Multiplex Alpina 4mtr

[Happy Days]

I’ve finally managed to get my hands on a 4mtr Alpina.
It’s old but, apart from a few little issues such as corroded screw threads and like, it’s in good condition. Just have a couple of issues that I can’t solve at the moment.

1/ The covering on the wings, which are obeeche covered foam cores, has ‘ripples’ on it. I’ve tried ironing them flat but what happens is that an even greater area of covering come unstuck. I’ve tried using different heat settings on the iron but to no avail so far. Any suggestions guys???

2/ There were no instructions with this plane, which is a multiplex model, so does anyone have any idea what the control surface movements should be and where is the correct CoG? :?:


Oh! And one more thing,…..MERRY CHRISTMAS

Keith.

[andrew wallace]

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

well done keith looking forwards to seeing it in the new year

happy christmas

[Fred]

Loopking forward to see it too Keith  :clap:

Manual : http://www.tangent-modelltechnik.com/de/img/pdf/building_instructions_alpina_pro.pdf

And CoG at 100mm from LE at the root  

This is for the Pro version, but the only difference with yours, is the Pro have more carbone I believe...

For your covering, they might be air bubbles. Do some holes (lots) with a needle, and try again.

And Merry Christmas to you all too  

[Fred]

Keith have a 4001.
Fred,owner of an original alpina  

[Happy Days]

I’m told, by the previous owner, that what I have is a 4001. I’ve got no documents relating to it at all. However the info shown in the link Fred posted matches exactly what I have, including the part in the manual about the wing joiner not coming into contact with the fuse.
I’ve finished all the little repairs that were needed and now I just have to get rid of these “air bubbles” on the wing covering and she should be good to fly.

Looking at the weather forecasts I’d say Wednesday would be a good day. I’m really looking forward to putting this big girl into the air and seeing how she performs, although I’ll probably be quite gentle with her for the first few flights. Don’t want to break my new toy before I’ve had a chance to get used to her!

Fred, have you managed to get one as well??

Right, it’s time for me to put on a silly paper hat and get back to the party. (sniff sniff,) “Okay, who’s got the spliff?  pass it round. Share & share alike, those are the rules in my house!” :lol:

[Fred]

Good stuff Keith  
No, mine is an original Alpina from 1980 (before the Magic   )

And still with the Original "Multiplex Team" colours  

[Richard Boyd]

Very nice Keith !
For rpples in covering I use a hot air gun on low heat.

I recently purchased a Multiplex Flamingo competition, it looks like a baby brother of the Alpine.

Merry Christmas to you all !

[Happy Days]

Hey Richard, you’ve been keeping a very low profile these last few weeks, nice to hear from you again.

Just looked up the flamingo competition, it does look very similar doesn’t it. We’ll have to compare ………….(Planes I’m talking about you rude person you! :oops: )

As for the ripples on my wings. There are dozen’s of them, thin little ripples in the covering. I haven’t tried a hot air gun, mostly because I don’t have one, but Fred’s idea of piercing then ironing the ripples seems to work. (It must be very boring always being right, but Fred seems to thrive on it! :roll: )

Just as an aside, a little birdy tells me that you’re producing a video special for the forum to feast it’s eyes (and ears) on at New Year. Must say I’m greatly looking forward to it!

Right, I’m off to stick  pins in some more nipples  :shock: (Ouch!) Er,…sorry, that should read ‘Ripples.’

Keith

[Richard Boyd]

Hi Keith, try the good wifes hairdrier on high heat !
The hot air shrinks the covering without sticking it tio the wing.
5minutes should do each wing, Be careful not to wharp it !!!!!!!!
This Christmas has been an extremely busy time for me and I was not at home the last few weeks.
Now I am home and I'M DOSED WITH MAN FLU  :oops:

The video may have to wait !
Have a great Holiday and best regards to Mandy.

[gerryb]

well done keith on getting that alpina. i wish you many years of most enjoyable flying with it. i have one myself and it's a great 'must bring with you' model.

did you download the manual like fred suggested? if you can't, i can send you my one. it's full of good advice about setting up the alpina and the trimming advice can also apply to other models.

hi richard, you have my sympathies re the man flu. just getting over it myself, spent 2 weeks feeling bl--dy awful.

looking forward to the evenings starting to stretch out soon, middle of jan we should see a bit of a difference. roll on the spring!!

[Happy Days]

Hi Gerry, and thanks for your good wishes.
Yes, I downloaded fred’s manual and very useful it’s proved too. Interestingly it recommends a 50% aileron differential which makes this the first model in my “fleet” with aileron diff. I’d never have put that into the controls had it not been for the manual.
I’ve removed 99% of the ripples from the wing covering and I’m hoping it wont be too gusty to launch her tomorrow. Keep your figures crossed for me!
Longer days & new adventures to look forward to,…….good to be alive aint it.

Richard, you poor old darling you. As you’re a good friend I’ll tell you the secret of an old English cure for flue.
You’ll need a bottle of Aspirin and a bottle of Brandy. (Actually it’s an Anglo - French cure.)
What you have to do is rub the aspirins on your chest, :shock:  and drink the bottle of Brandy.  I’m not sure how the aspirins are supposed to benefit you, but the brandy will certainly remove all feelings of being unwell! :lol:
B.T.W Richard, which slope are you taking me to when I come North in the spring?

Healthy Keith, looking forward to a good days flying tomorrow

[Richard Boyd]

I tried the brandy and now have a hangover thats worse than the man flu !
Thanks Keith for the great cure   lol

i really would like you to fly on the North slope of the slieve Gallion, it has mega  lift !
My next fav place is Andrews slopes on Benavenagh.
Between these 2 places we will thrill you lol

[Happy Days]

I tried the brandy and now have a hangover thats worse than the man flu !
Thanks Keith for the great cure   lol
l

 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:



I shall look forward to flying wherever you choose Richard. I have great faith in you! :wink:

K.

[Brian]

Hi Keith,
I'd advise a little caution re tomorrow.
Gales forecast.
Very flyable.
However it might be advisable to hold for some nice steady lift so you can trim, set and trim the crow etc.
That is big and fairly heavy - carries a lot of energy.
The crow may need aileron trim and will need a mix to elevator.
Good luck.

Brian

[Happy Days]

Hi Brian,
I too see there are gales forecast for tomorrow.
 What I might do is take the Alpina with me and if it’s calm enough I’ll try flying her. But if the winds are gale force I’ll just fly my smaller models.
I wouldn’t want to try launching a 4 mtr bird on my own in 100K winds! Kinda like asking for disaster isn’t it :roll:

K.