Author Topic: Cobra Short Kit "Good News" (Read 6500 times)

Tom Dugan · « **on:** September 01, 2006, 11:25:17 AM »

I apologize for getting this update out later than I initially promised. I had to leave NC for a quick visit with my parents.

Today I talked with Jan at Brodaks and the kit can be built with no problem. Jan said they could produce the kits at the end of September. So, we have time to find out who actually wants one. The original price was $89 but Jan expects that we can get a better buy on the kit by joining together in a bulk purchase.

If you are interested in a Cobra Short Kit let me know so I can pass the number to Jan and she can formulate a price.

If you are seriously interested in this kit buy then leave a posting here, so I can pass the number to Jan and be ready to make your order near the end of September. I will announce here when it is okay to place the order.

Thomas

Dwayne · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2006, 01:00:18 PM »

Sorry for a dumb question but what is a short kit?
Thanks
Dwayne

Ironbomb · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2006, 03:39:21 PM »

Snice no one answered Dwayne yet, I belive a "short kit" is the model kit, with zero hardware. Its the wood only. I emailed John Brodak about the short kit also, he basicly said he wanted to include the instruction book, plans and a canopy. Since this is a special pre-production run for those of us that cant wait, the instruction book may be from the Ares. If you think you will ever want to build a Cobra, get this short kit now. You'll never find a better deal.

I'll throw this in just cause I think the plane is so dang awesome..... especially this one

the plane is not mine, I belive it belongs to Randy Powell. I hope I got that right.

Greg

Ken Deboy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2006, 11:55:48 PM »

Besides not including hardware, the few short lits I've bought also don't include sheet or strip wood. Only the parts that "need to be cut to a certain shape" - ribs, formers, fuse sides, etc.

cheers,
Ken

Mitch Stein · « **Reply #4 on:** September 02, 2006, 11:12:36 AM »

Hi,

This kit is not designed by Brodak, who did the kit design?

Thanks

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #5 on:** September 02, 2006, 03:22:20 PM »

This would be the results of Walter Umland selling his existing kit list to John Brodak. In this case, the short kit would likely include anything that was done by laser, but no hardware or canopy.

On the Cobra, we have 3 locally. PW built the first from plans, and I don't know where the plans came from. I'd seen it hanging on the wall at PW's, and never got to see it fly, so asked if he'd be flying it at the '04 Raider Roundup. Because I asked, he did, and struggled mightily with it. I'd never seen Paul struggle with a model before. On the other hand, he got it together and won the Classic event with it, patched wing and all. Thanks, Paul!

Randy Powell built his from a WU kit. Don't know about Scott's, maybe scratch, maybe WU kit. The important thing here, is don't build the controls like the plans show. Neither Paul or Randy liked the ratios. Again, don't know about Scott's airplane or controls. A Tom Morris control system with adjustable elevator horn would be a real fine idea, and don't f'get the access hatch to make it useful.

Steve

Bill Little · « **Reply #6 on:** September 02, 2006, 07:09:33 PM »

Walter designed the kit and Steve Wooley designed the plane. It was designed with the control set ups from the early-mid '60s. A 3" Veco Bellcrank, and standard Veco horns. When we go to the 4" bellcrank (probably not really necessary on a plane this size), we have to lengthen th throws on the horns. Plus, as Steve says, an adjustable elevator horn can really come in handy! I have found that most of the Wooley and Werwage I-Beamers usually need a *little* more elevator than flap. Unless they are porkers, then they don't really fly too good regardless of the throws.

Bill <><

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #7 on:** September 02, 2006, 08:55:05 PM »

FWIW, I recall Paul's Cobra had massive elevator travel and much less flap travel. At the time, he said the controls were exactly per the plans. While it would be interesting to set the model up "just like the designers", it's not always going to work for you. Use common sense and build in all the adjustability you can, because you might need it.

Steve

Ironbomb · « **Reply #8 on:** September 02, 2006, 10:34:02 PM »

I am pretty sure Scott's Cobra is a Walter Umland kit. I remember him posting his progress after the kit was released. I was on the list for a kit too, but had to back out due to financial difficultys. I am still ticked at missing out on the kit. BUT, if I can get a short kit from Brodak's, then I will be a happy camper.

It was seeing a picture of a Cobra that fueled my return to the hobby. I did not know what it was, I had never seen one before. I asked, and got tons of pics and replys about all the I-Beamers. The Cobra is simply the coolest plane I have ever seen. Man, I cant wait!!

Greg

Leester · « **Reply #9 on:** September 03, 2006, 11:20:35 AM »

Tom: put me down for one.

Bill Little · « **Reply #10 on:** September 03, 2006, 12:08:19 PM »

I think anyone would love a Cobra!

I *might* break tradition and get a kit myself.

Bill <><

Bill Little · « **Reply #11 on:** September 03, 2006, 12:15:25 PM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on September 02, 2006, 08:55:05 PM

FWIW, I recall Paul's Cobra had massive elevator travel and much less flap travel. At the time, he said the controls were exactly per the plans. While it would be interesting to set the model up "just like the designers", it's not always going to work for you. Use common sense and build in all the adjustability you can, because you might need it.
Steve

Hi Steve,

After building I-Beam stunters for 40 plus years and talking with Billy (the undisputed King of I-Beam) I agree, lke I said, that the elevator travel/flap ratio needds to be adjustable. I have done that on all mine since that became available (and even before). You just had to cut into the tail before the sliders became commercially available.

