Veron Impala – Classic retro glider Plan – 52” Span

Plans for Veron Impala glider – Classic retro glider – 52” Span

On offer is an unused reprint of the original “Impala” kit plan (1 large sheet 30” x 40” with crisp black print) for the classic 1970’s slope soarer that was originally marketed by Veron. This 52” wingspan glider is of traditional built up construction and was a much-respected “trainer” and 2 channel sport fliers model in its heyday. It can fly in a wide range of conditions and is a real “blast from the past” !

I have flown several of these over the years, and even still have one in the “squadron” at the moment …. I could be tempted to sell it if you want a ready to go example (Will list if expressions of interest are received), but they make a great winter build project as they are reasonably compact, straightforward to build, and a bit of nostalgic fun !

I have taught several people the basics of slope soaring with the Impala, and have seen them take all manner of abuse, including ballasting them up to fly in strong wing conditions (when you should really have stayed at home !). In some ways the model is rather “over engineered”, but the design goes back to single channel days, where the “control” provided by the RC equipment was not what we enjoy today ! As a consequence, the model is designed to take a knock or two …. Not as forgiving as EPP models – but not “fragile” like some current day offerings ! The wings and tailplane assembly are shown on the plan as being attached with rubber bands, which makes the model very portable and helps with the “crash resistance”. An experienced slope flier could glue the tailplane assembly to the fuselage. The model is open to “personalisation”, and several “variations” have been made by modellers over the years.

This is a traditional balsa & plywood build that provides an “old school” slope soarer/glider. A great “retro” model that was featured in the classic RM “Radio Control Soaring” book by Dave Hughes. (See photograph on page 39 – in First Edition )

The Impala built as shown on the plan has 2 channel rudder and elevator controls. The model is amazingly stable, and docile to fly due to the design considerations made from it’s single channel beginnings. Today some would say it is boring to fly, but that misses the point. This is where today’s slope soaring has developed from. It has a quaint charm that belongs to that era of models; if you weren’t there, you may not understand !

You could, with a little ingenuity, incorporate ailerons (with reduced dihedral) for full 3-channel operation, though the wing section is not that well suited to inverted flying.  As such, it could be used as an aileron trainer, and the “old school” approach would be to build two wings so that you could “progress” to ailerons with a “familiar” airframe. The plan shows the option for a glazed canopy, based on acetate sheet fitted within the wooden structure. It was not uncommon for an alternative “stretched wing” to be made for lighter conditions. “Pylon” mounted IC motors have been used to power launch Impalas, and the fuselage is roomy enough to incorporate an electric flight system if that is “your thing” …. Option for glider fuselage & powered glider fuselage ?!

The design does not require any special, or custom made, parts, so all necessary items should be readily available from your local model shop.

The fuselage has a simple box section, with the formers being built up from strip wood. Full details are shown on the plan, along with assembly diagrams. The horizontal stabiliser and fin/rudder unit is detachable, and shown on the plan as being attached with rubber bands, which will be more forgiving in terms of crash/poor landing resistance. Alternatively, the tailplane could be secured with small nylon bolts (or glued on) if a more rigid fastening is preferred. The plan shows full details of all parts & ribs for the tailplane construction, with the rudder & fin being built from sheet wood.

The wings are built in two panels, then joined with plywood dihedral braces.

The plan also shows the full planform of one wing panel, with superimposed guide lines to build the opposite wing panel. The wing is of parallel chord and the plan shows a typical rib detail (R2) in a full size section. You have to deduct the thickness of the centre wing sheeting from that detail to determine the centre rib (R1). The wing tip features a slanted (45 degrees) plate rib.

THIS LISTING IS FOR A PLAN ONLY – YOU ARE NOT BIDDING FOR A KIT OR AN AIRFRAME

This simple build is straightforward and would not present any problems to an experienced kit builder. It would even suit a novice builder if the notes on the plan, and in the instructions leaflet, were followed diligently.

A scanned copy of the original “Veron Impala” building instructions (2 pages) will be e-mailed to the winning bidder, along with additional notes covering build options, larger span wings, aileron wing conversion and “power assistance” options (6 pages).  

Treat yourself to a winter building project that beats the “credit crunch”. You sometimes see the Veron kit for the Impala on E-bay, where they usually fetch between £50 - £80. Building from the plan will give you a facsimile of the model itself and you save having to splice the fuselage sides and longerons because your stock wood will not have been constrained by the size of the kit box ! Even at today’s prices, there will only be around £15 of wood required to build a standard Impala, and you can control the selection of the wood !

Bidding starts at £4.99,

P&P / Delivery within UK via 1^st Class Royal Mail will be £2.00 with plan supplied folded in large envelope – approx A4 size.

Postage outsise UK by Air Mail will be £2.50