Final building thread pictures of The Airbender. Built by Larry Richards

[Mike Griffin]

NOTE:  Larry Richards is a premier Kit builder for our hobby who recently retired from kit building.  I was very flattered that he wanted to buy and build my design.  Larry told me he was going to make some changes to the build to suit his personal taste.  These changes were primarily the wing tips, stab and elevator tips and the rudder.  This model is very  versatile as far as making personal changes to suit your taste.  Thank you Larry for time you put into this build and the pictures of it.

Mike

[larry richards]

Now that the build is done, I'd like to tell you what I did change on this kit.  As produced, it would be a fine flyer.  Balance and wing build is really great with thanks to RSM for the great wood and laser work.  Now to the changes:  1.  As noted prior, the wing tips and tail tips have been reversed.  (my choice of kit bashing).  2.  I like the elevator push rod to be totally inside the fuselage.  To do this I had to raise the horizontal stabilizer 3/4" in order to clear the elevator horn. This inturn was the reason for the vertical stabilizer being out of original position.  3.  As I still like the Veco styles, I had in stock some of Vick Stanzel's really light weight wood that was sold off after his passing.  I changed the raised bulkheads to flush with the fuselage sides and made a single piece top block full length from nose to tail. This was so light I didn't have to carve out the inside to save on weight! 4.  As I also like a wider cap strip, I went up to 3/8" over the 1/4".  This looks a lot nicer under silkspan as I still like the old dope and fabric hand brushed paint job.  5.  The canopy was replaced using a 9" military canopy (P-51D)cut off at the 4 1/2" point from the front edge.  Number six wasn't really a mod, I just widened the gear stance another one inch for better tracking and looks.  I have to say that between Mike Griffin and Eric Rule, this kit was not only a fun build, but a nice looker.  Total weight with O.S.Max 46 and 4 1/2 ounce tank came out to 54.2 ounces.  Next report will be after the first flight coming up soon. I really enjoyed building this kit and reccommend it to anyone for stunt or fun fly.   Larry / richardskits

[Mike Griffin]

Thank you Larry for the kind words and the excellent build you did and the pictures you furnished.  I would also like to thank Allen Brickhaus for his help with the design and also Watt Moore who did the CAD work on this project.

The CAD work is all done and Eric has the files so he can cut anyone who wants one of these kits.  Also I have posted pictures of the AirBender on my website at WWW.stuntsupply.com if any one wants more information.

Mike