So when thinking about what I might fly at the US NATS in classic stunt, several idea's were floating around in my head.
USA 1 , Ares, Super Ares, or anything designed by Billy pre 1970. There were many others, as some of you may have read - I had actually finalized my choice as the ARES, completed it and have posted photo's of it on here in USA Paint. Somewhere along the road I decided that an unknown design - well to me anyway was not really where I wanted to be from a contest perspective.
I had fairly good success with my 1951 - .61 Nobler - but she is well and truely done - with close to 3000 flights in a model not designed for the punishment I gave her - and with a nice winning record over a 5 yr stretch it was time for her to retired.
I had every intention of building another one of those George Aldrich Noblers and competing with that - after all it ticked all the boxes. So off I went building. Wing, Stab, Fuse Tailplane all built, ready to be put together when I had an Epiphany. Why not build a Classic legal Gieseke Nobler? The fact that Doug moon had won the 2010 Nats Classic title was not lost on me either. Looking at the other results, it has been well represented for along time and the design itself offers many features that make it a better competition model over its '51 counterpart. Its tried and tested.
The only problem was - I did'nt have plans for it - and the only plans I could locate prior were a set of Top Flight plans, which after much research found out was not a reliable source for building an accurate representation to the design. - After some very quick emails back and forth I got a set of plans out from Steve moon of UHP quick and I mean FAST - ( 4 days from USA to AUST ) I looked over the plans and they have been inked perfectly - I recommend a set to anyone looking to build one.
I put the 51 version aside practically ready to assemble ( Dont worry Its since been "modified" for another mission more info later in another thread )
The model went together very fast - at the time I had almost finished my other model so I set that aside and worked flat out getting it to assembly stage It was a fairly intense build, a real passion to get it together.
Plans arrived : 25 Oct.
I emailed an update on 6th Nov saying :
Update : 6 Nov:
Just wanted to give you an update on my Gieskie Nobler.
Wing completed, Fuse completed , all except top and bottom shell. Tail plane assembly completed. This weekend I'll build the flaps and finish mouting up the controls. I estimate I will have it completely assembled - Wing into the fuse on the tailplane within 3 - 4 days.Its now 25 Feb and Ive just put the primer on and sanded it down. 4 months from Plans to Primer. Now I know what some are thinking 3 months is quick 4 isnt that fast..... ( and I agree ) - Dont forget I've been sharing my time between models Im trying to get the 2011 US Nats model finished also the 2010 model only went into clear in 6 Jan so I was really pushing everything around. ( Did I mention Ares also?? ) ! So Ive got a crowded workshop !!!!!!
Very excited to build the Gieseke nobler & see how it handles my regular Classic Setup - Stalker .61. - I only hope that Mr Gieseke himself will be at the US Nats - The king of " Gorilla balls " engine setups might just raise an eyebrow or tweak a grin when he see's whats under the hood.
I'd have no greater honor than letting him fly it just to see what his reaction is to a 1969 Gieseke nobler with a .61 ..... Long stroke Edition.
Projected weight : 49oz
More photo's to come once paint is applied. It may not be for another month due to having to paint 2 models in a row..