Encore (oz15750)

About this Plan

Encore. Radio control aerobatic slope soarer. Wingspan 63 in.

Quote: "Encore Ref: SM027: The Encore is a 3 ch fully aerobatic slope soarer. It has similar performance to the Eprit but with more docile flying characteristics. Fullt symmetrical sectio. Span 63in (1600mm).

When you have a model that can perform a roll at the bottom of a bunt and still complete the bunt you have a model. Encore is that model. To date (1983) we have not seen another model satisfactorily complete this manoeuvre. The Encore is an aerobatic slope soarer par excellence. It will cope with the strongest winds and stay up all but the lightest airs. Again the quick build construction features the usual foam veneer with a ply sided fuselage and balsa top and bottom decking.

Specification:
Span: 1590mm
Controls: Rudder/Aileron/Elevator
Av Wt. 1000gms
Section: Fully Symmetrical"

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note this plan appears here on Outerzone thanks to the kind courtesy of the designer himself, Stan Yeo of Phoenix Model Products in Devon, UK. For more info and background, see the PMP website: www.phoenixmp.com

Update 28/12/2024: Added kit review from RCM&E September 1995, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Malcolm Corbin reviews a stylish full house glider aimed at A and B grade pilots progressing from their first basic slope soarer onto bigger, faster and more agile machines. Encore, from Phoenix Models.

I'm not really a slope flyer but with a background of F3A aerobatics and a strong desire to try aerobatics without an engine, the Encore seemed the perfect model for me to cut my teeth on. I also have a couple of friends who are serious slopers, so with my love of building and their experience on the slope this review should prove a tough test of the Encore's ability.

The kit is quite complete, requiring only radio gear, adhesives and covering. The quality of the wood is to a reasonable standard, but I had to replace one piece which was the rudder (too soft). However, Phoenix have now changed suppliers to the one I believe to be the best, so I doubt that any changes would now be necessary.

Building: Construction is very straight forward and requires no special techniques. During the building one or two areas seemed to be over engineered but having consulted those who fly slope on a regular basis it became obvious why - crashability! So in the event of the almost certain collision with either another soarer or terra firma, bits of the model are designed to come away with minimal damage.

A full size plan is included but isn't really necessary, it just makes things very easy to follow. If you do not have a building jig, just construct over the plan.

I did take the precaution of drilling a hole in the nose ply former and also hollowed the nose block so the inevitable lead ballast could be added as far forward as possible with little effort.

If you are reviewing a model it is important to stick to the manufacturers methods but I have to say I left out the canopy catch in favour of a design I've just discovered which mounts flush to the surface and will not become sloppy with use. This is not to say the standard item is not satisfactory. This flush snap locking button is by Foremost products and is available from any J Perkins stockist.

With the fuselage finished, do remember to fit the control cable outers inside the body before you sheet the top, otherwise you will find this very difficult to retrofit. Put the fuselage to one side.

Wings: The obechi veneered panels were as good as most modern kits and better than some. The only problem cropped up later as the wing section determines the finished width of the ailerons and mine, when fitted with the inboard section which houses the torque rods and finally shaped, came up 6mm short. I didn't want to make the ailerons any narrower, so I decided to shape into the inboard TE section! All I had to do was chamfer the last 6mm of the aileron to bring it into line with the wing tips and the inboard panel. I phoned Stan Yeo of Phoenix Models about this and he is looking into this slight problem.

Encore is designed for three function radio, ie rudder, elevator and ailerons. A central servo is mounted for the ailerons but if you have a computer set flaps could easily be fitted, turning the Encore into a four function model. This will allow you to slow the model for landing. If you decide to go for this option, a pair of micro-servos will be necessary..."

Supplementary file notes

Review.

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