The Magic 2 Allround and Magic 2 Superlight have built up a cult following in Turkey and Eastern Europe. You only have to watch some of the hand launch videos (via Facebook unfortunately) to see this is no ordinary model, it has an exceedingly low sink rate and an excellent glide angle. The Magic 2 shows that well engineered built up models can equal and even exceed the best composites, at least in low lift/low wind conditions. It really lives up to its name.
The Magic 2 Allround is designed to fly well in all conditions, from light airs to 15 mph winds. Designed by Salahi Tezel it was developed from the Magic Pro over 8 months and has an elliptical wing to minimise induced drag. By modifying the Drela AG24/25/26 airfoils and improving the wing structure the effect of the bumpiness of film covered wings was mitigated, reducing local flow separations. This improved the performance and flying characteristics, enabling easy and tight circles even in small and weak thermals. The Magic 2 Allround has a flying weight of about 410 g (14.5 oz) and has ballast provision to allow flight in higher winds.
The Magic Superlight version is designed for up to 10 mph winds has a flying weight as low as 345 g (12.2 oz), an amazing weight for a model with a wing area of 33.8 dm2 (524 sq in). The structure of the Super Light version is the same as the Allround, with the weight reduction apparently coming from lighter wood selection and covering.
Both models use carbon fibre tubular spars and tailbooms to simplify construction and minimise weight. The three piece wings have two riblets between each full rib to almost eliminate covering sag. The wing has two spoilers to reduce the trim change when applying brakes, and the large spoiler area allows almost vertical descents, stopping the possibility of fly-aways and allowing easily controlled spot landings.
The substantial fuselage is constructed from 3 mm balsa and plywood. The tailboom is a 9 mm carbon tube, ready slotted for fitting the fin and tailplane mounts. All servos are placed in the pod with the control surfaces actuated using pull-springs.
The tailplane uses a carbon spar for lightness and rigidity and is mounted on a lightweight fitting attached to the boom. Both the tailplane and fin are detachable for easy transport.
The kit consists of balsa and ply parts, a well drawn plan, and all accessories apart from RC, glue and covering material. We recommend Oracover Light covering is used. Build photos and help are available via a Facebook Magic 2 group.
First impressions upon opening the box is a well presented kit with some nice touches. There is a roll of thin plastic to use a plan protector and there is a piece of sand paper stuck to a piece of balsa for a sanding block. The plan is well drawn and clear but missing vital dihedral information. What is lacking is any written instruction. You are directed to the Magic 2 Facebook page where you will find a series of photographs detailing various parts of the build. These are by no means complete and some careful study of the plans, photos and parts are needed before assembly can begin. If you are an old hand balsa basher then this should not present any difficulties but I wouldn't recommend this model as a first build. As of this moment I have built the tail, elevator and wing tip panels with the centre panel and fuselage to go and it has all gone together well. Any problems and Salahi is happy to answer any questions by email.
