Winter Projects

[Matt Colan]

Winter is fast approaching (cringe), and building season is beginning to set in here in the Northeast.  In Northern Vermont, we don't have any snow, but south of here, there's a good sized snowstorm blowing through the mid-atlantic.

Anyway, who's got new projects going, and what are they?  My grandfather and I are building a Thundergazer for the World Championships next year, powered by a Brett Buck RO-Jett 61

[Tim Wescott]

I thought you were down south going to college?  Or is that next year?

Semi-scale stunt?

[Crist Rigotti]

I'm building a full fuselage electric stunter.  Lookie here:
http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=23441.0

[Tim Wescott]

I misread your post -- I thought you were asking for suggestions, which is why I gave you such a thoughtful one.

I'll be slapping an S1 Ringmaster on the board as soon as I get all the repair/rebuild projects out of the way.  If I get the hankering to go to a contest with just one plane and fly in every stunt event there, an S1 should serve me well -- old time, profile, classic, and precision.  And if it lasts the whole season, I'll have a "real" Ringmaster for the Roundup next year.

After that comes a short stack of Brett Buck-ized Skyrays.

[wwwarbird]

 I'm about midway through building Keith Sandberg's "Challenger .15" design, a great flying small plane. It's all from scratch except for a laser cut ribset and plans I that purchased from Walter Umland. As I'm coming along on it I'm trying to decide what "big" plane to build this winter. I'm really stuggling with that one too, seems I've got about six "next plane" ideas that have all risen to the top of "The List" at once.

 http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=21117.0

[Matt Colan]

I thought you were down south going to college?  Or is that next year?

Semi-scale stunt?

Yeah, next year I'm planning to head south for college.  I found out Embry-Riddle has an RC club (good enough to know people fly model airplanes) and a workshop!!!

[James Mills]

I'm planning to finish a Junar for electric.  Right now I'm a bit distracted with archery season but will get my mind back to building soon.

James

[Tim Wescott]

Yeah, next year I'm planning to head south for college.  I found out Embry-Riddle has an RC club (good enough to know people fly model airplanes) and a workshop!!!

I would hope that Embry-Riddle would have an RC club!  I suspect that they'll be quite supportive, and unless space is an issue you may even be able to fly at their field.

[Matt Colan]

I would hope that Embry-Riddle would have an RC club!  I suspect that they'll be quite supportive, and unless space is an issue you may even be able to fly at their field.

I'm sure them taking a 10 minute break every hour or so on a club day wouldn't hurt. They also don't mind me leaving for two weeks to compete at the Worlds. With them being an aeronautical university and all, they think it's really cool!

[Bill Heher]

They may even let you go on Field Trips to a few places, all the places  listed below can each be done in a day trip from Daytona.
Fantasy of Flight in "Orlampa", ( right off I-4 about 1/2 way to Tampa.
Lakeland Regional Airport EAA " Sun-n-Fun" Fly-in, 
Kenedy Space Center,
Stallion '51 in Kissimmee,
US naval Avaition Muesuem / Blue Angles winter practice in Pensacola,

and don't forget to attend the annual King Orange International!

[john e. holliday]

Well Matt, onloy one plane?  I know you have back ups.   Me I never stop building or repairing.   Just slow down a little in  the summer time.   

[Matt Colan]

Well Matt, onloy one plane?  I know you have back ups.   Me I never stop building or repairing.   Just slow down a little in  the summer time.   

I do have a backup for the Thundergazer in case something happened to it before I left...Hopefully I don't need to use it.

[PJ Rowland]

My new model is Top secret, so much so that I cannot even acknowledge my involvement in its construction.
If any construction has occured - which I cannot acknowledge officially.

Engine and design parameters at best can be described as unknown. I disavow any working knowledge of the 2012/2013 build. - If one exists, which I cannot confirm or deny.

[PJ Rowland]

Ty. No No.. - No risk of that. Its tough to tell anyone anything I know nothing about.

However close sources reveal that my 2012/2013 Project has begun and rumors are its PA 75.

