PicaRES Evo V2 2m

Well My PicaRES-e has finally taken to the air. It flies like a dream and does not want to come down!

So, following on from my initial comments about the kit I have to say that the quality of the wood is excellent and it is SO light - you almost have to weight it down to stop the parts floating away!
Build was straightforward (helps that my wife speaks fluent German - though I also had Google Translated instructions) and the only serious issue I had was finding servos small enough! You will need to buy the recommended motor as it is VERY tight in that nose!
The wing tips hold in very solidly with the magnets but care needs to be taken to align the dihedral box so that the wings join straight.

The build only took a long time because I was fitting it around other things and I had to keep tidying the dining room so we could eat!

I would add some build photos if I can find out how!

I fancied a little building project during Covid-19 lock-down and had always fancied a RES glider - especially one that would fit into the back of my car easily. This seemed like an ideal candidate. I will let you know how I get on.

ordered the Pica as I wanted a model to build over several evenings. Slick service from Neil, model well packaged,with enough bubble wrap to insulate the loft! Note- This is a traditional kit and although there are NO prefabricated assemblies but 90% of parts are pre-cut and as such anybody with a bit of "balsa bashing" experience should find building is straightforward.
I chose to build the Electric version and the kit &plan makes provision for this. there is a "V" tail option shown on the plan, but the only part provided is LT13 mounting but NO tail surfaces provided? There is a "PDF file at hyperflight to download which gives useful build tips,but don't bother with the translation( 40 pages) as translations such as quote- "with light windset and light foil with the sailor" I was left wondering if I was going to end up building a sailing dingy!! Use whatever adhesives takes your fancy,I used CA for ribs etc and aliphatic for the ply doublers and sheeted areas.
The parts fit was generally good with 2 exceptions riblets 7&8a were the wrong profile being about 2mm overall too large and required reworking, also parts f27 2 off were altogether way too small? easy fix using scrap balsa to make correct size ones.If all this sounds negative don't be alarmed as apart from the above points the Kit goes together easily.
Powerplant as recommended Hacker a10 with gearbox and suggested prop, the instructions suggest a 400/800 lipo, however things have moved on since 2015 and I had no trouble fitting a 1300 3s pack giving me a total flying weight of 540g 10 g over recommended 530g Output shows about 80w and 7.5 A static, and I would expect the current will drop a little in flight when the prop unloads, what that relates to in climb angle and performance, is unknown as at the time of this review Im waiting for the typical English "monsoon" weather to break so havnt flown or test glided it yet! I expect it to be a nice "bouncy floater" compared to some of the artf lead sleds currently available elsewhere!! watch this space Mick