Mirko got his Wizard BPV Crosstail set up and took a couple of pix.
Wizard Compact II
An excellent all around slope plane, the Wizard has had success in F3F racing.
Wizard Compact Cross Tail
I ordered a fuse and tail only to use with my existing Wizard BPV wings. I already have the standard V-tail fuse with elevators, not the full flying stab, that I got with the wings and I was curious to see if there is a noticeable difference in how the two tails fly. The finished weights are within about an ounce so it should be down to the tail for any differences in flight.
Photo: ET-Air |
First Flight With My New BPV Wizard Compact 2
I got my new BPV (Bullet Proof Version) Wizard Compact 2 in the air for the first time at the Big M in Platteville on a really decent day. The wind was about 25 mph and there was also a good thermal kick.
The Big M is about 200 feet of 70 degree slope and then another 250 at the bottom of much more gentle slope. It has always produced good lift and the day of the Wizard’s maiden voyage was no exception.
I spent about an hour and a half at the hill finishing the radio install, mounting the servo covers, redoing the aileron linkage and setting the CG. BTW I needed about 7 ounces in this BPV version of the Wizard. Next BPV I do I will leave a little more room in the nose for shot and epoxy. (Actually this will be really soon as I have a cross-tail fuse to use with my existing BPV wings that I will start on ASAP). Anyway, my original plan was to set the CG at a nice, safe 95mm from the leading edge but I just could not get myself to add even more weight to the nose and ended up at 101mm. That is about where I planned to set it anyway. I usually like the comfort of a slightly forward CG on a first flight but this is my 4th Wizard so I am very familiar with them and I figured this would pose no problem.
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Pictures of the Wizard Compact Cross Tail
Pictures of Mike’s Custom Painted Wizard
Mike’s Wizard Compact II was painted by Rick at Primo Customs in Chatsworth, CA.
Wizard Compact II Tips
Wizard Compact 2x tips
I have had 4 Wizards and flown them a lot. I also asked other owners and perused the web for tips. Here is a collection of tidbits so far…
On a plane like the Wizard go for top-notch servos. I’ve used Volz, Multiplex and JRs in my Wizards.
If you want to do a side-by-side servo setup like in my building pictures you need a servo like the JR-341 non-digital or the DS-368 digital or a servo no larger than these. If you go tandem you could use larger servos but you have to watch for the ballast tube intruding on your available space.
The flap and aileron servos can be about as big as the Multiplex Speed Digi although I am not sure what the same size non-digital is called. Micro-Maxx Xs and Micro Maxx Xps can be used and with a little finagling, you can get the Volz mount in so you have removable, serviceable servos. Recent DS versions have been build with JR DS-3421.
Wizard Superlight Pictures
Installation In My New Wizard Compact C-93
This is the second Wizard I have done and it went pretty much like the first. This is a C-93 with a super reinforced LE for our local slopes.
I did this radio install in the McLaren Wiz a few months ago and am just now getting the pix posted. Where does the time go?
Volz Servo Install in the Wizard Compact
Jim Porter sent me this picture of his flap servo install using a Volz Micro Maxx and the ply Volz mount.
The Wizard Compact 2x – a great all around slope plane!
Posted by Espen Torp on Nov 12, 2001
This description is courtsey of Espen Torp.
I first got hold of the Wizard Compact some years ago. I was looking for a sports/F3F/slope plane that could take some abuse. I have had an eye to the Wizard F3B for many years but I never got to get one. Then when the producer came and showed me the Compact I was hooked. Neat size, nice design and very high quality was one of the reasons I purchased it.
First of all and most important, this plane is just outright good to fly! It handles really well and can be set up in different modes by adjusting the centre of gravity. Take it far back and it gets very sensitive and very responsive on the elevator, but be careful, tip stall may occur in this mode. Adjust the CG to a more normal setting and the Wizard behaves very smoothly and gentle. Still you can have a lot of fun with it and this setting is good for Dynamic Soaring.
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