless motor, 40A ESC and 9g digital rudder and elevator servos. The tail servos are fitted with extension leads and at the cockpit end they are labelled with their channel names, ready for quick connection to your chosen receiver; the other servo leads are labelled in a similar manner.

The fuselage is quite a chunky design but looks to me as if it is styled on the Polish MDM Fox aerobatic glider, complete with swept fin (moulded into the fuselage so no fitment required) and a working monowheel. It’s just the right size to give a good grip for easy hand launching.

The fuselage is topped off by a carbon effect canopy under which is oodles of space to fit a 3 or 4S 2200 - 3300mAh LiPo, the larger size being needed if using the EDF pod. The LiPo is strapped to a ply battery tray under which is mounted the ESC. A nice touch is a cut out in the tray to allow the XT60 lead to safely enter the battery bay. Use of an XT60 plug means that the ESC can also be connected to LiPos fitted with EC3 connectors without needing to use an adapter.

I’ll discuss the other airframe parts as we come across them during the very brief build.

But to finish this section off I just wanted to point out that the Swift 2100 comes prefinished with some very nicely applied

Chunky but sleek fuselage has a Fox feel to it.

Wing root detail. All very neat.

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

TESTING, TESTING | Multi-role glider

DATAFILE Name: Model type:

Manufactured by: UK distributor:

Initial flight testing was completed with 3S 2700mAh packs. The motor set delivers plenty of thrust for relatively fast climbs to gliding altitude, as well as sport flying and motor assisted aerobatics.

red and black decals. The nose is also neatly airsprayed red in ASW style.

SWIFTLY TOGETHER

First job is to slide the wing panels onto their carbon rod joiner and to connect the servo leads. Although the extension leads are fitted with conventional connectors, XFly have thoughtfully fitted them, and the matching extension leads from the receiver, with short conversion leads to Multiplex style green connectors. This makes hooking up the wings a real doddle and is another one of the neat touches to be found from this thoughtful manufacturer. The panels can then be pushed into the wing root mouldings in the sides of the fuselage and secured in place with a pair of HKM 3 x 10mm hex bolts on each side.

The horizontal tail is fitted next, being clipped in place in its slot at the rear and fixed with a single HKM 3 x 32mm hex bolt.

As I said earlier, this went on easily and was square to the wings so no levelling up was required. The rudder is pre-fitted with its short wire pushrod so the same needs doing with the elevator linkage. All the control horns

are fitted with ball-links, making them free moving in operation.

Now to the front end to fit the ready assembled 10 x 6-inch folding prop, the hub of which is covered by a high quality, red anodised metal spinner. The prop set is retained by a HKM 3 x 10mm bolt tightened into the motor shaft. This looks great but the blades do not fold flat against the fuselage sides. I also found it impossible to fit a rubber band around the hub to force the blades to lie as flat as possible when gliding, with the result that they tend to windmill in flight. This doesn’t really bother me, but I can imagine die-hard glider pilots recoiling in horror at the thought of a free running prop!

All that remains to do is to set up the controls and the CG point as shown in the well written and illustrated instruction book. First flights were at the settings shown and all went well so they provide a good starting point.

RRP: Wingspan: Fuselage length: All-up weight: Wing area: Wing loading: Power system: Prop: Connector type: Req’d to fly:

Swift 2100 Almost Ready To Fly electric glider XFly Model CML Distribution www.cmldistribution.co.uk £209.99 2100mm (82.7”) 1050mm (41.3”) 1350g (47.6oz) 35 dm.sq. (542.5 sq.in.)

38.5 g/dm.sq. (12.6 oz/sq.ft.)

3136 size 1000kV brushless or 50mm Galaxy EDF, 40A ESC 10” x 6” folding XT60 6-ch radio, 3S/4S 22003300mAh LiPo

Right and below: Horizontal stabiliser slots into place just under the fin and is secured with a single bolt. It came apart easily during the build, so this bodes well for easy disassembly when taking it on holiday!

MAIDEN FLIGHT

The maiden flight of the Swift nearly ended in disaster, but the signs were there and should have been heeded. I had fitted an aftermarket

Below: With a mix of power on and off (when gliding) you can expect flight times of between 10 to 30 minutes. A monowheel and plastic components on the wingtips and tail allow the Swift some protection when landing on tarmac and other hard surfaces.

