Chimera7 Balsa Gliders

Glider instructions

and after the instructions is a list of tips and tricks including repair options. Also these instructions in Video form can be found further down this page.

Step 1– Remove the parts from the balsa sheets with your finger nail or blunt butter knife. If using a sharp blade,

ADULT SUPERVISION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Optional sanding of each part. Sanding does give a nicer finish, however the plane kit will still assemble and fly without sanding. Sand paper is NOT included.

 

Step 2– Gently slide the front wing (Part 3) into the main body (Part 1) and once half way through, slide forwards.

Gently slide the rear wing (Part 4) into the main body (Part 1) and once half way through, slide backwards.

Gently slide the ‘locking tab’ (Part 5) into the main body (Part 1) so it sits half way through.

 

Step 3– Gently slide the 2x side body parts (Parts 2L and 2R) onto either side of the main wing (Part 3) as shown in the image. Note the Part 2L slides onto the LEFT side and 2R slides onto the RIGHT side.

 

Step 4– Gently side the body parts 2L and 2R all the way to the middle and beside the main body part (Part1) as shown in the image. Once in the middle as shown, gently slide the main wing (Part 3) and the 2 outer body parts (Parts 2R and 2L) backwards.

 

Step 5-  Gently holding the 3 main body parts, and with both wings centered, 2R and 2L will slide backwards into the front of both the front and rear wings.

This action locks the wings into place.

You will need to guide the rear into place while lightly pinching the bodies together just in front of the front wing as you slide backwards.

 

Step 6– Once the body parts (2R and 2L) are back enough, the front of these parts will be able to sit over the locking tab (Part 5) which is in the nose of the plane.

 

This image is a close up of the locking tab sitting neatly through the (2L) body part. When both sides sit like this, the plane has now been fully assembled.

 

Now grab the x4 remaining triangle parts labeled

‘Balance Part 1’ and ‘Balance Part 2’. Select one of each and slide them together, and repeat for the second set.

These are to test/check the balance of the plane before it’s first flight.

 

Note on the underside of the wings have small ‘circle/cross’ symbols, one on the left and one on the right as seen in this image.

Step 7– Now adding the x2 metal spring clips as shown in the image.

Pending how hard you throw and what angle, these clips can be moved around to change the characteristics of the flight.

Getting the plane to balance as shown just means a light to medium straight throw should see the glider fly nicely.

 

This image shows the balance triangles going to the markings on the wings.

Note– arrange the balance triangles so the taller face is oriented left-right when sitting the plane on it. This will help the plane sit on them without needing to hold the tail as well.

 

The above instructions while based of the P-51 Mustang, they are still relevant for all the small gliders in the spring clip series. Currently available is the P51 Mustang and the Marine Spitfire. The next glider coming up for release is the Mitsubishi Zero.

Assembly Video of the P51 Mustang, however the same instructions are for all our small clip gliders.

P-51 test flight via hand thrown launch.

Flying tips

The harder you throw the further forward the clips will need to be. If the clips are to far back, the glider will aimlessly float and fly poorly.

  • Clips should ideally clip on the bottom of the nose, but can also clip on the top if needed.
  • Having the clips on the bottom of the nose also helps protect the nose when landing.
  • If flying in low wind, throw into the wind.
  • For longer distance throw slightly upwards at 10-15 degrees.
  • Do not heavily load the 'hook' when elastic launching as this may cause the hook to break. While strong, this is still our baby glider.
  • With elastic launch and the correct clip position, launching upwards can loop the glider.

Repair tips

Be it by accident or crashing into too many things, there may come a time to repair the glider. One of the best options to repair, is to use balsa glue which can be bought from your local hobby shop, and it is fast drying. Second option we suggest using a generic timber PVA glue, however this glue may need to dry over night. However in an emergency, while testing and hitting many trees etc, we have used general masking tape for repairs which worked surprisingly well.

Coming soon are more gliders in the spring clip series, as well as our medium sized gliders. Made from a mixture of balsa and 3mm plywood.

Chimera7Aus. - Creating - Hands on - Interactive - Memories with - Educational and - Renewable - Activities. 100% owned, Designed, Machined and hand finished in Australia, while the 7 references the 7 pointed star on the Australian flag.