Wristocrat (oz13484)

About this Plan

Wristocrat. Radio control hand-launch glider model. Wingspan 56-1/4 in, wing area 335 sq in. For 2 or 3 channels.

Note for an electric powered version of this design, see Phasoar (oz4995).

Quote: "RC-35 Wristocrat Instruction Manual.

The concept of being able to hand-launch a sail plane into a thermal is not a new one. While we may never know the origins of the concept, a gentleman named Dave Thornburg was probably the first to write about it in the modeling press.

We believe the Wristocrat to be one of the best hand-launched sailplane designs available today and certainly one of the most complete kits of its kind. With 335 sq in of wing and a subsequent low wing loading, it will work the lightest of lift. With practice, realistic launch heights of 35 to 45 feet can be achieved by persons of average build, resulting in 'dead air' (no lift) times of 40 to 60 seconds per launch. By learning to launch your Wristocrat over lift generators, such as baseball diamonds, tennis courts, etc (patches of land with dark, contrasting topography), experience the thrill of hooking and riding your first low-level thermal.

The Wristocrat isn't just a thermal ship, you'll find it excellent on the slope as well. It's aerobatic and the airfoil allows it to be flown in a fair wind. Installation of the optional towhook allows the use of small hi-starts for even greater heights on flat land. It's a versatile model and a lot of fun on trips such as vacations.

You'll note on the plans that we've even shown a flap option. This additional control function is easy to build and makes your Wristocrat even more versatile in the performance department! This simple option is explained well in this manual and on the plans, give it some consideration.

Choose your radio system carefully for your Wristocrat, there are several factors to address; size, weight, etc. As shown, our prototypes are being flown with Airtronics #501 servos, standard six-channel receivers and SR 300 Mah battery packs of either square or flat configuration. There are several systems that will also work; Futaba, Cannon, Tower 'Mini Flight Pack', etc. We do urge you to have the radio system that you plan to use available to you before you start construction.

Build your Wristocrat to the plans and instructions provided and you are going to have a strong, light model that is up to the task it was designed for.

Included in this kit is a 1/4 scale model of the same airplane, the Wristocrat II. This model, when built properly, can provide your children or grandchildren with hours of enjoyment and help them to understand some of the simple laws of aerodynamics that apply to models as well as full-size aircraft. We urge you to take the time to work with that special child in your life on this project and to take them with you when you fly your Wristocrat. We believe that you'll be amply rewarded with not only the flight characteristics of this small model, but also with the time spent together. While the instructions provided with the Wristocrat II are simple, your own special input to your child can be an experience that will be long remembered. Sharing the wonders of model aviation with a child is its own reward.

Pre-Construction Notes: The Wristocrat, like other Top Flite kits employs the use of die-cut wood to ease the task of construction, parts fit and identification. The dies used for this kit have been rigorously checked for absolute accuracy and should provide you with excellent fit. Die-cut parts should be carefully removed from their sheets by first lightly sanding the back of each sheet of parts and then carefully removing each part. Use a light garnet paper for the sanding and keep a sharp hobby knife with an X-acto #11 blade or equivalent handy for assistance in removing any parts that might not have been completely cutthrough on the dies..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Attached are the plans and manual for the Wristocrat RC Sailplane by Top Flite. I did the best I could with the full size plans but aligning it was difficult. If someone wants to rework the pdf that would be great. A really slick looking ship, I plan to convert it to electric launch. Once I get scans for the ribs I will submit then also. Thanks, John Young"

Supplementary file notes

Instructions. 12 pages.

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