It's been quite a while, but here's a report on the Mule. Since the first flight it has flown very well, only needing minor carb tweaks. Later I added a bit of tail weight, with the objective of being able to get the nose up for landing, but not be able to sustain a hang all the way around the circle. Top speed with a stock OS 32F, 9x6 prop, and 10% fuel is 75-80 mph. This is fast enough to be exciting, but not intimidating (and not too shabby if you ask me).
The plane has gotten the seal of approval from a couple of the local carrier guys who flew it, but more to the point, several new people have flown it with good results. At our last contest, both David Russum and NATS stunt flyer Richard Oliver flew it in Sportsman. If you remember way back to the top of this post, it was David's comment that led to the construction of this model. After one test flight, David ended up winning Sportsman with his first ever contest flight. Right now he's also at the top of the Sportsman Top 20!
Richard was right behind David, but landed long and touched the grass.
It is also worth pointing out that Sportsman was the most entered class at the contest!
I've started drawing plans, but couldn't resist some improvements. The plans will show both a fixed line guide and a slider. It will be possible to build the model with the fixed guide then add the slider later, or with the slider AND a removable bolt-on fixed guide. Or you could leave off the hook and fly it as a 3 line sport model or scale trainer. When the plans are done, you will read about it here. As always, questions and comments are invited.
Bill