Getting Started

[bob32]

I joined SciOly for the first time this year and one of the main events that I am interested in is Wright Stuff. I want to make some designs, but I don't know where to start. Do you have any tips on starting out and what to do(Specific requirements, recommended designs, etc.)?

[retired1]

Step 1, you need to get a copy of the rules.
Then check your libraries for rubber band model airplane books. Don Ross is a classic, but dated.
Google for flying rubber band model airplanes.
Hip Pocket has several wright stuff plans, but this years's rules are a good bit different.
Freedom Flight will have their new kits out the first of next month. A high % of the medal winners will use his kits. The build and flying instructions are typically about 30 pages long, so it covers the waterfront. Read the entire thing twice before you start building. You will be glad that you took that time. Build slowly and carefully, practice a lot and you will be competitive. Yes, you really need the winder.

I will suggest that you avoid the Ward's SO kit as it is for the absolute beginning and they say that you will need to build a competitive model afterwards. Also, it is not cheap.

[freed2003]

The soinc page has some resources such as an article on construction tips.

[bernard]

Dave Zeigler's award-winning Wright Stuff "Fun Science" kits are now available on his webpage: http://freedomflightmodels.com/paypal.htm.

[retired1]

Middle school team got their FF kit. I think that it is a bit more challenging to build than past ones, but has many options for adjustment that are better than anything in the past. If reasonably well built and a good bit of practice (with record keeping) many teams can be competitive with this model.
With this year's no length limit and the rather small prop, it will make experimenting a must.