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Category Archives: Telos Build Log
Let’s start building!
started with the wings considering the first part of this build was primarily focused on building a really simple vacuum bagging system (Hope yours is working well and you had fun putting it together!)
This first part will be preparing the cores for the pre-shaped leading edge and installing them.
The first batch of kits contained wing core trailing edges that were trimmed before shipping. I found that with the tight tolerances that produced the sharp trailing edges that the second pass of the hot wire fused the thin trailing edge to the bed. This actually held the core in place and I believe will help protect them during shipping so I will stop trimming (Which really seems unnecessary.) After pulling off the outer bed, I lift up the leading edge and gently pull the core’s trailing edge from the bed leaving an irregular edge…. Don’t worry about this! It won’t matter after we’ve vacuum bagged the wing sheeting on.
I prepared a ¼” and 3/16” dowel by wrapping it in 220 grit sandpaper (I use sticky-backed 3-M production paper, expensive, but a long history of trial and error has led me to use this paper almost exclusively.) Take any 220 grit paper and wrap it around a ¼” dowel (the 3/16” dowel proved unnecessary). If you can use transfer tape, 3-M 77 or rubber cement, it will help immensely! I also round the ends of the dowel so that they act like a ski tip to keep from digging into the foam core. The dowels supplied with your kit do NOT provide you with enough to make this sanding tool! Use some spare ¼” dowel you might have laying around or buy some more… They always come in handy! Your kit comes with three 24” pieces. Two are used full length for the Main wings and the third is cut in half for each of the canard cores.
Sand an even groove into the leading edge of the core. The dust mark on the sandpaper (seen in the photo of the sanding tool sticking out of the edge of the core, will provide and easy guide as to the depth of your groove. You want to create a groove that is 1/8” deep. Use your thumb and forefinger to help guide the groove to the center of the leading edge. Do so GENTLY! I got a little sloppy and tore the thing edge as I passed the sanding block back and forth. This is not a big deal, don’t worry about it, but try not to do this! (Again, I’m trying to show all possible mistakes before YOU do them!)
Next step: Gluing the leading edges in place
Radio Control (RC) gliders (aka sailplanes)
Relaxing or exhilarating -your choice!
RC gliders, also known as sailplanes, can offer the beginner a very gentle introduction to the radio control flying hobby, but can also offer the experienced rc pilot some truly exhilarating aerobatic and racing opportunities – such is the diversity
