The kit arrived yesterday and I took it down to the shop.  Today I got around to opening it up - first thing was I didn't find it where I left it, eventually found it floating in the rafters.  (OK I'm exagerating, I didn't have to search cuz I KNEW it had floated to the rafters)  To say that the wood selection is first class really does not say enough.  Snowy white and clear grain with the right density for its intended task.  For example, the thin (3/16") flaps & stab are slightly heavier stock - the CORRECT choice for these pieces, else they be too flimsy to use.  My Jetco Dolphin that I built in 1965-66 had (I think) 3-piece fuse sides, which I used as a pattern to make 1-piece sides.  Of course, Walter thought of that already - and they are gorgeous.

Walter's kits are legendary and the Dolphin is very special again, with nice touches; like the pre-cut shear webs for the main spar AND the TE, the pre cut center planking with the filleted corners, the top block pre-cut to its profile shape, the lasered guidelines in the tips to show where the tiplet ribs go - and doubtless I will find lot of other exclamation points as I get into building it.

This is strange but probably speaks to why I (we?) enjoy building OTS & Classics.  Looking over the plans was deja vu,  kept getting flashbacks to when I was 11 and looking over the plans back in 1965-66 as I built my Jetco kit.  The double sweep in the fuse & fin, the way all the tail parts are keyed together, the signature Lew McFarland swept wingtips - Lew desinged this as a simple no-nonsense stunt trainer, but he could not help but add those little touches that make it a cute as a button despite its simplicity.

My intention has been to use the Brodak Super Clown electric power system in it, that is probably overkill but then again I have a knack for building too heavy - and I plan on making the wing removable so that will add an ounce or two...

Those of you who ordered Dolphin kits from Walter CONGRATS!      Looking forward to building mine and seeing yours too.   

Those of you who didn't buy one, you shoulda!  -  nya nya nya!!!      (sheesz that makes me sound like an 11 year old...)

I don't know about that Clint.........my last kit inventory revealed 50 kits on the shelf, mostly control line sport, stunt and combat kits, but some RC kits as well.  At age 72, with bad knees, I have decided that is enough and have stopped accumulating them........everyone eventually will reach that poiint.           

My kit accumulation is nothing that good, but I am trying to keep it in reason.

My building time is limited, but today I took out the Dolphin and started dabbling away.  Laminated the fuse doublers and wing tips (uh, not to each other) and sorta familiarized myself with all the tabs & slots.  Nothing worthy of any pix yet but hey, a little bit at a time.  It really is a deliciously simple airplane that will build fast.  Gotta 4 -day weekend at Thanksgiving, hope to commit some serious building then.

Hey Clint, get yours started yet?

 

And what electric system is going into that plane?   

Hi Doc
Actually this is going to sound strange but I want to power it authentically, that means a 9" or 10" prop regardless of the kind of engine or motor spinning the prop.  I plan on trying to make it as light as I can, so I can use a variation on the Brodak EPS-25 electric power system:

* Brodak Arrowind 2810 Motor, #BH-1842
* Brodak Arrowind 40A ESC, #BH-1860
* Brodak Arrowind 4Sx2200 pack #BH-1888
* Keith Renecle Version 2 governing timer (see RSM website)

This combination will turn a 9x4.5 pusher prop all day long without a struggle.  That size prop should also be OK if I can keep the weight under 40 oz.  Light wieght for me is ALWAYS a struggle.  If its 36 oz it will be LIGHTS OUT!

If it flies half as well as Ted Fancher's Dolphin of a few years ago, you'll be mighty pleased.

I built one that last exactly one flight. Two tone green. Probably why I don't like green airplanes anymore.

I was 14 and built the Dophin as my first really big plane. Powered with an Enya 35 as I remember. It was pretty tail heavy, but should have been flyable. but I was 14 and paniced when it took off into a wingover. Splatted it and never tried again (building a Dolphin). It was pretty in two colors of green and red pin stripe.

Hi Dennis,
I always liked the Dolphin and regret not finishing mine  which  I started back around 1966. Mine "disappeared " during my college days. Anyway, one of my fellow UMAC'ers , Wayne Colgan flew one ,built by his father, to many junior wins during the  66 & 67 seasons . I recall that the finished product wasn't spectacular, but the ship  nevertheless flew quite well.

Now how COOL is that!  Thanks Ted!      

 (btw I think you meant Mike Stott, not Mike Gretz; those Minnesotans all kinda run together...!)

Thanks for the picture, Ted.
Chris