Asking for your input on upcoming MoBest Kit (PLEASE READ UPDATE 3/10/15)

[Mike Griffin]

This is a question about hardware.  In my past signature kits, I did not include control hardware (bell cranks, lead outs, pushrods or horns).  There were two main reasons for this. Number one, I found most people who buy a model in the class of the MoBest , wanted to use Tom Morris controls or had their own ideas of what they wanted.
The second reason was to keep the cost of the kit down.

I prefer not to include control hardware in the kits for these reasons.  The cost of complete control hardware packages can vary greatly depending on the quality of the material used.  

I have seven pre production orders right now for the kit and the final touches are being put on the plans and instruction manual.  As Geoff Goodworth says, Larry Cunningham's detailed instructions are a work of art.

My suggestion is to furnish your own control hardware because you can buy it direct from several sources.

The kit Will include all laser cut parts, necessary balsa sheets and sticks. Maple motor mounts, landing gear and CAD plans.  All balsa is contest grade.  It will be a complete kit except for control hardware.

I welcome your comments.

Mike

UPDATE 2/10/15 - I just had a conversation with Tom Morris about control systems for the MoBest.  I am going to furnish him with the specs he needs to make the complete control system for the kit.  He asks that you call him to make sure you get what you want because of all the variables that are available such as what size bell crank, adj or non adj push rods, adustable horns.   Etc Etc.   He will make what you want and ship it directly to you.  THere will be NO hardware of this type in the kit.  I have worked with Tom Morris for years and you cannot beat his quality.....

Once your MoBest  kit arrives all you need to do is call Tom and tell him how you want it built and a couple of days later you will have it.


Thanks
Mike

[Allan Perret]

Especially on the control system I like to roll my own.  Also usually cut my own maple mounts, as I have lots of free maple.  And recently I started using titanium for gear wire.  But I don't see the mounts and gear affecting cost too much so I am good with what you listed.

[Dan McEntee]

  I would have to review the Mo Best article to see if Larry had any specific ideas or recommendations as far as controls, but my thinking is to feed the guys making the control components the specs for the controls as per plans so they can sort of stock them, and all we have to do is order the "Mo Best package" from them. Just to make it easier on everyone.
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[Dennis Moritz]

Keep the costs down. Over the years many of us have accumulated the control pieces needed. Belcrank, pushrods, flap and elevator horn, could run 1/3 the cost of your kit. Even more.

[Tim Wescott]

I make my own controls.

Of course, I mostly scratch build for the same reason (because I'm a picky [insert non-family-friendly word here]).

[Bill Little]

Hi Mike,

First, let me thank you for bringing this kit to market!  Second, leave out the controls.

Bill

[Mike Griffin]

Thank you guys.  You are saying exactly what I wanted to do.  Ty you hit it on the head.   Bill, I was flattered that I was asked to kit the model.  I was and still am a great admirer of Larry Cunningham's work.  

Mike

PLEASE SEE UPDATE ON CONTROL HARDWARE IN ORIGINAL POST

[Randy Cuberly]

NO Hardware!

Spend the money and time on wood quality and engineering!  This is not a beginners model. in spite of it being a profile it is fairly advanced construction.  Larry would not have done it any other way...He was an engineer of the highest quality..."Nothing is ever simple".

Randy Cuberly