With a contest coming up I need a super 70s plane that has proven numbers and can be put together quickly.

I got inspired by the Japanese expert flyer who had a simple Stock Twister with a Brodak 40.
(The Twister was designed and kitted in 1975).

With the kit no longer in production I have laser cut a few sets of ribs for the Fancher Twister which has half ribs. I am figuring adding the half ribs won't get me fidelity issues. As I am somewhere in the top 97% of Intermediates so a ding from fidelity points probably won't make much difference anyhow.

Components completed but require finesse, are the fuselage, flaps and tail components.
Working on the wing right now.

The Tip has a built in weight box

The bellcrank mount hand assembled before the wing build out.

Aligning the ribs. Working on the wing build. Glass building board, glueing the tabs down to ensure accuracy.

Quote from: BYU on October 02, 2026, 06:33:51 PM...I got inspired by the Japanese expert flyer who had a simple Stock Twister with a Brodak 40...

Yep....the all white twister with the 'Pilot's view' videos, right?  Will you be using a B40 on yours too?

I love these build threads....thanks for taking the time to document your work.

Quote from: realSteveSmith on October 03, 2026, 08:47:47 PMYep....the all white twister with the 'Pilot's view' videos, right?  Will you be using a B40 on yours too?
I love these build threads....thanks for taking the time to document your work.

Yes the pilots view videos. I found it inspiring that a top level flier was honing their skills on a simple basic plane like the twister.

Engine choice is going to depend on the final weight.
Possible choices are Enya 35ss aac red head latest version, Enya 30ss AAC, Enya 35/29 plain bearing, Double star 40 (fox 35 clone) , OS 25FX

If it gets heavy then an LA 46 or 35AX all "Brett Buck tuned".

Thanks for the thanks.

Flaps, and Tail components awaiting hinges and horns.
The flaps and tail components are laminated from 2 sheets of 3/32 creating a sandwich with 1/32 spacers making the hinge pockets.

Fuselage requires final shaping and sanding, tail wheel mount, landing gear mount and a decision on a tank and it's mounting. Lots to do!

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