Author Topic: The Avenger is in color , again, NOW WITH TEST FLIGHT INFORMATION (Read 6418 times)

Mark Scarborough · « **on:** February 21, 2010, 10:01:38 PM »

Well,
I finally got all the sanding, sealing, voodoo and hoo doo done on the Avnger, AGAIN,,,
so I braved it this weekend, and sprayed the darn thing.
much to my delight, i didnt have any major issues with peeling paint, or masks this time.
The Frisket I cut on my plotter worked great with no bleeds anywhere, and it didnt lift any color with it this time,, ( well of course except for where I WANTED it to lift, like where I didnt want that color down,,you know what I mean sheesh )

The two trim colors this time are better than the first time, and I like this pattern better. For some reason my spray out panel of the lighter color, shich tested as a rich root beer brown, didnt spray that way on the model but it is what it is, and while I would have liked what I wanted better, this will do,, * to damn late to do anything now anyway lol*
the darker color is actually black with copper and red pearl in it, though it doesnt show in the pictures so much.
This week is some minor detailing, the mask did lift just the slightest bit of color around the canopy edge, so a little touch up is needed there.
Still trying to decide on whether or not to do any ink lines, I havent ever done them before, and it would dress it up a little bit, but, just not sure I want to brave it on this one,,

Clear to follow this week,,,,,,
Let me know what you all think
Hope you enjoy,,

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2010, 10:20:39 PM »

WOW is not a strong enough word and other adjectives simply do not do it justice

.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2010, 10:52:42 PM »

Man, that's just horrible, Mark. Why don't you throw it in the car and I'll take it off your hands in Portland?

Sheesh, that is just spectacular. Go ahead and touch up the canopy edges, then just shoot clear. You're done, man. Can't wait to see it in the sun.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2010, 05:42:06 AM »

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC Mark!!!!!!!!!!! I love the gold base color as well as the whole plane!!!

John Miller · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2010, 07:43:23 AM »

Lookin' so good I need shades.

Claudio Chacon · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2010, 10:20:47 AM »

What do I think???
Well...IMPRESIONANTE AMIGO !!
Absolutely AWESOME finish man!
Outstanding!

Shultzie · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2010, 10:42:20 AM »

B! U! T! FULL! MARK! SPEECHLESS IN GIG HAAAAAAAAAAABA!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2010, 12:38:21 PM »

Yea, Mark, it's a shame that this artwork won't be seen at VSC this year. It would be a contender for the Concours award, that's certain.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2010, 01:17:16 PM »

Ditto...all the above. Let's go to VSC next year?

Steve

Shultzie · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2010, 05:49:25 PM »

MARK! THAT OL' AVENGER...that I started building in a small one bedroom apt. in Salem Oregon in 1969...U HAVE TAKEN THAT OLD DESIGN WAAAAAY UP AND BEYOND MY WILDEST EXPECTATIONS...
AGAIN, MY DEEPEST APPRECIATION and THANKS for such a beautiful updated old classic from so long ago.
This NEW AVENGER OF YOUR'S IS TRULY A BEEEUUUUUTEEEFUL CLPA WORK OF ART!

Just for the memories...(here is the first old Avenger 35 from the AAM. so long ago!

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2010, 08:48:04 PM »

Thanks for the positive feedback gents!
Well I made up my mind on the panel lines,
I shot clear on it tonight, no panel lines. I dont want to risk it at this point. The basecoat isnt that easy to clean up any errant miscues on so its better safe than sorry.
overall, I am fairly satisfied. Of course, just like Randy, I see things that bother me, but hey, after the initial fiasco last spring, its painted, and I can fly it, so it cant be all bad.
I really am looking forward to getting it assembled and flown.
I really wish I could make VSC, however I think after having to take a leave from the flying circle last summer, its not probably a good thing to jump into a contest with an un flown airplane lol,,,, of course there is the finance aspect as well.

I will let you know how I did on weight once the clear is cured enough to handle.

Rob Smith · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2010, 09:27:57 PM »

I can't wait to come on over to your house and put a couple of finger prints on her.....ah...er I mean just look. Really a top notch job Mark! Just a few nights ago all I saw was sanded fill and primer.

