This new edition has as a theme "Large Gliders", the  graceful 10 ft (3 m) span giant gliders of the era 1937-1957. These were the precursors of the A2 (now F1A) gliders, whose lines were initially a close copy of these giants. Their larger span and chord meant that many of them were superlative flyers even at higher wing loadings. The selection included here show also that the designers were extremely conscious of the harmonious lines and beauty of their creations. Designs such as Fillon's "Champion",  Zaic's "Thermic 100", Macera's "Turbine", Smit's "Thermik Kruiser"  will be classics for time to come. Another interesting aspect of these gliders was the extensive use of materials such as spruce and aircraft ply, even when balsa was available. As can be seen when studying their plans, these materials are highly suitable for their purpose in these large gliders and provide for an interesting challenge for  present day craftsmen.

    This new edition contains also a continuation of Erik Knudsen's history of the FAI World Championships for F1A, reaching the year 1961 and brings up the first part of Thierry's Bachellier article on a superb Buecker Bu 133 peanut scale model. Brian Eggleston has contributed further advances on his low drag airfoils for F1A gliders and Jean Wantzenriether  presents the first part of a four part series on stab design for outdoor models without VIT. There is a deep exploration of  the features and operation of the stab at all phases of flight.  Setting up properly a viscous timer is not an easy matter and Ed Lamb has  provided  very useful information in what concerns Ikara timers.

    The complete contents and cover of the magazine can be seen in our website : www.freeflightquarterly.com, and also the details of the Digital Edition.

Sergio Montes