I’m not a big P-30 competitor; I only fly in 2 or 3 informal P-30 events a year – if that many. However, I love Rubber-Powered Free Flight and when I see a model with style, I like it, whatever the event category. If it has twin tails, I’m usually hooked. If there is some “swoopiness” beyond mere basic functionality, that’s a definite plus.
So when I’ve seen photos of Omar Grassetti’s “Meteoro” P-30 online, I was attracted to it. I contacted Mr. Grassetti (he’s in Brazil, but “online” is just like around the corner) and he emailed me the plan and gave me permission to kit the “Meteoro”. I drew up the parts over the winter and built the model last week (started it on Tuesday, finished it on Saturday).
With a geodetic wing and tail and sheeted fuselage, this builds to a VERY strong P-30, mine is a little heavy at 50+ grams. Mr. Grassetti indicates he designed it for windy conditions. With nearly 125 square inches of area, it should have no problem soaring into thermals.
I adjusted the wing for best glide, gave it 50 winds in my back yard, and watched it climb, transition and glide clear across my yard into the woods. I am sure this will get up and go with the best of them – or at least, with the best of who I fly with! I hope to give it a real test this weekend, if the weather cooperates.
You might notice that this sport model is not in my standard Black/Red/Yellow livery for sport models. That is because There is a certain cartoon that is entitled “Meteoro” in Spanish – Speed Racer. So I’ve colored this model like the famous Mach 5 and even integrated the “M” into my model’s markings.
I’ve made Mr. Grassetti’s drawing fit better on my printer, added some comments, translations and annotations, created a supplemental instruction sheet, and produced 6 laser-cut parts sheets. You will have the option to add a Gizmo Geezer P-30 Prop Assembly.
You can find the Short Kit HERE.
Here are some build pics – not many as it built fast.
