Topic: SAS Wildthing 46" build by a newbie.

Well after ordering the kit from Alan on christmas eve (couldn't wait!!), it arrived this morning - excellent service!!
I've got a few bits to get (battery and perhaps a second colour tape - I got red).
Looking forward to getting started putting it together when I'm finished running around doing stuff for the rest of the family - I suspect it could take me a while knowing what's being expected of me; still c'est la vie!!

A good purchase that you'll never regret.  Follow Alan's instruction to the letter and she will fly out of your hand beautifully from the outset. From then on, a little gradual c of g adjustment to taste will just make her better.

Even now, with composite toys to play with, I still enjoy mine very much.

Ro. .....   

Bravo! From what I've seen, you've bought yourself a great flying little aeroplane AND supported a UK business 

Have fun 

A good purchase that you'll never regret.  Follow Alan's instruction to the letter and she will fly out of your hand beautifully from the outset. From then on, a little gradual c of g adjustment to taste will just make her better.

Even now, with composite toys to play with, I still enjoy mine very much.

Ro. .....   

I would ignore the not covering the bottom advice.
And the never using ballast rule.

Excellent!! Put the red on the bottom and get a lighter colour for the top, unless you feel confident enough to instinctively know which way up it is. Unless of course you put a darker colour than red (black, dark blue) on the bottom and red on top. Yes, cover the whole model in cross weave tape, do it methodically and it will be lovely and neat. You'll fly it in years to come, long after you've moved on to other stuff.

Excellent!! Put the red on the bottom and get a lighter colour for the top, unless you feel confident enough to instinctively know which way up it is. Unless of course you put a darker colour than red (black, dark blue) on the bottom and red on top. Yes, cover the whole model in cross weave tape, do it methodically and it will be lovely and neat. You'll fly it in years to come, long after you've moved on to other stuff.

iirc the instructions say to xweave the whole model, just not to use convering tape on the bottom, which won't look that great. For the weight I would cover the whole model - as you say they are easier to fly with a contrasting colour scheme (any model in fact).

iirc the instructions say to xweave the whole model, just not to use convering tape on the bottom, which won't look that great. For the weight I would cover the whole model - as you say they are easier to fly with a contrasting colour scheme (any model in fact).

+1 on covering the whole model in colured tape. I reckon the CW tape adhesive on mine would have gone powdery by now, with the amount of inverted flying that I do. 

I would ignore the not covering the bottom advice.
And the never using ballast rule.

They are the bits of advice that I too ignored, to no detriment.  During the assembly, I did in fact install a ply plate and captive nut exactly at the recommended c of g, on the floor inside the fuz, so a suitable bolt could be broddled through the foam and covering in order to attach flat lead plate as ballast.

Ro.

They are the bits of advice that I too ignored, to no detriment.  During the assembly, I did in fact install a ply plate and captive nut exactly at the recommended c of g, on the floor inside the fuz, so a suitable bolt could be broddled through the foam and covering in order to attach flat lead plate as ballast.

Ro.

yes I don't know why Mr Head is so strongly against using ballast in the WT. I have myself used it in the fusion and see others do it with no problems at all. the models seems to be able to fly well at higher wing loadings (like pretty much every other model).   

Re ballast, I wouldn't bother flown the Fusion in all conditions and never needed it. Just enjoy it for what it is because you will be moving on before you know it and you will still keep coming back to play

I permanently flew my wild thing with a slab of lead taped to the fuze. It flew way better with it, and was invincible in combat (not that i did any of course, club rules). My point is dont bother with internal ballast as and when you need to add it, strap it to the bottom, WTs are hardly the most aerodynamic planes anyway are they?

yes I don't know why Mr Head is so strongly against using ballast in the WT. I have myself used it in the fusion and see others do it with no problems at all. the models seems to be able to fly well at higher wing loadings (like pretty much every other model).   

His point is that damage is increased with ballast. I wouldnt worry anyway as WTs dont land, they bounce.

I am still very much a beginner and part of the reason for buying it is because I would have to do something really stupid to damage it beyond repair so it will give me the confidence to have fun with it doing some of the tricks I can do on Phoenix. I know that if I can relax when I'm flying it I shall probably learn much quicker. My few flights I've had with my Blast profile 3D foamy has already taught me that! It's really good fun and fortunately my buddy let me do some of the twiddley stuff!
Any way progress will be posted with pics as it happens; thanks for your advice fellas.
D

His point is that damage is increased with ballast. I wouldnt worry anyway as WTs dont land, they bounce.

What a load of crock! They land the same and as well as anything else obviously with the extra weight yours is carrying yours does not recover after a hit

What a load of crock! They land the same and as well as anything else obviously with the extra weight yours is carrying yours does not recover after a hit

Actually the new owner commented on how pristine it looked! And it was well abused in the air. They are simple to land even with a full church underneath.

