Multiplex Merlin

[ARP]

G'Day all
I have recently received a gift of a Multiplex Merlin. Not really a plane I would of chosen as I am a beginner whos has only flown
indoors mainly and only Rudder/Elevator. Anyway I am stuck with the merlin. After reading the reviews I'm getting a bit concerned.
I intend to make it a powered version on a DX6i Tx/Rx and I have a few questions -
1. Can it be tamed down through applying expo & reducing the throws without losing stability (and avoiding the dreading tip stall death spirals)?
2.Has anyone added some dihedral to the wings and how?
3. Is this more a plane I should put away until a bit more experience is gained?
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Allan

[AEAJR]

Originally Posted by ARP

G'Day all
I have recently received a gift of a Multiplex Merlin. Not really a plane I would of chosen as I am a beginner whos has only flown
indoors mainly and only Rudder/Elevator. Anyway I am stuck with the merlin. After reading the reviews I'm getting a bit concerned.
I intend to make it a powered version on a DX6i Tx/Rx and I have a few questions -
1. Can it be tamed down through applying expo & reducing the throws without losing stability (and avoiding the dreading tip stall death spirals)?

Yes

Originally Posted by ARP

2.Has anyone added some dihedral to the wings and how?

Is this your plane?
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXXDE7&P=7

This is an RC glider. Should have enough dihedral with those raised wing tips.

Originally Posted by ARP

3. Is this more a plane I should put away until a bit more experience is gained?

Maybe. It should be able to be flown fairly slowly. In fact it might be able to be flown in a small gym if you keep the motor and battery light.

Originally Posted by ARP

Any thoughts?
Cheers
Allan

Try it. You'll like it!

[2400rdr]

I guess this is a dissenting opinion:

I bought a Merlin and flew it quite a bit. To me, gliders are about finding thermals and using them to stay up. In this narrow sense, the Merlin is not a glider- it doesn't thermal except in huge lift, and not well then.

It flies fast with the motor on, and fast with the motor off. I'd call it a small warm-liner. You'd have to have pretty good reflexes to fly it indoors, and it probably wouldn't be much fun.

It's touchy when you land. Line it up for a straight approach and it's OK, but don't think of trying to turn it a low speed.

I wouldn't recommend it as a beginner plane because your reactions need to be pretty automatic to fly it well, and to not fly it into the ground.

Rick