Author Topic: I've just been gutted! (Read 4235 times)

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **on:** January 30, 2009, 04:17:36 PM »

I can't believe it. I have been waiting for the new Brodak Spitfire for as long as I can remember! I think it was first mentioned at least 2 years ago and I have been waiting patiently ever since. Well, in November I couldn't take the suspense any longer and called. I was told that it was going to be ready for sale at the end of January! Yeah! I couldn't waite! I cancelled my Walter Umland Spitfire kit because of the cost. Walter's kits cost more and they are worth it! I just couldn't afford it since I live on a fixed income and the Brodak kit was going to be half the price.

So anyway, for the last 2 weeks I have been going to the Brodak site every morning and checking availability. The suspense was killing me. So today I phoned to ask about availability and was told that they had decided to make another kit instead. The Spitfire was on hold for now and would not be available for some time! Frankly I am devestated! My good wife had told me to buy the Umland kit for an Xmas gift, I could have had that, but instead decided to waite for the Brodak one because of the cost. Now here it is, end of January and no kit in sight.

I'm just bummed....sorry for the rant.

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2009, 04:33:03 PM »

If you absolutely have to have a Spitfire kit ASAP that exact airplane is available from Dee Rice through the "Brotherhood of the Ring" website. A partial kit is available, custom order, contact Dee for prices. Otherwise, it may not be too late to re-place your order with Walter.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2009, 05:38:25 PM »

yep, Dee and Pat Johnston can laser cut a short kit for you of that Spitfire, or you might talk to Pat about his slightly larger Spit. He has two versions of each size, one with Malcom hood and one otherwise

Chancey Chorney · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2009, 08:59:25 PM »

Hey there. How about a Scratch build. I recently aquired a set of great plans for a 1/2a Noel Stephenson designed Spitfire. This is just an option.

Alan Hahn · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2009, 09:11:29 PM »

FWIW,
I think the lesson learned is a plane in the hand is worth two in the bush!

Not a kit, but look at how many ARF's have been announced for spring delivery only to show up in late summer. All manufacturer's (TF, Brodak, Sig....) have suffered from late deliveries.

Also for kits, I imagine that each kit maker is sampling the market to see what is desired. It is only a business decision, and nothing is meant to be personal or to be intentionally misleading.

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2009, 09:25:38 PM »

First....I need to apologise to whomever took the time to read my drivel. I am sorry, but I suffer from PTSD's and this kind of put me in a fink. Real sorry, but I am happy for the friends that pointed out the alternatives. Thank you.

Second...I need to apologise to John Brodak. I did not mean to besmerch (sp) his name. In my opinion, this individual has done more for our hobby than just about anyone, in the modern age. I understand that it is a business decision and that he must make those choices. I do understand that. It was just the deep disappointment, couples with my inherent depresion due to the PTSD's, that made me write that drivel (snivel?).

Anyhow....thank you all, and again....sorry.

John Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2009, 09:55:10 PM »

I understand your frustration.

Poor Walter had fits because I took soo much time drawing the Sterling Spitfire for him. I think the wait will have been worth it. It took a while to get that gorgeous wing all lofted up so every thing fit right. Several things internally were changed for weight savings, and incidence problems were brought to light and corrected.

Possibly some of these fixed items were why the design was not known for being a super flier when it was first issued. The best thing about it is that it is Classic Legal, and should be a great performer now.

Since the drawings were commisioned by Walter, he owns the drawings, so best to contact him if you're interested.

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2009, 05:25:13 AM »

This is mere speculation on my part but I have seen the plans for the Brodak (Pat Johnston) Spitfire. It is an uncompomising stunt scale - not as complex as some stunt scale designs but definitely a more complex build than more traditiional stunt planes. Frankly, I don't see how Brodak could offer it with decent (not necessarily contest) wood, hardware, canopy, instruction booklet, decals, etc. charge the price listed on the web site and still make a profit. Could this have been a factor in the decision to hold off on producing this design? Hopefully they will still carry through with the kitting of the "United" as was mentioned in another post.

