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The "Encore" 2 Metre Training Glider by Alan Mayhew

The Encore, a 2-meter trainer glider designed by Alan Mayhew, it is widely used by the Victorian Association of Radio Model Soaring (VARMS) as its primary training glider. Its reputation for reliability and ease of construction makes it a favorite among newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

The Encore's forgiving flight characteristics are perfect for improving thermalling skills, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning from beginner to more advanced piloting techniques. Its stability in both thermal and light wind slope soaring conditions provides an ideal platform for mastering the fundamentals of RC glider flying while offering pilots the chance to refine their skills.

The Encore is a laser cut kit, primarily constructed from Carbon spars, balsa and plywood, offering a classic look and feel. 

This is a one design class model. Use the parts provided in the kit. Do not alter the design.

It features:

  • A 2-meter wingspan, 2 channel or with option air brakes on a 3 channel.
  • An efficient airfoil, contributing to its gentle flying characteristics and thermal capabilities.
  • A focus on stability and ease of control, which makes it ideal for training or improving your thermalling skills.
  • 2200mAh battery pack provides long motor run times






CoG  70-75 mm

Flying weight around 900/1000 grams

Around 9 oz/sqft

PARTS LIST FOR THE ENCORE as at 14/10/24

2 Part wing.

Pultruded carbon tubes

  • 2 of 10x8x355mm carbon tube spar
  • 2 of 8x6x480mm carbon tube spar
  • 2 of 6x4x216mm carbon tube spar

Pultruded carbon rods

  • 4 of 4x130mm solid carbon panel joiner panel A and BC
  • 2 of 4x355mm leading edge panel A
  • 2 of 3x700mm solid carbon leading edge panel B and C

2 of 1 m. lengths 3.5 mm. plastic tubes (push rods)

2 of 1 m. lengths 1.4 mm. piano wire (push rods)

1/ pkt. Dubro ½ A horns

1/pkt. Dubro 2-56x1/2in. bolts

1/pkt. Dubro 2-56 blind nuts.

1/pkt. Dubro No.2 flat washers.

Motor. 28 mm. OD outrunner. E- Max GT 2118/09 or similar

ESC 22 amps 3s with BEC

40 mm. spinner assembly for 4.0 mm. shaft

42mm centre piece Prop Adapter

10x4 in. folding prop

2/ 11 mm. thick servos(elevator & rudder) E max ES09MA

2/9 mm. thick  servos(if using spoilers)ES3303

XT30 male and female terminals (Battery to ESC)

 

The above parts are available from local Melbourne suppliers.


FUSELAGE CONSTRUCTION  All ply version

Glue together front and rear halves of sides and bottom.

Glue top and bottom doublers to inside of sides. Ensure you make a left and right.


Glue the triangular pine pieces(4) to inner surfaces of the nose end using the lines to locate.

Install the 2 blind nuts to the lower surface of Top 5. Use thick CA. Sand the long edges of Top 5 square.


Check the fit of F2 and 3 to sides. Glue them to one side using Top 3 and 4 as a guide to give the correct angle.

Glue F4 flush with the rear end with the F4 facing to the rear.

Glue Top 5 to the inner edge of the elevator upstand.


Pushrods. Cut to oversized length. At 100 mm. from one end make a Z bend with a 5 mm. offset. With the pushrods in their tubes, install to each side with the small ply keepers.

Glue the second side to F2 and 3 with the sides sitting vertically on the flat bench.

F1. Glue the 1.5 mm. piece to the 3mm. piece. Check the fit of the motor to this piece. Insert the bolts and check the free rotation. Remove the motor.



 

Carefully check the fit of F1 to the nose end of the sides. This joint must be as good as possible.Glue one side with thick CA, followed by the other.

Lightly sand the lower edges of the sides. Check the fit of the bottom piece. Glue it in place from F2 to F3 (thick CA) Then glue from F1 toF2.


Glue the sides to Top 5 and F4 using the centre line mark on the bottom as a guide. Now glue the bottom from F3 to F4.

Check the fit of Top 1,2,3,4,and 5.Sand flat the top edges of the sides. Glue these in place.

Top 6 needs special attention. Cut a 65 mm. piece of C/F 3mm. tube. Carefully locate Top 6 so as to have the 3mm. tube vertical in both directions when viewed from the back and side.

Glue the noes top piece of balsa. The fuselage is now ready for shaping as shown on the photos.





ENCORE  2 PART WING CONSTRUCTION







Note : Correction leading edges are tubes not solid carbon...

Building board. A 1200x295x16 mm melamine board works well as a build board.

The wing is built in 2 halves and joined for flying with an 8 mm. carbon tube. The wing is held onto the fuselage using #64 rubber bands.

The dihedral angle at Panel A and B is fixed using 4 mm. carbon rods glued in place.


Glue together ribs A13/14 and B1/2

Note:Sanding the carbon spars lightly with 360 grit sandpaper is a good way to ensure proper bonding. It helps remove any wax and create a rough surface for the adhesive to grip better. After sanding, it's also important to clean the surface to remove any dust or particles, which could interfere with the bond. Using a paper towel with isopropyl alcohol or a similar cleaner will ensure a clean surface before applying the glue. Discard the paper towel.

Cut spar tubes ,2 lengths 10 mm.at 355 mm. 2 lengths 8mm, at 480 mm and 2 lengths 6 mm at 215 mm. Glue together 8 and 6 (thick CA) with 30 mm overlap. Cut 4 lengths of 4 mm. carbon rod at 130 mm. Prepare centre 1.5 mm. balsa sheeting.  Glue the pieces together to form left and right cross grain panels.

Glue A1 to the end of 10mm. tube. It must be at 90 deg. both vertically and horizontally.Now add A2 and the sheeting. Slide on A3 to keep the tube at the correct height. Use the TE notches for rib spacing.

Note: The 10mm centre spar at 355mm will be just proud, use a sanding block to reference back flush with rib.

Note: The notched tailing edge is the key for rib spacing

Slide on ribs A3 to A14. The hole in A14/14 may need adjustment to allow it to sit at the correct dihedral angle shown by the jig.

Add a weight to A1 A2 then glue A13/14 ribs in place using the jig. Hold A13/14 down on board and glue all other full ribs. Leave the half ribs for gluing with the LE.



Assemble the panel AB junction ribs with the 4 mm carbon rod joiners. Chock panel A to allow rods to align. Glue together using thin CA

Assemble the remaining ribs and complete the process making all ribe sit flat on the build board.



To start the other panel A, dry assemble the parts as shown. Clamp the centre ribs. Place a small drop of thick CA at the junction of the rib and tube taking care not to glue left and right halves together! Add further CA to join A2 and sheeting. Now complete the wing as before.

Add the carbon 3 and 4 mm LE and finally a 5 mm tip block  for shaping.



Connecting the Tailplane:



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