Rob

Randy Powell · « **Reply #12 on:** February 23, 2010, 10:07:05 AM »

Mark,

Heck, half the guys at VSC fly unflown planes. There are more maiden flights at that contest than I thought possible.

I think Mark is thinking it will be around 57 or 58oz. And that should be just fine. Sure is pretty.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #13 on:** February 23, 2010, 07:53:46 PM »

Mark:
REALLY nice job- fantastic colors that thing is gonna come alive in the sun. NICE recovery from your earlier paint problems too.

You are in the finishing kick now!

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #14 on:** February 23, 2010, 08:05:09 PM »

I hope so, once this one is assembled, then its on to the bf 109 that has been in primer waiting for me to get brave enough , or good enough to fly.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #15 on:** February 24, 2010, 12:14:14 PM »

I have a SSW tweaked Magnum .53 that is to be mounted in it.
Thanks Bill

Randy Powell · « **Reply #16 on:** February 24, 2010, 12:34:51 PM »

Mark,

This is a great choice for engine. I know I love mine. All the power of an ST60 in a lighter package.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2010, 01:38:36 PM »

Well, from what Pat Johnston, and Randy tell me, the Mag .53 is like a strong ST .60.
Pat says he was swinging a 13x5 or 13x5.5 prop on it with no sweat. Of course Pats airplanes are a bit lighter than mine? But still, I dont think I will be lacking for power.
I mean, were talking a 640 square inch airplane, that ( pending final assembly and weight checks) should be in the 56 to 58 oz range.
Yeah, dont think power will be an issue. Shultz flew this plane on an OS 35 S !

as a teaser I am posting a jpeg of the plans, well one sheet , the wing set.the resolution isnt that great, but to reduce it to a mangable size, well thats what you get. Trust me, they are pretty crisp. Drawn in Autocad . All the parts are already setup for Laser cutting too.

Shultzie · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2010, 03:24:06 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on February 24, 2010, 01:38:36 PM

Original plan

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2010, 04:13:54 PM »

Shultzie,
your plan is more prettier than mine,, I love inked hand drawn plans,,, sigh,,
but hey, Im a victim of current technology what can I say

Shultzie · « **Reply #20 on:** February 24, 2010, 04:21:30 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on February 24, 2010, 04:13:54 PM

Shultzie,
your plan is more prettier than mine,, I love inked hand drawn plans,,, sigh,,
but hey, Im a victim of current technology what can I say

HA! Maybe "ARTZIE-FART-ZZZ-EEEEEEE-RRRRRR'" but....I would bet...YOUR NEW UPDATED VERSION is far and away more accurate in actually "fit together plan puzzleee'wise.

I was PUSHED AND JABBED to quickly INDIA INK MY LABORED TIRED PEA-BRAIN AND EYEBALL OFF in time to meet the article publishing date.

Everything in that article from story-to quickee-toons and inked drawing was a TOTALLY MASSIVE HEAD RUSH TO THE POST OFFICE GIG.
INCLUDING THAT DROP-DEAD AIRMAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY from the pits of hell and Shultzie old garage stunt hanger.
However most of the flying time was with that beautiful tweaked Bob Wilder OS 40 engine..that I had to add a sizeable intake restrictor in order to get enough engine run time to complete the stunt pattern. (Which in the end..perhaps I should have stayed with that beautiful Art Adamisin OS 35 that you see in the photos of the first Avenger 35.
The Wilder OS 40 Stunt engine was beautiful..but I flew the

VD~out of it on that dirt n' gritty Space Center parking lot. Sadly due to my lack of good judgement. That engine died an early death.

BURN, LIVE N' LEARN?

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2010, 04:25:38 PM »

Hey Shultzie,
while your hanging around here,
do you know a Kite flyin guy from the eastern part of the state by the name of,,Dave Hagelgance,, or maybe Hagelganz?
he was at our RC club function the other day,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2010, 05:00:00 PM »

That can't be far from the causeway. I think I recognize that house.

