Author Topic: Lews Shark 45 is finally finished for the nats (Read 3563 times)

kenny stevens · « **on:** June 02, 2012, 06:07:07 PM »

HI ALL Here are some pics of Lew McFarland's Shark 45 I finished for the nats this year. It gave me fitts! the entire way with pulling fillets. I am not sure what kind of paint Lew used 45 years ago and he made balsa fillets and covered them with silk span. It weighs 61.8 oz. and uses a Super Tiger 46 like Lew did. I would like to remind every one to bring Lew McFarland designs to the classic event this year for a photo to give to Lew's family

Randy Powell · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2012, 06:12:20 PM »

Sorry to hear about the fillets, but it looks very good in the pictures. Hope you have the juice with the ST46.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2012, 06:16:11 AM »

WOW! That turned out terrific Kenny!

Bill Little · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2012, 06:21:18 AM »

I think it turned out awesome, Kenny. It is a great gesture that you are doing for the McFarland family! I hope dozens of Lew's planes show up at the NATS.

Bill

Paul Smith · « **Reply #4 on:** June 03, 2012, 07:19:09 AM »

In those days a lot of us used Aero Gloss from the pre-EPA days. A whole different thing from so-called "fuel proof" butyrate of today. For one thing, your could do a multicolor brush paint job without the under colors disolving and mixing with the top coat.

But fillets lifting up was still an issue.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #5 on:** June 03, 2012, 07:42:21 AM »

That looks realy nice. Hope it flies as well as it looks at the NATS.

Gene O'Keefe · « **Reply #6 on:** June 03, 2012, 08:37:18 AM »

Very nice model....elegant flowing paint scheme.

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #7 on:** June 03, 2012, 10:41:06 AM »

Beautiful!

John Sunderland · « **Reply #8 on:** June 03, 2012, 11:22:18 PM »

Really nice Kenny! I bet it performs beautifully too. This is the one Lew flew at Sellersburg/ New Albany back in the late 90s yes? If so a 46 hauls it around just fine!

Airacobra · « **Reply #9 on:** June 04, 2012, 10:10:36 AM »

Great Job Kenny, looks fantastic!!!!!

Gordan Delaney · « **Reply #10 on:** June 05, 2012, 12:34:57 PM »

Kenny,

What a great Job. Beautiful.

Gordy

Shultzie · « **Reply #11 on:** June 05, 2012, 02:59:39 PM »

Yes...
Ya done dude' our late brother Lew proud! Truly an outstanding effort and beautiful work of CLPA art.

kenny stevens · « **Reply #12 on:** June 05, 2012, 05:24:19 PM »

Thanks guys Hope to have it in the air soon

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #13 on:** June 19, 2012, 11:56:42 AM »

Hi Kenny,The Shark has always been a favorite of mine and you hit the nail on the head with this one!!!I'll be at the Nats to check it out and I will bring my new Ruffy to the event for the picture.See ya soon,Jeff

proparc · « **Reply #14 on:** June 19, 2012, 12:05:47 PM »

Kenny, you are really pushing the limits of the ST46 with this one!!

Bob Reeves · « **Reply #15 on:** July 18, 2012, 09:58:06 AM »

Quote from: proparc on June 19, 2012, 12:05:47 PM

Kenny, you are really pushing the limits of the ST46 with this one!!

Yep, my 56 ounce 46 size Skylark started life with a ST46 and it only took me 3 flights to figure out it wasn't enough HP. Good news is a ST 51 can be made to fit without major surgery.

proparc · « **Reply #16 on:** July 18, 2012, 04:30:06 PM »

The two best Shark setups I've seen were, from the late Jim Armour and his 54 oz ST 60 powered Shark. I launched that plane for Jim several times, and I can tell you the plane accelerated like a rocket. It was actually uncomfortable to hold it on launch-it had so much power.

The next was; Dave Sabon and his PA 65 side exhaust powered Shark. That plane was off the hook!! Dave took a semi truckload full of trophies in Socal with that ship. With the right power, there is absolutely no reason you can’t compete in Expert with a well- built Shark.

The Shark that I got a chance to fly, had a ST 56 in it and that was PLENTY of power. My shoulder was sore after the flight.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #17 on:** July 19, 2012, 11:40:47 AM »

Wednesday Nats News has picture of four Sharks at the NATS. Lead off pic is of Charles Reeves with his and one flying in the back ground.

James Mills · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2012, 06:10:21 PM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on July 19, 2012, 11:40:47 AM

Wednesday Nats News has picture of four Sharks at the NATS. Lead off pic is of Charles Reeves with his and one flying in the back ground.

Hey Doc,
That's mine in the background. Look on the next page and you will see my bride lauching me

James

john e. holliday · « **Reply #19 on:** July 22, 2012, 02:29:36 PM »

Yes, I saw that pic. Need to get down and see you guys/gals again. Maybe a fun fly type thing again. Now I have shorter lines for the Cardinette it will fly better. Been flying the DoodleBug hoping to go to Tulsa for profile and carrier.