Description
This T.31 model began as a trip down memory lane for the author who learned to fly in as an Air Cadet at RAF Swanton Morley back in 1965. Inspired by the impressive third party gliders including the beautiful K7, modelling such a simple aircraft looked to be a simple project. However, it has been a steep learning curve journeying through the 3D modelling world of Blender and the MSFS SDK, aided by sparse historical documentation on the web and drawing heavily on the community. Credits are given in the package Notes.
This T31 comes in three liveries with the yellow markings of the early years, the orange of the 1960’s/70’s and the red and white livery of the late 60s through 80’s
The T.31 is a slightly ponderous glider and this one is visually modelled as dual though only flyable from the front seat. It had a minimalist cockpit and is tuned to fly hands off at around 42 knots, delivering a rate of descent around 200 ft/min at 36 knots and stalling at 33 knots. The author hopes to have achieved somewhere near the true flying characteristics however constructive feedback from those still flying the T31 or with enough hours in it to know it well is very welcome.
The T31 was never a pretty aircraft and does not match the beauty of other 3rd party gliders but perhaps a flight or two will bring back some memories. Testing the T31 over MSFS Swanton Morley the author was surprised when first coming along the 280 downwind leg and looking down towards the launch point where his course members would have been assembled the memories came back with a bang along with some unexpected emotions.
This T.31 is offered free at flightsim.to for personal use and not for any form of personal gain.
Download then unzip to your Community Folder.
Slingsby T.31 Tandem Tutor
Relive the nostalgia with the Slingsby T.31 Tandem Tutor - a humble glider modelled after a personal journey. Featuring three historic liveries, minimalist cockpit, and true-to-life flight characteristics. This free add-on offers a simple yet sentimental flying experience for MSFS enthusiasts.
User Reviews
6 reviews
Version History
Ver 1.0.0 7th May 2023 Initial release Ver 1.0.1 24th June 2023 Asobo launchers unable to launch T.31. Fixed. Yellow tow release did not work with Asobo launchers. Fixed. Trim sense reversed. Fixed. Adverse Yaw reduced 12% Wrong registration number under wings of XA293. Fixed. Livery WT895 1974 added. ui_variation updated to indicate Livery in aircraft Livery selection
Comments(31)
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Log Inover 2 years ago
almost 3 years ago
Excellent. Pretty much as I remember it from a very long time ago. Only thing missing is the wind in my face (must buy a desk fan) :)
I hope somebody does the T21 Barge some day.
almost 3 years ago
Also learned to fly these at Swanton Morley 1969 (ish). First solo flight was scary, second OK but the third was magical, wish I had taken it further.
almost 3 years ago
about 2 years ago
about 2 years ago
about 3 years ago
I too flew the T21 at Swanton Morley in the '60s...... my Dad was Station Commander!
about 3 years ago
You little name-dropper you :) Hope you enjoy this one (T31).
about 3 years ago
Now this is amazing. My first ever glider flight was in the Air Cadets on the 25th of March, 1972. It was from RAF Spittalgate, and according to my 3822, you have included the very aircraft I flew on that occasion... XA293. Wonderful. I now have my first glider, and my first powered flight available in the sim. Chipmunk WK591 is a repaint available for the Aeroplane Heaven Chipmunk too. One point, I see the wrong registration number under the wings in your XA293.. But What a neat addition to my simming experience. Thank you.
about 3 years ago
Can't get her to launch with the ingame winches. No Tow past 30mph.
about 3 years ago
Klausman
go int othe flight_model.cfg, go to [REFERENCE SPEEDS] and replace current entries with:
takeoff_speed = 60
climb_speed = 70
cruise_speed = 70
This will be in the update when I release it.
about 3 years ago
The trim sense is in reverse to all the other gliders, hopefully this can be addressed in the next release.
about 3 years ago
Hmm I will deal with that!
about 3 years ago
Hi i can't get the B21 launcher to work. I waggle the rudder followed by ctrl+F1 and the cable disconnects and the wing drops to the ground and stays there. The default winch is too slow to get airborne. Any advice please.
Thanks.
about 3 years ago
the built-in ("B21") winch launch is started with a click on the cable release knob in the cockpit, but you're right you do need to drop the MSFS tow cable first. I've PM'd klem with the mystery settings used for the MSFS winch/aerotow speed - there's absolutely no documentation for those. I'm sure T31 version 1.0.0.0.1 will tidy up these small details.
about 3 years ago
I've taken B21's advice and she launches just fine now. Update coming soon.
about 3 years ago
Thanks for the reply. Clicking the yellow release knob was the answer. Works well now.