[louie klein]

Hi Matt!, Let's see here---1-70% complete 40 size stunter (my design), 2-finish a Nobler that's 30% complete, 3-finish an ME109 profile that's 20% complete, 4-build 1/2a Snapper kit (sharp plane), 5- Repair the damage from a plane eating tree at the field did to my Ringmaster, 6-Build a neat design I got from the UK called Spectre, have the ribs cut out so far, 7-Have a Vector 40 in the box just wait'in, 8-Break in 2 OS35"s, 1 Enya 40SS, 1 Enya 19 for the Spectre, put some more run time on a new Fox 35 stunt, 9-Go to the GSCB swap meet and spend some $$$$, look'n for an NIB Magnum, I always liked this plane. That's it I think but you know it can change at the drop of a motor mount! Keep up the great work and say hello to gramps for me and if you can scan those pictures I sent for this site I would enjoy them. ---LOUIE 

[John Stiles]

I'll be starting a series of R/C kit builds for my parts supplier.....a 6' wingspan gas powered sail-plane called the "Butterfly". I found the best way to get along with the R/C guys is to trade with them. They have lots of great stuff for C/L adaptability. I enjoy the "trade/barter" concept, anyway.... especially when it comes to my front door!

[Tom Niebuhr]

Two new airplanes for PAMPA events. One is designed by a close friend, the other is a new "Top Secret" design by me. They will both be electric.

[Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach]

1.  I have a Vector 40 about 60% built that I need to finish soon before it turns to dust.
2.  I was given a crashed Vector 40 that I am salvaging and repairing the wing and tail surfaces out of.  I'm trying to think of a fuselage to make for it (profile).  Any suggestions?
3.  I need to take my Ringmaster apart a bit to repair a crack in the spar.
4.  I have a Hutchins F6F about 50% framed that needs finishing.
Other than that, I would like to get a good start on my Brodak Spitfire, then I'm going to rest!

[RC Storick]

I have my wing fixture for my new project. Next Nats will be a New purpose built electric plane. Construction should start this week and I will post photos of building like I did with P47

[David Hoover]

I'll be starting an E-Strega this winter.  With the rate I build (having too much fun with the grandchildren among other things) it's unlikely that it will be finished by the 2012 flying season but we can always dream.  I'm using A Keith Renecle system using his timer and a HobbyWing Pentium ESC, a brand he has used.  Motor is a bit 'outside the box' and will stay top secret until initial flying tests.  I'll be reducing the flap area of the Strega along with any other beneficial mods that I run across.

[Peter Ferguson]

Yeah, next year I'm planning to head south for college.  I found out Embry-Riddle has an RC club (good enough to know people fly model airplanes) and a workshop!!!

Don't forget time for the beach , surfing, girls , racing etc and oh yeah studying. . Daytona has a lot to offer. Some of my best years were spent at ERAU. Theres no shortage of places to fly either CL or RC around there. 

[Matt Colan]

Yeah, next year I'm planning to head south for college.  I found out Embry-Riddle has an RC club (good enough to know people fly model airplanes) and a workshop!!!

Don't forget time for the beach , surfing, girls , racing etc and oh yeah studying. . Daytona has a lot to offer. Some of my best years were spent at ERAU. Theres no shortage of places to fly either CL or RC around there. 

Of course it'll be a tough balance between girls, beach, girls, surfing, girls, airplanes, and studying 

[wwwarbird]

I have my wing fixture for my new project. Next Nats will be a New purpose built electric plane. Construction should start this week and I will post photos of building like I did with P47

 ELECTRIC?!

[RDJeff]

Let's see, I have a Twister about half done right now, a Brodak Thunderbird waiting, a Sky Streak, and a couple of Akromasters.  I also have plans for a couple of combat planes.  I enjoy building!

[Bill Little]

Hi Matt,

Right now I am completing the "Airon" (hopefully to be published, Thanks Jim V. and Allen B!), a Hunt P-51 converted to a "C" model and the "TimeWave".  I will soon start a Genesis "46" for Nos. 30.