Bradley Walker · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2009, 05:59:59 AM »

Quote from: Alan Hahn on January 30, 2009, 09:11:29 PM

Not a kit, but look at how many ARF's have been announced for spring delivery only to show up in late summer. All manufacturer's (TF, Brodak, Sig....) have suffered from late deliveries.

They come from China.

#1: The Chinese kind of do things in their own time. They are not like us.
#2: They ship everything in a huge shipping container on a very slow boat. It is not UPS. Guessing when things will get here is often tricky.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2009, 07:45:59 AM »

Gravitywell, I too understand your predicument. Being retired makes things different, that is why I have a crossing job to support my fun. We learn over time to have patience no matter what little time we may have on this peice of rock floating thru space. We also need to throw our support to the individuals doing their best to keep control line going.

I know I would leave out a few so I won't start mentioning them. I so wanted to get that ARF PT-19 and a few others. But, the main thing with me is I didn't realize how much I had until I started the move to the new shop.

As stated earlier, contact Walter as he is one fine gentleman. Have talked to him on the phoone numerous times. That is one of the greatest things of this hobby/sport, getting to meet so many people.

Having fun, DOC Holliday

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2009, 10:45:00 AM »

Thank you all for your kind suggestions and advice. I would absolutely love the Walter Umland Spitfire kit, but it is simply going to be out of my reach financially. I am unable to work for any reason due to my PTSD's so I was hopeing that I would be able to save the money needed, but a small emergency came up, and that was the end of that! LOL That of course happened just as Walter was saying that his kit would be ready soon and my greedy hands were fondling the kit in my dreams!

It was about a week after that that John said his Spitfire would be ready at the end of January....yeah, my hopes of having a Spitfire were rekindled! My wife said that I could order it as a Xmas present even....no waiting and saving. I was drooling in my sleep again! Then of course the horrible crash when I found out that they had decided to bring the Barnstormer out first and put the Spitfire on the back-burner. No mention was made of shipping or manufacturing slow-downs. Just that they had decided to bring the other kit out first.

Now don't get me wrong....I LOVE BRODAK'S and I buy from them whenever I can. What he is doing is simply wonderful. I don't understand how he makes any money, selling the kits he does, for the money he chages. Other than balsa wood, he is a one stop shop. And its all Control Line!!

I have looked at the suggestions that you all have given me and it boils down to....I have to waite and be a big boy about this!

Thank you all, your a wonderful group of guys. Be well and keep those lines tight.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2009, 04:12:31 PM »

Also, I've been waiting for the United to come out, and said it would be available at the end of January. February 1 and still not there. When is it coming out?

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2009, 05:35:23 PM »

I have been waiting for the Spitfire and Bearcat as well - it was about time someone made a good semil scale stunt kit available.

the United I could do without - but a Spitfire is a must build!

Tony D · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:17:50 PM »

Just got off the phone with John Brodak. As of (RIGHT) now the Spitfire is being laser cut and the instruction books are being printed...Kits should be ready real SOON

. As for Walters Spitfire i would buy his rather then the short kits.. Walter contracted and compensated for work done on the plans and files. He owns the new plans out right. I for one think that it is very unfair and wrong for some one to change the letter box on the plans. Put his name on them and sell them and or a short kit as his when he was compensated.

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:28:19 PM »

Hi Tony: I think there may have been a slight communication breakdown. I really don't see any issues between Walter and the short kit manufacturer. They are not kitting the same airplane. Walter's Spitfire is based on the Classic Sterling Spitfire, the short kit is of a modern scale stunter designed by Pat Johnston. The potential conflict, as I see it would be between the short kit manufacturer vs Brodak as both are of the exact same airplane. I can only assume that an agreement has been reached between both parties regarding who has the rights to the design.

Perhaps John does not consider feel that the short kit will detract significantly from the sales of his complete kit? I wouldn't argue with that. At any rate, thanks for the update, I am looking forward to seeing the Spitfire kit and the United and I know you have made Gravitywell's day. I still don't see how John can sell these kits for the prices listed in the catalog I am glad that he does.