Les McDonald · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2010, 06:50:37 PM »

Don,
The "passing" of your friend Bob is not sad at all. That's the way to go out.
All this talk about hot chicks and sliding sideways is nonsense. A sunset is the way to do it!

Les McDonald

Shultzie · « **Reply #24 on:** February 24, 2010, 08:26:54 PM »

AMEN...LES!
Thanks for those thoughtful words. Bob was loved by many He started out his career as a football coach with the late Don James of the UW here in Seattle.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #25 on:** February 25, 2010, 11:05:02 AM »

I don't think the Dogfather is "late" yet.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #26 on:** February 25, 2010, 11:06:53 AM »

He is late as in no longer with the puppies,, uh, I mean Huskies,, I suppose I SHOULD be respectfull of them since the obliterated us in the apple cup, but somehow,, thats just not the way it is eh Randy?

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #27 on:** February 25, 2010, 11:07:55 AM »

OH, and note to self,, NO MORE EXTRAVEGANT PRETTY SPECIAL PAINT< SHHEEESH<,

not cause there are problems, but coats of Candy really add up,, sigh,,
it will still fly well I am sure, but,,,,,,,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #28 on:** February 25, 2010, 11:21:44 AM »

Mark,

I discovered that with the Novi I built. First white, then candy green, then toner coat, then pearl coat, trim colors and clear (with yet more pearl). Looked pretty cool, but that's 4 full coats of color just for the base. It adds up quick, that's certain. That plane could easily have been 4-5 ounces lighter if I had just shot base color, some trim colors, clear and let's go flying.

But it sure looked cool.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #29 on:** February 25, 2010, 12:01:40 PM »

Well, Lets say I didnt see it for three days after I cleared it, I still wasnt all that excited when I cleared it. After three days, I went to bring it home, I am much happier,, well until I put it on the scale. IT should still be ok, but its not as light as it could have been.

still lighter than your new PA airplane,, with an extra 40 squares wing area,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #30 on:** February 27, 2010, 11:52:21 PM »

Well, let's hope you keep it under 57oz. My new PA plane will be sitting in the rack for a month or so (certainly until early April) while I wait for the engine to be repaired. Sigh....

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #31 on:** February 28, 2010, 12:46:24 AM »

Randy, well it will be what it is. I am going to ignore the weight and fly it. Nothing matters until I get it in the air. The more I fondle it the happier I am with the paint scheme. But as I said, I wont be going down this path again, way to costly weight wise. Long story short, Its right in the ballpark with Pats Mustang for weight and the Avenger carries an additional 20 squares so, it is what it is. its shiney, its almost ready to fly, and I am happy for the most part with the end result. Now I want to build another one and seriously eliminate some of the issues that added weight through the process, but, I have bf 109 to finish first, then a profile electric, then,, well then we will see.
I have learned a ton through this build though and appreciate all YOUR and Pats support, not to mention Shultzie.
Looking forward to getting some air under its wings soon.
I have it all hinged, engine mounted up, and getting ready to start preparing props for it. Probably during the race tomorow. I Have a starting point, so I will be carving up some props to bracket where I think I need to be. Then its a matter of making a set of lines, and a new handle for it.
looking for nice weather, either in Boise, of maybe over on your side of the state. I know its not going to get nice enough here for a while yet.
OH YEAH, pictures,, I better take a bunch of pictures too, I can do that here its supposed to be sunny tomorrow, cold but sunny.

RandySmith · « **Reply #32 on:** February 28, 2010, 09:59:45 AM »

Great Looking Ship!!

Randy

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #33 on:** February 28, 2010, 08:38:50 PM »

Thanks Gents!
Hope you dont get bored but I have some pictures of it outside assembled

Interesting in the pictures where I had it setting on the hood of my truck just how much of the red from my truck the color picked up

Randy Powell · « **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2010, 11:07:43 PM »

OOOHHH, it's shiny. All us magpies like shiny things.

Looks very good, Mark. In spite of any excess ounces, that color is absolutely gorgeous. Looks very good.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #35 on:** February 28, 2010, 11:30:26 PM »

Randy,
Magpies,, hmm I thought over there it was BATS that liked shiney things?
Should I admit I stood outside in the sun today wishing It was ready to fly completly,, its not quite, so I just wandered around looking at it,, yeah Ok so I am pretty satisfied,, well from a couple feet away anyhow lol,,

Shultzie · « **Reply #36 on:** March 01, 2010, 09:44:58 AM »

WOW! MARK!!!