Aaron has a SV 31 Rapier well underway along with a Trophy Trainer.  Next for him is a 1980 Genesis.  (looks like a Bob Hunt convention! LOL!!)

After all that, I will build a Juno (been waiting 20 odd years!) and a Sheeks "Swept Wing" jet stunter and his F5F-1.  (All subject to change! LOL!!)

My ultra secret level 50 Security Clearance required, super duper ultra Scale Stunt mystery PAMPA plane is still on the back burner.

Big Bear

[ChrisSarnowski]

Lots of projects:

Rebuild of Midwest P-63
Dmeco Sportwing (80%)
Jr Ringmaster (75%)

To paint:

Time Machine
Hurricane

Venus needs trim paint

Maintenance on Stunt Machine and Tigershark

[John Miller]

Working on several plans projects, doing the CAD work takes some time, so the building projects suffers. Having said that, my wish list includes the following.

Repair and maintenance on damaged or well used models hanging on the wall. This includes my version of Sheek's Torino, My German twin Zweipanzerflug, A kit built Vector 40, the twin Flight Streak, and my version of Sheeks Staggerwing.

I'll probably work on the Sheeks planes first as I want to have something to fly at VSC. It'll be either the Staggerwing, or I'll build another All American Eagle design by Gierke. I really like the one I've been flying, in the Blue Angels trim scheme. A very nice flying design, but since my last outing with it only gave me 8 appearance points, I figured I could have brought the box it came in and done as well with APs.

New builds awaiting their turn on the bench includes several of my own designs. The JB Special, a golden age racer style stunter has been waiting for a couple of years. All the parts have been laser cut. the plans are hanging on the wall over the bench.

Another new arrival is my Vanguard, a 600+ sq inch profile unflapped stunter. I just got the laser cut parts a few days ago. I want to use this one to practise getting my bottoms down on all maneuvers. A related subject, my Vanguard 2E, is a full fused version, slightly smaller at 530 sq inches, has a Geo ribbed elliptical wing, no flaps, and is designed for E-power. is nearing the finishing stages at the CAD station.

I also am ready to start on the latest version of my biplane stunter, renamed Buck and a Half Bipe. The plans are finished, with all the changes I've made during the trimming process with the original. The main focus has been to decrease the wing loading. I've done this by increasing the wing area, and lightening, and simplifying construction.


 

[Mike Griffin]

Well Lets see..
PROJECTS:

Continue building my new website www.modelplanesofamerica.com

Paint Two planes

Custom cut 8 kits for customers

Cut templates for and build Big Jim Greenaway's Pattern Master and a Time Machine.  (For Me)
 
Cut Templates for and build a Box Car Chief  (For me)

Build the Steve Buso Jaguar (for me)

And figure out how I am going to get all this done before I die....

Mike

[Douglas Ames]

Brodak Corsair, A crappy S1 RM partial kit that smells like an ashtray, need to fix my Carrier .15 Corsair and upgrade it for competition.

Here in tulsa we can usually fly 10-11 mos. out of the year. Wind is the big factor.

[steven yampolsky]

Winter is fast approaching (cringe), and building season is beginning to set in here in the Northeast.  In Northern Vermont, we don't have any snow, but south of here, there's a good sized snowstorm blowing through the mid-atlantic.

Anyway, who's got new projects going, and what are they?  My grandfather and I are building a Thundergazer for the World Championships next year, powered by a Brett Buck RO-Jett 61

That is cool! I just might fly up to you for a visit!

[Randy Ryan]

Heck I haven't flown last winters projects.

[Matt Colan]

That is cool! I just might fly up to you for a visit!

Better do it soon while we can still fly Steve!

We just had our first snowfall of the year, and no less than 10 minutes later, the sun came out and the wind kicked up.

[steven yampolsky]

We just had our first snowfall of the year, and no less than 10 minutes later, the sun came out and the wind kicked up.

If it ain't blowin', I ain't flyin'!  Oh yeah!

[Matt Colan]

If it ain't blowin', I ain't flyin'!  Oh yeah!