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:44:14 PM »

"Just got off the phone with John Brodak. As of (RIGHT) now the Spitfire is being laser cut and the instruction books are being printed...Kits should be ready real SOON"

This DOES make my day. I only wish that the individual I dealt with at Brodak's, had not given me totally wrong information. I could have done without the 3 day funk! LOL

Louis Rankin · « **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2009, 09:31:36 AM »

Quote from: Gravitywell on January 30, 2009, 04:17:36 PM

I cancelled my Walter Umland Spitfire kit because of the cost. Walter's kits cost more and they are worth it!

Gravity,

Seems to be rather obvious you have never been able to inspect one of Walter's fine kits. If you had you would not have made your incorrect statement.

Walter's kits are the finest available and well worth the price!!!! The wood in his kits come from "Bud Nosen", the best and lightest balsa you will find anywhere. His kits are works of art and he takes great care to make sure you recieve a product that is very high in quality.

When you get a chance to actually see one of his kits, you will know what I am talking about.

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:11:32 AM »

Let me be perfectly clear.....I never said at any time that Walter's kits weren't worth the money! I simply stated I could not afford it. That is a very different thing. I am on a fixed income and have very little money to spend on my hobby. Walters kits are beautiful and if I had the money, I would never have considered not getting one.

catdaddy · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2009, 12:41:40 PM »

Quote from: Louis Rankin on February 02, 2009, 09:31:36 AM

Gravity,

Seems to be rather obvious you have never been able to inspect one of Walter's fine kits. If you had you would not have made your incorrect statement.

Louis,
It seems even more obvious that you didn't read Gravity's post correctly.

All he said was Walter's Kits are expensive BUT worth it.

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:18:56 PM »

John called me today and I mentioned the Spitfire. What Tony said is correct - it WILL be available soon.

When there is any doubt, call John, speak to him personally. It's obvious that there was a simple misunderstanding.

Bob Z.

Terry Bolin · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2009, 11:57:56 AM »

Thanks to everyone for the new info. I was sure taken back at the start of this post when There wasn't gona be any kits but "Soon" Is good news. Thanks for the news Bob and Thanks Doc for the new direction to this post.
Terry

mike hartung · « **Reply #21 on:** February 04, 2009, 02:37:08 PM »

Hi guys; this might be a dumb question but can anyone tell, is the new Brodak Spitfire the one with the bubble canopy or is it like the Mark V?

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2009, 03:02:54 PM »

standard Spitfire canopy - clipped wings - it is the Mark XVI
looks VERY VERY COOL

I have the plans already

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #23 on:** February 05, 2009, 08:28:42 AM »

For anyone interested, here are photos of the prototype.

Bob Z.

Rod Claus · « **Reply #24 on:** February 05, 2009, 10:17:39 AM »

Bob,
This is a very nice version and will probably fly as well as it looks.Has Pat used dihedral in the wing?
Thanks

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #25 on:** February 05, 2009, 10:47:58 AM »

Of course you realise I am now back to.....I CAN"T FREAKING WAITE!!!!

mike hartung · « **Reply #26 on:** February 05, 2009, 02:42:43 PM »

WOW the pictures of the prototype sure look good! I have a full build plate right now but this one is definatle in my future.

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #27 on:** February 05, 2009, 03:28:00 PM »

Gee Glenn, I'm sorry but all the Spitfires have been shipped and John lost your order.
Don't worry, there will be another run in 2015.

Bob Z.

Rod - yes, as far as I know, it is a dihedral wing.

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #28 on:** February 05, 2009, 06:32:42 PM »

Quote from: Robert Zambelli on February 05, 2009, 03:28:00 PM

Rod - yes, as far as I know, it is a dihedral wing.

If it is in the warbird series that includes the Bearcat, then yes it does. I have the plans for the full and profile Bearcats (same wing for either version), and has 1" per wing half.

Author Topic: I've just been gutted! (Read 4235 times)

Alan Hahn

Tony D