Actually the new owner commented on how pristine it looked! And it was well abused in the air. They are simple to land even with a full church underneath.

Actually the new owner commented on how pristine it looked! And it was well abused in the air. They are simple to land even with a full church underneath.

They're simple in that yes, you can just drop them down, or land slopeside..if you want to do a proper down/ base leg and approach it's a bit more tricky without lots of height, as they have next to no penetration ability in slack air and just go down.

I note from an earlier thread that you have a Spektrum 6-channel.  If you are using the 6200 Rx and a satellite, the room inside the fuz is a bit tight.

I came up with a solution to position the satellite 6in or so from the Rx, but as the WT has been around for years there might be a standard installation for this particular Rx/satellite combo I didn't think about.  Someone out here might have a good suggestion.

If not, I can post a pic of what I did, which is to bury the satellite in the wing underside near the root.

Also, after my first flying session with it last Tuesday, my clubmates suggested that I move the swiitch from the location shown in the instructons to inside the avionic bay.  This is so that it won't risk getting switched off during a combat collision, as apparently happened to one of them.

Mine has 3/4oz of lead taped under the rear end of the fuselage to correct the CG so that when performing the dive test, the model continues the dive in a straight line.

Gordon

I note from an earlier thread that you have a Spektrum 6-channel.  If you are using the 6200 Rx and a satellite, the room inside the fuz is a bit tight.

I came up with a solution to position the satellite 6in or so from the Rx, but as the WT has been around for years there might be a standard installation for this particular Rx/satellite combo I didn't think about.  Someone out here might have a good suggestion.

If not, I can post a pic of what I did, which is to bury the satellite in the wing underside near the root.

Also, after my first flying session with it last Tuesday, my clubmates suggested that I move the swiitch from the location shown in the instructons to inside the avionic bay.  This is so that it won't risk getting switched off during a combat collision, as apparently happened to one of them.

Mine has 3/4oz of lead taped under the rear end of the fuselage to correct the CG so that when performing the dive test, the model continues the dive in a straight line.

Gordon

It's ok, I'm using an AR500 because it has dual aileron inputs so I don't need to use a Y lead, my AR6210 is on my Freeair Blast 3D foamy (without sat).
I'm finding all of this advice interesting and will make sure everything I do is checked by someone who knows what they are doing, can't wait to get it in the air!!
I'm not even dreaming of combat at the moment but can see the sense in moving the switch where you suggest (if is fits). I've got a switch that has a built in charge lead for the battery so I can charge it in situ, which I thought would be a good idea.

It's ok, I'm using an AR500 because it has dual aileron inputs so I don't need to use a Y lead, my AR6210 is on my Freeair Blast 3D foamy (without sat).
I'm finding all of this advice interesting and will make sure everything I do is checked by someone who knows what they are doing, can't wait to get it in the air!!

It wouldn't work on a Y lead anyway. You need separate channels cos the ailerons are not..they're elevons. 

It wouldn't work on a Y lead anyway. You need separate channels cos the ailerons are not..they're elevons. 

Phew, did the right thing then didn't I - makes a change for me!!'

Darwil mate, you've made an excellent choice with the SAS WT for a first slope model  She was my first too, and I followed the idiots build guide to the letter. My wings are CW covered top and bottom, with yellow packing tape on top, red underneath, and a black fuz. If I remember correctly, the idiots guide states to use CW tape on both sides, and coloured packing tape on top (to protect the CW tape from UV rays, and the underside packing tape is optional. I used to put a good few grams of church roof in the nose, but eventually found that she really doesn't need it in normal conditions, and she flies a lot better when balanced anyway. I've flown mine in 45mph+ blows, with much higher gusts, where I've basically thrown her hard down the slope to stop her looping behind me, to get out into the lift, but I do tape a few metal rods (or church roof) under both wings, on the cog (approx) to aid penetration in more extreme conditions. Mine must be knocking on for two years old now, and she's had some serious hammer. She been bounced and cartwheeled down the slope, knocked out of the sky, nosed in, but she's never been broken or disabled to date (but she's broken a few others  ). She is overdue for a strip down, plus a bit of tarting up, but I have more fun flying her than stripping her at the moment, so maybe when someone finally cripples her, she get that overdue MOT 

I now have an SAS Venom to put together (cos I like the shape), but I doubt it'll be anywhere as hardwearing as the WT, but they're cheap, resilient, and a great worry free learning tool. One day I want to progress to the big boys toys (mouldies) but I fear I may shed a few more tear if (when) I have a hard landing (crash).

SAS WT rules 

You can't go wrong with a Wild Thing.
I bought mine as my second sloper after being introduced into the black art of sloping a few months ago on an old Zagi I acquired cheap.
Great fun and tough as old boots.
I built mine as per instructions, totally covering with C/W  and parcel tape.
I have flown in 30 mph + winds with out ballast, but yet to try in higher winds so I may be looking for some advice from the more experienced guys regrading that.

