| Type: |
2 meter polyhedral floater |
| Wingspan:
| 76" |
| Wing Area: |
563 sq in |
| Airfoil: | Clark Y?
|
| Weight: | 26oz |
| Construction: |
Balsa fuselage, built up balsa wing and tail surfaces |
| Controls: | Rudder, elevator |
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The Wanderer is a pretty typical rudder-elevator controlled floater/trainer. It's got a 76" wing span and a wing loading of approximately 6oz/sq foot.
I can't comment on the building of the plane, because I bought my Wanderer already built from a friend (who had bought it already built
at a swap shop, probably ten years ago). Construction is what you'd expect from a 2 meter floater: Built up wing and tail feathers, and
a square balsa fuselage.
The Wanderer flies as well as any other good trainer that I've flown (Gentle Lady, etc..). Beginers will find that it is forgiving and floats well.
Depending on their mood, more experienced pilots will find it either relaxing or boring. I must note that I've only flown this plane on the slope, and
never as a flatland thermal glider. It works well enough as a slope glider, but like all floaters, it can be a handful
in high winds or bumpy conditions, especially if unballasted. If flown on the slope, you should make sure it has as much rudder throw as possible
to keep it fully controlable. Lots of control throw is also good to have if you are teaching someone to fly.
It allows you to make quick corrections and get out of some of the more unusual attitudes that beginners often seem to get into.
I continue to use the Wanderer to teach people how to fly, but when they decide to get thier own plane, I usually
recommend a foamie, such as the MAD Highlander. Still, the Wanderer
is a great flying airplane, and if you don't mind building, or having to fix it after a crash (if you are a beginner you WILL crash), then I'd recommend it.
In truth, it flies about the same as the other 2 meter floaters, such as the Goldberg Gentle Lady, but I think the Wanderer,
with it's eliptical fin and relatively sleek nose just has more style!
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