“…it’s a kit of few parts and is mostly moulded from EPO foam” October 2023 | www.modelflying.co.uk

RCM&E | 13

TESTING, TESTING | Multi-role glider

DATAFILE Name: Model type:

Manufactured by: UK distributor:

Initial flight testing was completed with 3S 2700mAh packs. The motor set delivers plenty of thrust for relatively fast climbs to gliding altitude, as well as sport flying and motor assisted aerobatics.

red and black decals. The nose is also neatly airsprayed red in ASW style.

SWIFTLY TOGETHER

First job is to slide the wing panels onto their carbon rod joiner and to connect the servo leads. Although the extension leads are fitted with conventional connectors, XFly have thoughtfully fitted them, and the matching extension leads from the receiver, with short conversion leads to Multiplex style green connectors. This makes hooking up the wings a real doddle and is another one of the neat touches to be found from this thoughtful manufacturer. The panels can then be pushed into the wing root mouldings in the sides of the fuselage and secured in place with a pair of HKM 3 x 10mm hex bolts on each side.

The horizontal tail is fitted next, being clipped in place in its slot at the rear and fixed with a single HKM 3 x 32mm hex bolt.

As I said earlier, this went on easily and was square to the wings so no levelling up was required. The rudder is pre-fitted with its short wire pushrod so the same needs doing with the elevator linkage. All the control horns

are fitted with ball-links, making them free moving in operation.

Now to the front end to fit the ready assembled 10 x 6-inch folding prop, the hub of which is covered by a high quality, red anodised metal spinner. The prop set is retained by a HKM 3 x 10mm bolt tightened into the motor shaft. This looks great but the blades do not fold flat against the fuselage sides. I also found it impossible to fit a rubber band around the hub to force the blades to lie as flat as possible when gliding, with the result that they tend to windmill in flight. This doesn’t really bother me, but I can imagine die-hard glider pilots recoiling in horror at the thought of a free running prop!

All that remains to do is to set up the controls and the CG point as shown in the well written and illustrated instruction book. First flights were at the settings shown and all went well so they provide a good starting point.

RRP: Wingspan: Fuselage length: All-up weight: Wing area: Wing loading: Power system: Prop: Connector type: Req’d to fly:

Swift 2100 Almost Ready To Fly electric glider XFly Model CML Distribution www.cmldistribution.co.uk £209.99 2100mm (82.7”) 1050mm (41.3”) 1350g (47.6oz) 35 dm.sq. (542.5 sq.in.)

38.5 g/dm.sq. (12.6 oz/sq.ft.)

3136 size 1000kV brushless or 50mm Galaxy EDF, 40A ESC 10” x 6” folding XT60 6-ch radio, 3S/4S 22003300mAh LiPo

Right and below: Horizontal stabiliser slots into place just under the fin and is secured with a single bolt. It came apart easily during the build, so this bodes well for easy disassembly when taking it on holiday!

MAIDEN FLIGHT

The maiden flight of the Swift nearly ended in disaster, but the signs were there and should have been heeded. I had fitted an aftermarket

Below: With a mix of power on and off (when gliding) you can expect flight times of between 10 to 30 minutes. A monowheel and plastic components on the wingtips and tail allow the Swift some protection when landing on tarmac and other hard surfaces.

“…it’s a kit of few parts and is mostly moulded from EPO foam” October 2023 | www.modelflying.co.uk

RCM&E | 13

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), as used by motor racing car designers, was utilised by the XFly team to give the Swift 2100 a high lift-to-drag ratio.

“Swift 2100 really excels with her easy handling and high versatility”

Factory installed power system uses a 3136-1000kV brushless motor and a 40A ESC, powered with a 3S or 4S LiPo battery.

14 | RCM&E

receiver which had been test flown in another aircraft, so I had full confidence in it. However, when range tested it dropped out at just beyond the usual 30 paces. But, hey, 30 paces is fine, isn’t it?

After a long wait for a decent weather window the urge to fly was too strong and so the Swift was launched into the breeze. Fitted with a 3S 2700mAh LiPo she powered away well but needed some aileron trim, which I was busy trying to add when I suddenly had that awful feeling that the Swift was not responding to the controls. Control was intermittent, to say the least, but after nearly losing the model behind a tree I managed to get her level and had control for long enough to make a heavy landing in the adjacent field. I trooped over expecting to find some airframe damage but was pleasantly surprised to find that the only thing broken was the foam canopy tongue which had snapped off.

