This coming winter I have decided to build a take apart airplane, for this reason:

I want to be able to fly while I'm at college!!!

As of right now, I'm not sure what plane to build, but I'm brainstorming!  Also, once I get a job somewhere after the NATS, I'm planning on buying a new engine, which will probably be a .61 or .65 RO-Jett or PA, depending on what I can get my hands on.

Here's a couple ideas going through my head:

Another Trivial Pursuit
Thundergazer
A Randy Smith airplane
Impact
My own design, or just change the clothes on the manekin (as Bob Hunt says)

Right now, I think I would want a slightly smaller airplane than my Trivial Pursuit because it would be easier to transport, but then again, I'm going to make it a take apart.  This will be my first scratch build also.

I just thought I would tell you all of my potential plans for this winter, and for college.

PS.  Right now, my first choice is Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach.  Also it looks like we'll be missing another year of Brodak's next year because my cousin is graduating middle school, so we'll go to Muncie again.  But, so long as I don't wind up getting a job my first and 2nd year of college, we should be able to make it to a couple contests.

6 months at Daytona, and model airplanes will be a fond memory. You'll see.

I also have the measurements that you would need to give Dallas Hanna for a Randy plane.

Try to find a PA................

The good thing about take aparts is that you can make new parts. A take apart could potentially last forever.

So I narrowed my choices down to a 60 size Randy plane.  Based on my experience, my Trivial Pursuit doesn't pull that much and it's a pretty big airplane!  Grandpa doesn't want any more 60 size ships because they pull his arm off.  I've flown his P-40 and that plane pulls quite a bit, which makes me think there's something wrong with the trim on that plane, because my big plane pulls considerably less!

I'm thinking an SV-22, or an Evolution or Tempest II right now with a PA 61 or 65

Matt,
Take a close look at Bob Hunt's "Crossfire" at the Nats.  You will be impressed. He has a IC version, but don't be surprised to see 2 electrics in the top 5. (Walker and Hunt) The lack of noise might help wherever you go to college.

Hi Tom,

I really like the Crossfire!!!  I even drew up a 1/4 scale sketch of a take off of it, but it has a lot of the Crossfire influence!  The issue I would have with electrics is that there's nobody up here that uses electric (there's only two of us).

Right now, my options are still kind of up in the air since it's still June, but it's nice to think ahead!

Matt,
Like I said, there is an IC version of the Crossfire. It is just a great looking airplane that looks different than others. I am not knocking any of Randy's airplanes either. They are very good airplanes with a very long evolution.

Derek,
Don't under estimate Bobby. And I agree that Paul could win with just about anything. I always tell people that the most sophisticated, most expensive equipment, still does not guarantee a win. it is the dedication, practice, and even natural ability of the guy holding the handle that makes the difference.

I also agree that this Nats is shaping up to be one of the most competitive.  I wish that I could be there. Good luck to you.

Matt,
Like I said, there is an IC version of the Crossfire. It is just a great looking airplane that looks different than others. I am not knocking any of Randy's airplanes either. They are very good airplanes with a very long evolution.

Derek,
Don't under estimate Bobby. And I agree that Paul could win with just about anything. I always tell people that the most sophisticated, most expensive equipment, still does not guarantee a win. it is the dedication, practice, and even natural ability of the guy holding the handle that makes the difference.

I also agree that this Nats is shaping up to be one of the most competitive.  I wish that I could be there. Good luck to you.

Thanks Tom!

Derek

Matt,
That couldn't be better.

While we all would like to see Les fly again, we also understand his reasons for not doing so.

Les is one of the great guys in our sport and an even better friend to so many of us. He is very special.

David is also Top Notch. We are all better for having those guys.