This is the first "Thunder" series glider by Edmonds that was selected to be reviewed. This series features gliders which are much, much larger than the regular version. Looking at the pictures online, I was under the impression these rockets would be harder to build that the regular sized ones. Luckily, this turned out not to be the case at all. The quality laser-cut balsa pieces fit together very nicely and instructions are sufficient and easy-to-understand.

As you can see in the image, the glider comes with a motor pod. At ejection, the pod and glider seperate. The glides obviously glides down and the pod has a parachute to bring it down safely.

Parts List

This super-sized glider comes in a large plastic bag, as one would expect.

- 3 sheets of balsa with laser-cut parts
- BT-50 (24" long) body tube for pop-pod
- balsa nose cone
- launch lug (3/16")
- parachute assembly
- nose weight (modeling clay)
- instructions

All you need to build the Deltie Thunder model rocket kit is some wood glue and possibly a hobby knife. No knife was needed for the review kit, the balsa pieces fell right out of the balsa sheets.

Construction

There really isn't much to say about assembly, which is a good thing. Everything fits together nicely and is very easy to do.

This picture shows the assembled wing. The fuselage is attached next, this includes gluing together three pieces to form a nose cone type shape. That completes the glider assembly. The motor pod is next and is equally easy to build. Instructions say to glue the launch lug and the hook assembly at the very aft end of the pod. I glued them just a little more forward to have an area to wrap masking tape around to hold the motor in place.

The launch lug was replaced with a 1/4" lug. The clubs we fly with have longer 1/4" rods (compared to 3/16" rods), which should give the glider a straighter boost.

This glider is also very easy to trim. The location of the center of gravity (CG) in included in the instructions. Simply add nose weight until it balances at the CG point. It will glide wonderfully at that time, or at least it did for me when test gliding it.

Measurements

The Edmonds Deltie Thunder is really, really big. It's size should make it easier to see as it glides. It has an impressive 30" wingspan. It measures nearly 34" from nose to tail.

Flight Data

While the only recommended motor listed is a D12-3, the kit does include optional stiffeners. According to the instructions, these are to be used if you plan to use the Deltie Thunder on more powerful rocket motors.