Scale Remote Control Sailplanes at Torrey Pines

By Gary Fogel

Scale R/C SailplanesInterest in scale R/C soaring started locally in the 1970s and has continued to grow ever since. In scale soaring, the challenge is not only to slope soar or find thermals, but to do so in a manner that makes the model look like a real full-scale sailplane. There aren't many contests for scale sailplanes, but most pilots who enjoy scale soaring do so because they are only interested in competeting with themselves--trying harder and harder to make their ship look and feel more real.

Generally, sailplane models are 1/5 or 1/4 the scale of the real planes. Many high quality German kits are available through distributors in the U.S. and can be put together with roughly the same amount of work as a high performance thermal model. However, there are those modelers who build scale models from scratch--finding as much joy in building the model to exact detail as in watching the model high in the sky. A standard kit for a German 1/4 scale model may run between $400-$600. Occasionally, an all-fiberglass very high quality model might cost as much as $1,200. This certainly can be the expensive end of the hobby and is not recommended for a pilot just getting into the sport of R/C soaring. But with a few good thermal models under your belt, scale models are a good transition.

The fuselage on most scale models in composed of fiberglass and the wings are a composite of a foam core with an obechi or balsa wood sheeting. These types of models can accomodate a wide variety of functions including rudder, elevator, ailerons, flaps, spoilers, retractable landing gear, and aerotow and water ballast release. Some modelers go as far as to have the 1/4 scale pilot move his head by servo to face the correct direction during turns!

Scale models are launched at Torrey by a hard toss from the edge with the nose slightly pointed below the horizon. This allows the model to dip below the cliff edge on take off, generating more airspeed and ensuring a take-off above stall speed. The larger models can weigh 15-20 lbs. and on a windy day may need more than one volunteer to launch the glider. Some scale model sailplanes get as large as 7 meter wingspan (approx. 21 feet) and can weigh over 40 pounds. These models are generally lifted into the air by aerotowing from a flat field using a very powerful scale powered model tug. Scale sailplanes can also be easily winch launched by the R.O.G. (rise-off-ground) method. The pilot has to be sure that the glider has enough airspeed on the roll out before making the rotation to a 45 degree climb or else a tip-stall might ensue. But with a little practise, this method of launching is as easy as a hand toss from the cliffs at Torrey Pines. Because of their size and efficiency, scale models are quite easy to thermal to high altitudes, making them a fun tool for cross country R/C soaring.

The Torrey Pines Scale Soaring Classic is usually held at the Torrey Pines Gliderport in March or April. This event attracts pilots from around the southwest and as many as 40-50 scale gliders fly in the two day event. Although several of the Torrey Pines Gulls fly scale gliders, the Torrey Pines Scale Soaring Society is a group of local flyers that predominantly fly scale models.