March 2023
Snow Blower
Continuing the theme from the last Lift over Drag, we have now given a name to the phenomenon where the wrap up of one issue overlaps the kick-off for the next: Prime Overlap. For the last week we’ve been working on both the February and March issues at the same time which makes for some long days. Not that long ago this was the quiet period of the monthly cycle with almost too little to do.
The hard winter — which has not really made an appearance to this point — finally arrived this past week. So in addition to Prime Overlap, we also had snow clearance activities with which to contend. The big news? Mercifully, The Ed chose to invest some of the very stretched operating budget to include a beautiful Toro e21 LiPo-powered snow blower. For anybody who thinks electrically assisted RC sailplanes represent the highest and best use of LiPo technology, well, you’re all wrong. The two hour, back-breaking, frost-bitten trudge transformed into 20 minutes of pure winter joy with the snöslunga beats the best FES by a wintry, country mile.
You’d think we would be cursing out the snow arriving en masse at precisely the wrong time of the month. Surprisingly not. Now relieved of the most onerous of winter’s burden we now can stand back and admire how nice it really looks. All of the detritus of modern city living covered up in a pristine, powdery white blanket. And there is nothing quite like starting the day with outdoor activities under a crystal-clear, star-studded, jet-black canopy at a crisp -27C. Sometimes the northern lights even make a guest appearance way up here at the 51st parallel.
But don’t believe us about the under appreciated beauty of a long, cold winter. For a superb example, take a look at the beautiful photograph above taken recently by our friend Speedamigo-Modellflugfilm in the magnificent French Alps. It takes the appreciation of this winter’s waning snow to a whole new level.
Coming Up in This Issue
We have another blizzard of great stories coming up in the March issue with a smattering of subjects for the broad range of interests of the widely varied New RCSD readership:
- The Launch Zone — We’re not quite sure what The Ed has up his sleeve for In The Air this month. We’ve seen the key photo and that alone makes it worth taking a look. Yes, we have our quirkily old school Letters to the Editor and we have yet more Cool New Stuff. This is rapidly becoming one of the most routinely popular articles in each monthly issue.
- Features — We were wondering recently when we’d hear from Pierre Rondel again and our fingers were crossed it would be soon. It must be kismet or karma or whatever because an amazing article from him showed up maybe a day later — it’s about his latest project which spans no less than 5m! Bill Kuhlman also returns with the second part of Twist Distribution for Swept Wings and Tiberiu Atudorei’s break-out-hit Project ALTius is back for a return engagement. We also have an exciting new collaboration to announce with a big name you’re almost guaranteed to recognise! Finally, there was a surprise, late addition to this month’s Features. All we’re going to say is we feel doubly lucky this month and you should too.
- Ongoing Series — Science for Model Flyers is back this time focusing (pun entirely intended) on the important subject of visual acuity. After all if you can’t see it, you can’t fly it right? Chuck Fulton’s Soaring the Sky Podcast is back as well as the brand-new, regular column on flight simulation called Condor Corner ably penned by CFIG Scott Manley.
- Retrospectives — In addition to Simine Short’s next instalment of her popular Stamps That Tell a Story and another interesting article in our Glider Patents series, we have Gary Fogel returning with another really fascinating and lovingly rendered feature. It’s entitled A History of Gliding and Soaring in the Inland Empire (1930–1940). Nobody tells these stories quite like Gary.
We’ll wrap up the March issue with The Trailing Edge of course and before you know it will be into April and the soaring summer (or building winter for some) just beyond that.
New in the RCSD Shop
We’ve been listening! Here’s the accessory that seemingly everybody wants.
You’ll be head over heels with this timeless piece! The New RCSD Logo Peaked Cap comes in eleven colors (including camo!) to match your inimitable personal style. Thanks to the adjustable strap it is one-size-fits-all for both men and women. It features the New RCSD logo on the front and on the back you’ll find the classic RC Soaring Digest sailplane motif which appeared starting with the the very first issue from January of 1984. Order your New RCSD Logo Peaked Cap today.
Also, did you know all of our products are made especially for you as soon as you place an order — which is why it sometimes takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. However, making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions! Your home planet thanks you.
Don’t Want to Miss March 2023?
It’s out in just a few days, so if you don’t want to miss the upcoming issue of the New RC Soaring Digest make sure you connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Post News or subscribe to our Groups.io mailing list. And please share this issue of Lift over Drag with your friends because we would love to have them as readers, too!
Now, without further ado — and regardless of whether there is any of the white stuff still on the ground — get out there and fly!
©2023 The The New RC Soaring Digest Staff
Resources
- Speedamigo-Modelflugfilm — This link will take you to SpeedAmigo’s great YouTube channel, but you’ll also want to check out his Instagram feed. Thanks for allowing us to feature your beautiful work.
- Sansibear Django BS — From the Sansibear website: “Tip-top intrinsic stability for safe circling even below 1.5m height and best turning ability around all axes. In the past, it was simply called HLG…”
- Toro e21 Snow Blower — The highest and best use of LiPo techology ever devised. Go ahead — try and change our minds.
