Alpenbrise 4m

My Alpenbrise is now built and flown. The build is straightforward if you have built a composite glider or two before. Some of the supplied servo frames didn't fit my servos so I cut from ply. As is normal for such models, the clevises need to be ground with a Dremel to clear the hub of the servo arm, also the slots in the upper wing skins (where the pushrods exit) need lengthening and widening to clear the pushrod and clevis. Wings come with recesses in the lower wing skins (but no holes cut) for dual servos on each flap, but no pre installed horn on the flap for the second servo. The flaps operate just fine with one servo, I dont see many people going for the dual servo option so omitting the second horn is very sensible. Fuselage is cavernous compared to most high performance gliders, Rx and battery are lost in there. Ample room in there for a battery/motor and ESC if you went the powered rout.
Mine came in ~4.3Kg (standard 'S' layup). It needed ~600g of lead in the nose to balance. It's got real presence in the air, a good turn of speed, very responsive and decent roll rate for such a big model. At well over 4Kg It's no 'floater' but does ok in lower lift conditions due to it's high efficiency. Handling has no vices that I've found so far, no tendency to drop a wing despite those narrow chord tips. Crow break is very effective making landing a breeze. The recommended 104-108 mm CG range is 'safe', I think I will try edging it slightly further back but the recommended position remains a good starting point.
It takes ballast both in the supplied fuselage tube (3/4" dia bar) and in wing pockets (5/8" x 3/4" bar). I'm still waiting for the right conditions to try it with ballast, I expect it to be ballistic.

Model arrived in perfect condition, well packed by Hyperfight. I want for the lighter 'S' layup which i'm sure will be more than up to anything I can throw at it. Quality of constriction is first rate and she looks spectacular and I'm sure will have real presence in the air. I'm just starting the electronics install. I went with Kingmax servos: CLS0612W for the flaps and CLS0512W (8mm thick) for the ailerons, elevator and rudder. Note that if you want to avoid bulged covers you need 8mm servos at the aileron position.
Kit comes with ballast tube, servo frames and hardware though depending on your choice of servo you may have to add your own frames. I'll do another review one the model is built and flown.

Very pleased. Currently working on the Alpenbrise S installation. What an attractive plane and great value. Just a missing Orange servo cover for the Fin, a few paint blemishes and surplus glue in some areas.
To balance at 106mm CG from LE may need approximately 750g of nose weight and expected total weight without any ballast 4500g.
For Kingmax servos and Servorahmen frames:
CLS1510W (12mm thick) with bearing frames for the flaps.
CLS0612W (10mm) with standard frame for the rudder with M2 clevis at both ends.
CLS0612W with standard frame for the elevator with M3 ball links at both ends.
CLS0612W with bearing frames for the ailerons are about 1mm proud of the wing skin and require some servo cover adapting... 
Asked the designer James Hammond for the control settings and instructions... they arrived by return.