Yep! I'm pretty sure flying is done for this year, unless we get a day to fly on a Sunday.  I also just got a job, and basketball is starting up again, so I'm not going to have much free time to be able to work on the Thundergazer.  My grandfather and I are splitting the build about 50/50 because I don't have enough time with school and sports to get the plane done in time to get ample practice time.  I did tell him that I am doing all of the finish, because it's my favorite part of building an airplane and I'm pretty good at it.

[Randy Powell]

I suppose everyone has there thing, but this is sick:

>>I did tell him that I am doing all of the finish, because it's my favorite part of building an airplane and I'm pretty good at it.<<

I didn't know anyone liked sanding primer. More a necessary evil sort of thing.

[Tim Wescott]

I didn't know anyone liked sanding primer. More a necessary evil sort of thing.

I like sanding primer.  That's the stage where you turn an ugly duckling into a swan.

[john e. holliday]

Hey Matt, if wasn't so far you could finish all my planes.   Weather wise Saturday(11-5-11) it was cloudy and windy.   Raked leaves and bagged them.   Sunday AM went to Church after loading the Ford with planes and the dogs.  It was cloudy and looking like rain.  Time Church was over sun was out and we headed for Topeka.  One gorious day for flying.  Had misplaced camera in the shop, so no pictures.   After making changes to the ISW I really like the way it flew.  Also got a flight on the Thunderbolt.   This AM, back to crossing duty and it was great to be able to see things.  The afternoon shift was rainy.  Anyway am back to work on the P-47 and found the camera.  Have not down loaded the pics of the nose of the P-47 as Pat may want it back. Will get pictures going tho.

[DanielGelinas]

-1 Brodak Magician for my son,
-1 profile cardinal,
-finish my sons Akromaster
-S-1 ringmaster
-and finally, if I have time...the oriental.
-Dan

[Robert Schroeder]

Finish the Sheeks Spitfire I started 10 years ago.
Finish the rebuild on the Firecat.
Finish another Firecat and S-1 Ringmaster.
Finish an Oriental.
Fix an Oriental.
Rebuild my Super Chipmunk from the '70s.
Finish the 2 Fancherized Twisters.
Re-do the flaps and tails on the Vector 40 and Pathfinder.
Finish the 3 Cardinals, 2 Chiefs and Commander.

That's enough for now...Like I'm going to get half that done by the end of next year
At least I went back to work and get to play with airplanes 3 nights a week (I work the night shift and don't go back on days when I'm off...Off work, that is.

[bob werle]

Repair and then build-my life story.  I can have a plane in need of repair without even flying.
repair 3-1/2a orignal designs 2 of them never flown yet.
Finish Scratch built Scientific P-28
Finish 1/2a size profile Mig 15
Start .09 size Scared Kitten
Start 1/2a profile Smoothie

[Brian Massey]

I've got a Sig Super Chip (with many Dave Fitz mods) about 60% along the way; it will be powered by a new LA 46. When that goes on the paint stand I have a new Legacy kit I'm anxious to get started. That has a Saito 62 waiting, my first go at a 4 stroke. I'm hoping to have the Legacy ready by Memorial Weekend, for the NW regional. If not the Chip will be my entry.

Brian

[Tim Wescott]

• Finish the minor repairs that I'm doing on the Flite Streak that Mark gave me.
• Build an S-1 Ringmaster
• Fix the Beginner's Ringmaster that I crashed to death in the Fly-a-Thon (with a Bigger Tank!)
• Build a couple of Buck-ized Skyrays
• Convert my electrified Comet Gull II to a gyrocopter, or figure out how to make the prop fold so that it will actually glide (RC, I know -- but it's nice in the air)

[Joe Just]

Well, for starters I have finished 24 Profile Carrier kits and they are ready to ship.  Also I am thinking of a new .15 Carrier ship, perhaps a new rendition of a plane I entered at the 90 Nats.  Always trying to keep busy with other stuff as well. Pictures show completed kits ready to ship.

[John Stiles]

Hot dawg, I just ordered 50 magnets after finding an old friend on the web....now all i need is an old refrigerator with one flat side and Ill be good to go on my winter projects.