The building season in spades.

I have one plane that is the best flying plane I have. I just the other day started to build another using the original as templates. I ordered parts from Brodak and got some balsa from the hobby shop and started building. I need the rib set from Brodak and the motor mounts to get the fuselage started. I have the fuselage sides cut out. I managed to build the stab/elev unit and get them sanded to shape. Yesterday I scored a Legacy 40 kit with the string attached that I frame up another kit in payment. I've already built one of the freeby and I'm using the same wing on my second copy plane. I should pick up the kits tomorrow so I can use the rib from that kit to mark out it's placement on the new planes sides and continue the build.

Ringmaster Excel photo's.

Some progress.

After several test flights and trim adjustments I felt confident enough to fly the whole pattern with the Go Devil. That led to even more trim changes. The landings needed fixing so I moved the landing gear aft about an inch. I reduced the effectiveness of the flaps and got more down authority from the elevator. I think the flaps were disturbing the air going over the elevator. That was the biggest problem with the plane. I changed the stock muffler for one that is a half ounce lighter. I have a lot of adjustability in the balance of the plane. I just have to find the right combination. Now with the time change I have more early morning calm air to test in.

Another Old Time Stunt Plane.

This one was given to me and the wing was built and covered. I had to get some plans in order to build the fuselage. The weather has been dry lately so I got the spray gun out and gave it a base coat of white. Then I found some left over paint from the El Camino and it proved to be compatible with dope paint. I used that for the red trim. I got it assembled this morning after spraying the clear. Total weight is 48.6 ounces with a 600 square wing area so things should be good. I had to use a 2 ounce heavy hub and the stock muffler to get the balance right. That is 5 ounces extra. Plus 1.5 ounces of tip weight. Back when it was first designed the engines were a lot heavier and didn't need extra weight.