Fancy something different? Something to fly while the field resembles a
quagmire?
Try one of these then, It's simple to assemble, even I completed it in
about 4-5 hours work. It's virtually unbreakable and it's relatively cheap, Best
of all the Zagi flies brilliantly.
What's in the box?
You get.
2 Epp foam cores (that's the black stuff you run your car over without
damage)
2 Correx triangles for the the winglets.
2 balsa elevons.
Large roll of fiber tape( to reinforce the wing and enough to cover the
wing if you choose this instead of colored tape or film)
Linkages and horns.
And that's it!!!
All you need to complete it is a little epoxy and some 3M spray glue.
Radio required is 2 cannel. If you have not got a computer set then an
electronic mixer will also have to be fitted in the slim wing.
Assembly
I'll not give a blow by blow lesson on how to build it, the instructions
cover that adequately.
I will say I was a little disappointed with the contents on opening the box
but after following the easy step by step guide and the aid of a Dremel router
it was soon together and in the air off the Great Orme and it's then you realize
it is value for money i.e. no running costs, no engine to buy and very quick to
build. An unusual departure for me was to cover the wing first before cutting
out the apertures for the servos and receiver etc, the reason for this is the
foam cores are very flimsy and prone to warp until covered.
Flying
It'll not disappoint anyone here! The manufacturers recommend winds in the
range of 6-45mph! Lester Watkins test flew it and was trimmed out with a couple
of notches of down to have her flying steady as a rock. The 2oz of lead buried
into the front of the wing doing the trick as recommended to obtain the correct
Cg.
I've tried the Zagi in a light breeze in which it's very sedate and
also flown it in a 20 mph blow and it's in these conditions it excels. At full
rates it turns on a sixpence, the roll rate is of the "twinkle" variety and it
flies just as well inverted. There's no rudder to play with, just elevons, so
aerobatics are limited to loops, bunts and rolls. Landings are a doddle too with
very little fear of breaking your pride and joy you can relax and practice your
spot landings right at your feet, (Great for lazy sods like me!) As for it's
reputed unbreakability? You'd need to hit a Samurai sword being wielded by Lara
Croft (stop daydreaming Brian, you know she doesn't, live anywhere near
Llandudno!!!) to seriously damage a Zagi but there are plenty of rocks that are
mysteriously magnets to foam and balsa to be found and when that inevitably
occurs the worst damage is usually a graze to the film/tape covering, Just pick
it up check everything is working and chuck it off again.
So, if you want to twiddle your thumbs( not sitting on the couch playing
with Lara) before the summer, here's a cheap load of fun you could be flying
soon after you bought one.
Tech. Spec
Wingspan 48"
Weight 23 ounces
Loading is 7.77 oz per foot
Get it from:
Epp Models, 72 The Grove, Biggin Hill, Kent.
E-Mail them at : sales@epp models.com.
Visit www.eppmodels.com
Price about 50 quid.
B.D. Jones.