Reiher Rewire - LET Model DFS Reiher II

[Steve P]

While I wait for a Torcman and a couple other orders for another project, my winter "building" season has been focused on going through every sailplane, checking all the airframes, functions, servos and such and upgrading any pieces/parts. Everything I fly is now also converted over to the PowerBox CORE transmitter.

So FWIW, here's one of the more extensive tweaks. My Reiher had been built back in the day with big dual NiMh packs in the nose as a $#!+ton of lead shot for balance. It's age also meant that servos were 6.0V max. It also has the droppable main wheel (dolly) set-up which consumes some space beneath the seat pan. As originally configured, it is a royal pain to remove the seat pan as the batteries and lead hindered movement..

Needing another project, I decided to remove all the old switches, multiple JR remote receivers, the huge battery packs and the lead in the nose that was limiting the seat pan movement. The wiring was easy, cutting the lead shot out was a toxic chore.

After the cleanup, you can see the nose area where the lead shot was removed. With the batteries and shot gone, I had to relocate 24.5 ounces.



The tow release and wheel release servo trays were a bit loose, so those were repaired.

[Steve P]

The stuff that came out...




Battery comparison -- two PowerBox 2500 LiPos...




Old faithful about to get some new plumbing...

[mlachow]

That's one thing I don't miss, NiMh batteries. The closest I get to those is using Eneloops in some small planes. New planes get 18650 or 21700 battery packs now. I do have a few older models with voltage limits I converted to LiFe's which have held up pretty well over the years.

[Steve P]

I agree, Mike. I still have a mix in my TD and other sailplanes. For the scale stuff and tow planes I've significantly reduced the number of packs I have fixed inside or use for planes by going with only two types - 5000s or 2500s that go into the snap mounts and then can simply move from plane to plane.

[Steve P]

The space to place things is limited so I went with a split system. Best of all, the Y-harnesses and Matchbox are history. Each channel now lives as it should. What went in?

I used a PowerBox Source with two 26D receivers and a PowerExpander SRS. I could easily place the receivers to each side and with HD Velcro place the other items both for easy access and easy removal if a connection or other issue needed to be checked. ...

[Steve P]

The new batteries are significantly smaller and fit nicely in snap mounts to either side of the wheel release. The switch, display and all servo connections live neatly in the rear of the cockpit area. Not the most elegant install, but works perfectly.

With the batteries out of the way, I was able then to add 10.5 ounces of lead back to the nose now at the bottom area of the fuselage where the battery packs once lived allowing the seat pan to slide easily for removal.

[Steve P]

Axel junior is a happy man...

[Steve P]

A group answer to PM questions I've received. Yes, Let Model still sells this Reiher. From time to time they also come up for sale here and on RCG. Overall it is an exceptionally well-build and gentle to fly sailplane. Joiner rod is either steel or carbon and there are no strength issues overall with the plane. It thermals well and can even benefit from a bit of trailing edge camber if one prefers. Landings are a non-issue, spoilers are top/bottom design.

Specs:
Scale 1:3.5
Span 5.4 meters
Lenght 2.2 meters
Airfoil HQ 3.0
Area 165 dm2
CG 166 mm from LE
Elevator +15/-15 degrees
Rudder L / R max
Ailerons +25/-10 degrees

A few pics of the model and a drawing the original from the Martin Simons collection...

[Steve P]

A couple more shots from Black Dirt thanks to Cathy Stewart...

[Steve P]

UPDATE: The electronics upgrade has been fantastic while all the telemetry and such is certainly nice. The Reiher spent a long day of flying at the 2021 New England Aerotow.

Thanks to Jeff Duhaime for these photos...