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Showing results for tags 'multiplex alpina'.
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Due to the interest in the Alpina Magic which was recently on the forum For Sale pages l thought l'd start a discussion by showing my last one (see pic). I got the original one in the late 80's, it was 4m and flew at around 13-14 oz/sqft loading. I optimistically fitted it with a RS hook and tried to bungee it. That was not too successful unless it was pretty windy. Hand towing needed a fit and fast person, we never thought of dual towing in those days. It came into it's own on the slope. The picture is of (a younger) me in July 1992 in Verbier. The day before was 20 degC sunny and lovely, overnight it snowed (such is the fickle alpine weather) and we had some snow. The wind was apparently good for the southern bowl but 5 secs after chucking it off l realised there was a huge curle-over. Today l guess people DS in these conditions - l made a slopeside landing and had a 40 min retrieve (no damage). The main problem with the Alpina was getting it down (when the wind is blowing up the slope). Without servos in the wings you had to rely on the spoilers. Nowadays most of them are fitted with wing servos for reflex aileron which helps dump the lift. I sold off my original and immediately regretted it, seeing one come up in the For Sale site was good news. I intend to FPV (and possibly electrify) my new one (collecting it tomorrow from Jerry). The mag l am holding is Silent Flight - they used to invite people to send in pictures with a copy of their mag. JW