Just thought I'd throw this out. A Shark 35 from an RSM kit. Just did a "dress rehearsal" assembly, now it will have to wait its turn for the paint stand. As it sits,38.7 ounces, (3 coats clear over silkspan, fiberglass on nose) power Enya 40XZS from Randy. One of the nicest RSM kits I have built, Pat Johnston did a great job on the plans.  

 Looks great Pete! Keep us posted on the paintjob.

 ...or maybe a German camo scheme like Charlie Reeves version? It looks great and almost looks like it belongs on the plane.

 I bet Mark can offer some suggestions for a cool looking German Luftwaffe scheme...

Wayne, now that is just not fair dammit,, sigh,,

Thanks all, it was one of few builds that went together pretty much without any major issues. Gonna stay with my tried and true paint scheme though although the camo idea is tempting. Looks like it may come out a little nose heavy though so will be installing a tail weight box before I go much further with the finish. 

Wayne, now that is just not fair dammit,, sigh,,

It's like he has to remind you of something 109 times a month.

I can't remember what it is -- maybe it'll come to ME.

I do like the shark outline that Pat did on his (and Charlie's Me-One O Shark as well) but I have been painting all my nonmilitary stunt builds with the same design for the past 6 or so years, only the colors change occasionally. This one will be no exception. Makes it easier to find them at appearance judging, a few planes down from Clint's.  

Pete: LOOKING GOOD! 

Question about the LG - what size prop will you have clearance for?

WHERE/WHEN did Lew's Shark 35 fit - does it pre-date the 45 or was it built later?  I saw Lew fly his original K&B 45 powered Sharks, than a later/larger version. Then there were the Akromasters.  Never figured out where the Vega 35 and now the Shark 35 fit in the timeline.  only fairly recently learned that the Shark was originally the "Humbler".

Of course Charlie Reeves' "Messer-shark" has always been a big favorite of mine.  Here's Lew & Charlie waiting in line for appearance judging at the 69 NATs.
 

Thanks Dennis, Doc. RSM kit extends the LG just a bit to allow for an 11" prop which will be fine for the engine(s) I have decided upon. The Enya XCS chosen is a small case and is interchangeable with the Aero-Tiger 36 and that class of engine.
Don't know that much about history of this design, Pat or Eric might. Just heard from reliable sources that it is a good flier and Classic legal. Great pic, real stunt history. Hi! to Big. As far as the finish, I don't consider my wood working skills anything special (for a model builder) but I do go through a lot of sandpaper. 

It's like he has to remind you of something 109 times a month.

I can't remember what it is -- maybe it'll come to ME.

 Good one Tim!

Since you asked, here's a few tips: Stab - TE of horiz stab and LE of elevators are two piece laminations. Cut hinge pockets in them beforre gluing them together. It will be much easier than digging them out afterward. Lots of sanding will be called for here to get a nice airfoil. Nose gear install is very strong but a little hard to figure out on the plans - just visualize, it all goes togtether quite well as designed.

Wing: I used a CLC jig. It could be assembled like the Mackey Lark wing that is shown on the RSM web site under "Building Guides". I'm sure that the rod method would work also. Don't plan on using an engine that requires more than an 11" prop as the gear is too short for anything larger. That's about it, good kit, not really a tough build but like all projects, it has its challanges. 

Don't know that much about history of this design, Pat or Eric might. Just heard from reliable sources that it is a good flier and Classic legal.  

Bob Whitely tore up a whole bunch of people up with this plane!! If you can really get it together on trim-the ship is devastating.

That's good to know about Bob, I head heard it is good flier. I measure 7/16" ground clearance with an 11" prop. Not enough it were a tail dragger but as a nose dragger - well, may kick up some dirt but no divots. The RSM kit wing was re-engineered so a yard stick is not necessary. (except to measure).  It is a standard "C" tube, probably an improvement over the original (which I have never seen so can't say for sure).   

Thanks Pete,
I guess my kit has solid flaps. Did you custom build yours?
If it's not too much trouble, can you post the weights after painting?

Thank you

Mike

Pete: LOOKING GOOD! 

Question about the LG - what size prop will you have clearance for?

WHERE/WHEN did Lew's Shark 35 fit - does it pre-date the 45 or was it built later?  I saw Lew fly his original K&B 45 powered Sharks, than a later/larger version. Then there were the Akromasters.  Never figured out where the Vega 35 and now the Shark 35 fit in the timeline.  only fairly recently learned that the Shark was originally the "Humbler".

Of course Charlie Reeves' "Messer-shark" has always been a big favorite of mine.  Here's Lew & Charlie waiting in line for appearance judging at the 69 NATs.
 

Hi Dennis.  Both 35 and 45 version actually started life under the name "Humbler".  The photos of Lew's Humblers appeared in the UK Aeromodeller in the early 60s but shortly after that report they seemed to have been re named Shark.   Anyone know the full story??

DH