Good luck and enjoy, you'll never look back



Phil

Well is it done yet?

Well is it done yet?

Not even started yet I did say at the start family commitments unfortunately come first - but had a good look in the box and started to get everyrhing together I need for the build.
With my commitments at the moment progress will be slow but sure - plus I want to make sure its done right!

Not even started yet I did say at the start family commitments unfortunately come first - but had a good look in the box and started to get everyrhing together I need for the build.
With my commitments at the moment progress will be slow but sure - plus I want to make sure its done right!

No danger about it being done wrong mate; there's a dozen of us here who have built one, so we can steer you away from our co....'oversights'. 

No danger about it being done wrong mate; there's a dozen of us here who have built one, so we can steer you away from our co....'oversights'. 

If I can build one I'm sure you will be fine, and i'm sure your better half will enjoy picking up bits of tape which somehow manages to travel around the house

Just one thing when you get it finished, Don't leave it in 28c on the grass at the HoH for 6 hours = banana shaped non flying thing! (mine was mostly black)

If I can build one I'm sure you will be fine, and i'm sure your better half will enjoy picking up bits of tape which somehow manages to travel around the house

Just one thing when you get it finished, Don't leave it in 28c on the grass at the HoH for 6 hours = banana shaped non flying thing! (mine was mostly black)

Yeah they do that....My other halfs did it in the back of my black car on a very sunny day .a bit warmish

Well is it done yet?

Oh Darwil, Darwil my boy what have you gone and done!!!

You've signalled your intent on t'net and now you have s#*t loads of prospective project managers spurring you on, against your will!

You now need to finish the project on time regardless of wether its airworthy or not, if it "look right" it'll do. Oh dear!!

Build it to your standards - so you are happy with it, test it (left is left up is down, elevon mix is ok) until you are confident with it, wait until the wind strength is in your 'comfort zone', then chuck it off a cliff and LIVE it!!

There are shed loads of us out there to help 

Oh Darwil, Darwil my boy what have you gone and done!!

You've signalled your intent on t'net and now you have s#*t loads of prospective project managers spurring you on, against your will!

You now need to finish the project on time regardless of wether its airworthy or not, if it "look right" it'll do. Oh dear!!

Build it to your standards - so you are happy with it, test it (left is left up is down, elevon mix is ok) until you are confident with it, wait until the wind strength is in your 'comfort zone', then chuck it off a cliff and LIVE it!!

There are shed loads of us out there to help 

 

Sorry one life, it wasnt meant as a knock or swipe at you at all - your comment just tickled me.

We have

Project managers

at work and one of their pet phrases is "well is it done yet"

It always amuses me because it reminds me of the Basil Faulty line '... I'm doing it, Im doing it'

I know your intentions were good - sorry it was a private joke 

Sorry one life, it wasnt meant as a knock or swipe at you at all - your comment just tickled me.

We have  at work and one of their pet phrases is "well is it done yet"

It always amuses me because it reminds me of the Basil Faulty line '... I'm doing it, Im doing it'

I know your intentions were good - sorry it was a private joke 

 

Thanks folks I understand the enthusiasm, probably why I ordered it on Christmas eve but didn't expect the family brickbats thrown in my lap!
Will schedule myself a task to do every part of a free night I get to do something, all things being equal it will be sanding the wings tomorrow night.

Once youve started the shaping you will not know when to stop 

Then you'll stick the wings together... Then the covering

Its a cracking product, it flies great - good luck 

Oh well things have not quite gone to plan, went in the garage to get the sandpaper to get started got it in the house only to realise it was all damp, about as much use as a chocolate teapot!!
Somebody who shall remain nameless who put it away for me last time it was used for decorating prep work omitted to put the lid on the biscuit tin I kept it in properly (silica gel bags now no good either).
Oh well have to get off to the local B&Q tomorrow and get some new stuff.

I'm sorry to appear dim; but why do you need sandpaper to build a WT? The only departure I had was gluing up with UHU Por, and a longer than stock CF tube in the wing.

For the leading edge.
Bit odd that you need to round it compared to most epp stuff.

Because (if its anything like the Fusion) the wing tips and leading edge on the SAS models are square. So you have to sand the leading edge to round it off and shape your tips.

I'd forgotten about that! So, yeah, appearances of my dimness are not without foundation... 

Because (if its anything like the Fusion) the wing tips and leading edge on the SAS models are square. So you have to sand the leading edge to round it off and shape your tips.

I never bothered with the tips & left them flat, & only sanded the LE. I figured that it would be easier to cover, & I got mine nice & smooth with the CW & coloured tape.

Darwil, if you get to a point where you have CW`d the wings, & can`t do anymore for a while, It may be worth placing them back in their individual saddles & weigh them both down until you are ready. I doubt they will warp, but might if someone plomk a book on top, & it laying on something unsupported on the kitchen table.