The Tinee is a canard configuration glider. This means the horizontal tail is located in front of the main wing. It is also a boost glider as the rocket motor falls away from the motor tube after the propellant is used up. The Tinee uses the so called 'mini' rocket motors. These generally have the benefit of being less expensive than regular 18mm motors. This glider is the smaller brother of the Cici, also by Edmonds Aerospace.

Parts List

This rocket launched aircraft kit comes in a clear plastic bag with a printed color face card and the items listed below.

- balsa nose cone
- motor tube
- balsa fuselage, canard, wing and fins
- launch lug
- instruction sheet

A sharp hobby knife to remove the balsa pieces from the balsa sheet and wood glue are all the hobby supplies required.

Construction

This model rocket kit is great for beginners. Not sure about building a glider? Try this kit, it doesn't get any easier.

First, use a hobby knife to remove the wing, canard and fins from the balsa sheet. Second, glue the nose cone to the motor tube. Let the glue dry and attach it to the fuselage. Let the glue dry.

Glue the canard and wing to the fuselage. Once the glue is dry, attach the fins to the wing. Wait for the glue to dry and finally attach the launch lug.

This is an excellent model kit for young rocketeers. Be sure to have an adult handle the hobby knife. The face card says this model can be built in an hour. This is no exageration.

Measurements

The Edmonds Tinee measures 12" (30.48 cm) long with a wingspan of slightly over 6" (15.24 cm).

Finishing

There is no need to finish this boost glider. It can be flown bare. The instructions don't mention anything about painting the model. Adding paint may alter its flight behavior. The model being reviewed was left bare mainly for this reason.

Flight Data

The Edmonds Tinee is best flown on a 1/4A3-3T, 1/2A3-2T or A3-4T rocket motors.

When flown on a 1/4A3-3T, the boost glider went up, started to arc and completed a full circle. It ejected to the motor no more than 8-10 feet from the ground and landed. It was recovered without any damage.

Flown on a A3-4T, it performed much better. It gets up there and starts a very slow and enjoyable glide. The first time, it flew into the wind, getting rather close to a pond. The launch rod was adjusted to take this flight path into account. Of course, the second A3-4T launch, it went with the wind and started a beautiful, slow, glide to nearby woods. It landed in a wooded area and as it is bound to be home to snakes, no recovery was attempted. This fun little glider will be missed.