Matt Colan · « **Reply #37 on:** March 01, 2010, 10:05:20 AM »

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Smith · « **Reply #38 on:** March 06, 2010, 09:08:17 AM »

Looks fantastic Mark!!!

Rob

Rob Smith · « **Reply #39 on:** March 16, 2010, 10:16:29 AM »

Last night I got to actually lay hands on Mark's sweet Avenger. Trust me, it is more stunning in real life than the photos can do justice.

Rob

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #40 on:** March 16, 2010, 10:18:38 AM »

Thanks Rob,,
now I need to get out the race glaze to get all your fingerprints off it,, lol
enjoyed the visit,, so when are we building the autocross car?

Shultzie · « **Reply #41 on:** March 16, 2010, 12:19:40 PM »

Quote from: Rob Smith on March 16, 2010, 10:16:29 AM

Last night I got to actually lay hands on Mark's sweet Avenger. Trust me, it is more stunning in real life than the photos can do justice.

Rob

Uhhh? Any chance of a free-bee flight test ride? (Just razzin')

Anyhoo...when that time comes for your first test flight.....DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!!!

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #42 on:** March 16, 2010, 12:38:50 PM »

Hey Shultzie,,
about that test flight,, uh,,
yeah well,, Hopefully you will get to come see it. I am anxious to let you look it over .
Linda already told me if I forget pictures, and anything happens, well I just best not come home,, but then shes not all that fond of the color so its all good,, silly girls, dont know cool when they see it right!
I do think the test flights are coming up pretty soon, weather is starting to get better, yesterday was 60 degrees,, and sunny, of course the 15 to 20 mph wind wasnt really very conducive to test flights,,
I have to admit, this is the first plane I have built that actually has me nervous to fly lol,, better get over that though, its only a tool to do the job,,
((or in my case, to pretend to do the job lol)

Shultzie · « **Reply #43 on:** March 16, 2010, 01:58:06 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on March 16, 2010, 12:38:50 PM

Hey Shultzie,,

I have to admit, this is the first plane I have built that actually has me nervous to fly lol,, better get over that though, its only a tool to do the job,,
((or in my case, to pretend to do the job lol)

Mark...
An OUTSTANDINGLY BEAUTIFUL TOOL that I am more than certain....WILL DO THE JOB...N' A WHOLE LOT MORE!

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #44 on:** March 16, 2010, 06:06:58 PM »

Where & when is the first flight? Schultzie and I will drive over. Pullman, or Tri-Cities?

Steve

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #45 on:** March 16, 2010, 06:37:59 PM »

Honestly Steve, I hve considered bringing it over to that side of the mountains to maiden and trim it. Likely to get better weather over there sooner than over here. Finding a paved lot to fly in is a challange without dodging parking dividers over here. I WONT fly it on the grass, at least not to start with. After I lost the P-40Q due to a dandelion in Portland year before last, on its fourth flight,, yeah, not doing that again.
I have thought about Boise, with Pat, or Portland with Scott, or up north somewhere with Pete and crew, just not sure. depends upon how schedules and finances work out.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #46 on:** March 18, 2010, 04:14:54 PM »

Don't worry mark, we cn get it trimmed in Portland.

Shultzie · « **Reply #47 on:** March 18, 2010, 04:41:07 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on March 18, 2010, 04:14:54 PM

Don't worry mark, we cn get it trimmed in Portland.

Whazzzzat' WE THANG' Randy?

U GOT A RAT IN YOUR POCKET?

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #48 on:** March 18, 2010, 05:55:22 PM »

We been trying, trust me,, I think I even gave him a new set of plans if I recall correctly>? if not, I have a set for him,,
we need to outlaw kites, then maybe he might,,

Leo Mehl · « **Reply #49 on:** March 19, 2010, 12:00:29 AM »

Oh Shucks that's just plain pre H^^tty!