Estes Transwing Glider (2112) - Custom Reproduction

[hermanjc]

I had this kit as a kid in the 90s and absolutely loved it. Now that it's not made/sold anymore (except for excessively high prices on eBay) I am reproducing it via the build instructions, pictures and some winging it (pun intended) with design and 3D printing. More to come.

 

[Saluki]

Please keep us informed on this build. This is a nice glider. Interested in the 3D files, thanks.

 

[billeblurzz]

Loved this glider in the 90's! It was a really good flier but eventually the fall away motor tube would get kinked and result in more horizontal launches.

 

[billeblurzz]

I always thought the little pilot figure in the glider reminded me of Steve Mcqueen in The Thomas Crown Affair!

 

[hermanjc]

Making progress. It's taking a few iterations to get the glider hook pod right. But the glider is assembled and glides well (at least in my basement).

 

[hermanjc]

Loved this glider in the 90's! It was a really good flier but eventually the fall away motor tube would get kinked and result in more horizontal launches.

I'm thinking of having the motor tube (which per the instructions were two 9" BT-50 tubes coupled together) actually separate in the middle and have the streamer or small parachute come out there vs the typical nose cone separation. Might help minimize damage on recovery.

 

[billeblurzz]

That mod would be great!!

 

[billeblurzz]

 

[Rktman]

I had this kit as a kid in the 90s and absolutely loved it. Now that it's not made/sold anymore (except for excessively high prices on eBay) I am reproducing it via the build instructions, pictures and some winging it (pun intended) with design and 3D printing. More to come.
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Nicely done! I still have an unbuilt kit I scored years ago at a hobby store where a "retiree" from the sport donated all his stuff for anyone wanting to give it a good home.

 

[hermanjc]

One more tweak. I added a small pin (cutoff piece of paperclip) to the fuselage. This engages with the forward end of the glider pod slot to keep it in place during ascent. Initial outdoor glide tests are very encouraging. I'm overly excited for my first opportunity to launch and fly.

 

[Saluki]

Nice addition. Looks like you have this glider in hand.
Thanks.

 

[billeblurzz]

Here is a launch from this weekend. My carrier has been extended and beefed up from streamer crashes back to ground.

 

[billeblurzz]

This time I tried a Quest C12-4 for additional thrust to try to overcome the inherent roll overs and off axis pitches!

 

[billeblurzz]

 

[billeblurzz]

It still began to roll on its back but at a much higher altitude.

 

[billeblurzz]

Then straighten out!

 

[billeblurzz]

 

[billeblurzz]

The ejection charge was shot gun like and broke the short Kevlar nose cone line…I’ve never heard such an ejection charge…so I lost the nose cone. The glider deployed very far away and still would have been successful if not for one wing not swinging open due to the additional speed and a weak rubber band. It spiraled into ground but is still flyable! If I had not lost the nose cone I might have tried a D16-4! If you can overcome the rollovers with this model…

 

[billeblurzz]

Just wanted to give you some additional insight! I'm interested in your outcome for this!

 

[Rktman]

One more tweak. I added a small pin (cutoff piece of paperclip) to the fuselage. This engages with the forward end of the glider pod slot to keep it in place during ascent. Initial outdoor glide tests are very encouraging. I'm overly excited for my first opportunity to launch and fly.
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Beautifully and faithfully reproduced. Looking forward to your flight report (and hopefully some photos or video).

 

[Saluki]

I would imagine you had a typical shack down the first flight like anyone would with a stock ESTES kit of this glider.
With a glider, I imagine it is trial and error for the first few flights. I'm sure you'll get the bugs out. Nice job.

Looking forward to the 3D files.

 

[hermanjc]

I would imagine you had a typical shack down the first flight like anyone would with a stock ESTES kit of this glider.
With a glider, I imagine it is trial and error for the first few flights. I'm sure you'll get the bugs out. Nice job.

Looking forward to the 3D files.

So when I was a kid I recall that after hand tossing the glider and trimming the pitch and roll with clay weights I certainly had a few good launches and glider return flights. The reason I don't have the rocket/glider anymore is because after its initial launches it lived under my parents stairs for 5+ years. Upon its re-emergence and attempted return to flight, all of the glue joints to the balsa failed, and basically disintegrated on liftoff.

Once I am done, I will load the files somewhere for others to re-live

 

[hermanjc]

It's been a minute, but finally got around to finishing the Trans Wing. Painted some of the plastic red to match the original kit, and made some custom water slide decals inspired by the original. Might get it's first launch/flight this weekend.

 

[Rktman]

It's been a minute, but finally got around to finishing the Trans Wing. Painted some of the plastic red to match the original kit, and made some custom water slide decals inspired by the original. Might get it's first launch/flight this weekend.
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Awesome results!

 

[hermanjc]

First flight in. B6-4 definitely underpowered (intentionally for smaller field). Glider worked pretty well, just need to use stronger rubber bands. Next flight will be on a C
View attachment PXL_20220630_210615254~2.mp4

 

[Rktman]

First flight in. B6-4 definitely underpowered (intentionally for smaller field). Glider worked pretty well, just need to use stronger rubber bands. Next flight will be on a CView attachment 525058
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Big congrats!

 

[hermanjc]

Finally getting around to sharing some of my rocket designs. For the files I created for the Estes 2112 Super Glider please use the following link:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6075034
Feedback appreciated! Always looking to improve.