Phew - the Swift 2100 is one tough bird!

NEXT SESSION

With the tongue glued back on and reinforced with a couple of lolly sticks, and a fresh receiver fitted, it was time for another range test. This time I had the usual response from a 2.4 receiver, with full control at way past 50 paces and still going strong. After being waved back by my flying chums it was time to commit the Swift to aviation once again.

This time all went well. I must have been very close to getting the correct aileron settings during the previous flight as the Swift needed little tweaking in that respect, together with just a little additional up elevator during the glide. I fully expect this to reduce when I started backing off the CG by moving the LiPo back in increments, but for now I was just happy that she was flying well under full control.

Since then I have had many flights with the Swift 2100 and things are looking very positive indeed, especially as we begin our journey of tweaking the CG and control deflections to suit my own preferences. Besides moving the CG back a bit I have also wound the aileron movements up to maximum in my third (aerobatic) flight mode as the Swift is a fairly reluctant performer in that respect.

But to counter that she does perform a lovely looking loop.

In good thermal conditions she rides rising air well, but you will probably get overtaken fast by more pedigree soarers. But that’s really no surprise because it is as a sport glider that the Swift 2100 really excels with her easy handling and high versatility, especially if you want to explore all those multi-role options that she offers - electric flight, jet power, slope soarer or camera plane.

But for me jet power beckons. As Arnie says, I’ll be back - when I’ve strapped on that 50mm EDF pod!

Scan this QR code for video passes and zoom in to the pictures used in this article.

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), as used by motor racing car designers, was utilised by the XFly team to give the Swift 2100 a high lift-to-drag ratio.

“Swift 2100 really excels with her easy handling and high versatility”

Factory installed power system uses a 3136-1000kV brushless motor and a 40A ESC, powered with a 3S or 4S LiPo battery.

14 | RCM&E

receiver which had been test flown in another aircraft, so I had full confidence in it. However, when range tested it dropped out at just beyond the usual 30 paces. But, hey, 30 paces is fine, isn’t it?

After a long wait for a decent weather window the urge to fly was too strong and so the Swift was launched into the breeze. Fitted with a 3S 2700mAh LiPo she powered away well but needed some aileron trim, which I was busy trying to add when I suddenly had that awful feeling that the Swift was not responding to the controls. Control was intermittent, to say the least, but after nearly losing the model behind a tree I managed to get her level and had control for long enough to make a heavy landing in the adjacent field. I trooped over expecting to find some airframe damage but was pleasantly surprised to find that the only thing broken was the foam canopy tongue which had snapped off.

Phew - the Swift 2100 is one tough bird!

NEXT SESSION

With the tongue glued back on and reinforced with a couple of lolly sticks, and a fresh receiver fitted, it was time for another range test. This time I had the usual response from a 2.4 receiver, with full control at way past 50 paces and still going strong. After being waved back by my flying chums it was time to commit the Swift to aviation once again.

This time all went well. I must have been very close to getting the correct aileron settings during the previous flight as the Swift needed little tweaking in that respect, together with just a little additional up elevator during the glide. I fully expect this to reduce when I started backing off the CG by moving the LiPo back in increments, but for now I was just happy that she was flying well under full control.

Since then I have had many flights with the Swift 2100 and things are looking very positive indeed, especially as we begin our journey of tweaking the CG and control deflections to suit my own preferences. Besides moving the CG back a bit I have also wound the aileron movements up to maximum in my third (aerobatic) flight mode as the Swift is a fairly reluctant performer in that respect.

But to counter that she does perform a lovely looking loop.

In good thermal conditions she rides rising air well, but you will probably get overtaken fast by more pedigree soarers. But that’s really no surprise because it is as a sport glider that the Swift 2100 really excels with her easy handling and high versatility, especially if you want to explore all those multi-role options that she offers - electric flight, jet power, slope soarer or camera plane.

But for me jet power beckons. As Arnie says, I’ll be back - when I’ve strapped on that 50mm EDF pod!

Scan this QR code for video passes and zoom in to the pictures used in this article.

www.modelflying.co.uk | October 2023