On the Airon I am doing for publication, I am using all Tom Morris adjustable features. That really helps to dial a plane in.

An interesteing note on trimming...... when I started my Werwage I-Beam Vulcan, Billy told me to make suree and put in a slider horn. His advice was to increase elevator throw instead of adding tail weight if it felt slightly nose heavy. That works.

My problem has never been in building, or getting the plane to fly right, it's always been a problem of getting practice time. Now that I am ending up my *career*, I am starting to get more available time. Now if I can just stay physically healthy...............

Bill <><

Lyle Spiegel · « **Reply #12 on:** September 04, 2006, 04:08:12 PM »

Has anyone tried to connect with Bill Groman's Wooley Cobra website at http://wooleycobra.homestead.com/index.html? Irecall it had excellent description of Cobra construction sequence. I tried the link today and it was not working.
Lyle

Bill Little · « **Reply #13 on:** September 04, 2006, 08:30:07 PM »

Quote from: Lbs on September 04, 2006, 04:08:12 PM

Has anyone tried to connect with Bill Groman's Wooley Cobra website at http://wooleycobra.homestead.com/index.html? Irecall it had excellent description of Cobra construction sequence. I tried the link today and it was not working.
Lyle

Hi Lyle,

I know Bill was having some health issues a while back. He was going to do a series on the Ruffy upon completion of the Cobra, and i sent him a McCoy RH 35 for it. Soon after he had to halt the program. I haven't been in touch with him for a while, so I don't know what the situation is.

Bill <><

john e. holliday · « **Reply #14 on:** September 05, 2006, 10:47:46 AM »

I myself would be interested in the short kit. I got the short kit of the Primary Force from Mike Pratt years ago and all it was, was the laser cut parts and plans. The sheet and strip wood I had to supply myself as well as the hardware. Later, DOC Holliday

Tom Dugan · « **Reply #15 on:** September 05, 2006, 06:57:32 PM »

In hopes to answer some of your questions......This Short Kit consists of the laser cut pieces only. All the block and/or sheet pieces are not included. It is also my understanding that there is no hardware. I will check with Brodak and see if plans and a canopy are included, then begin another thread.

As of now we have myself, Leester, Jellholiday. With a maybe...Ironbomb and Bill Little.

You have time to consider this purchase because Brodak won't be ready to start any cutting till the end of Sept.

Again my apologies for posting this thread then disappearing. I was helping my parents get ready to move while being visited by my daughter and grandsons. What a week it has been!! I was the proverbial "one legged man......." Leester*** I had hoped to get a visit in with you but couldnt work it out. Also, I use AOl and all the numbers for AOL in the QC area are long distance. I was able to log on once to start this thread but dial up takes forever, so I couldnt charge any more to parents phone.

Thomas

Leester · « **Reply #16 on:** September 05, 2006, 07:39:15 PM »

Thomas: Oh well there's always next time. I was on 2 day runs wed. through sat anyway. I doubt a canopy is included but the plans would be a must.

Ironbomb · « **Reply #17 on:** September 06, 2006, 07:31:39 AM »

I'm in Thomas, put me down for a kit

. I'll not miss this one twice

. How many is that so far?

Way cool

Greg

Sam Laughery · « **Reply #18 on:** September 06, 2006, 11:00:44 AM »

I just talked with John and Jan here in the factory. The short kit will include all laser cut parts, a canopy, two plan sheets, the instructions that were included in the Walter Umland kit and the instructions for the Ares if you want them. The price will be less than $89 but the exact cost won't be known until we run one to see how much time it takes. Cutting all those ribs takes quite a while. We should be able to start cutting by the end of the month.

BTW-the Magician and Goldberg Lil Jumping Bean are now available. Next up is the Hellcat and the Stunt Man 23.

Sam

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #19 on:** September 06, 2006, 03:34:07 PM »

I'm in for one......

Mike Foley · « **Reply #20 on:** September 08, 2006, 07:11:31 PM »

Put my name down for a Cobra.
--Are the landing gear included?

Mike

Tom Dugan · « **Reply #21 on:** September 09, 2006, 10:03:25 AM »

Quote from: Mike Foley on September 08, 2006, 07:11:31 PM

Put my name down for a Cobra.
--Are the landing gear included?

Mike

Mike,

It is my understanding that there will be no hardware included. A layout for the LG should be on the plan set that will come in the kit and you can bend the LG from it. If you dont want to bend a wire LG, I suppose you could change to a fuselage mount LG which you can buy. I dont think Ive ever seen a Cobra built with a fuselage LG but there could be one out there. To me, the wing mount LG and wheel pants are part of the Cobra's lines.

If you want a more complete kit with somewhat similar looks there is the Brodak Ares and Bill Sawyer's Playboy. If you're unfamiliar with the Playboy you can do a search on this Forum which will bring up threads with pictures. Bill also has an Argus kit which is another beautiful plane with classic lines. BTW one of Bill's Argus kits will be given away on this Forum soon (Thanks to Sparky and Bill).

Thomas

Ironbomb · « **Reply #22 on:** September 09, 2006, 11:06:22 AM »

Quote from: Mike Foley on September 08, 2006, 07:11:31 PM

Put my name down for a Cobra.
--Are the landing gear included?

Mike

I would be willing to bet that the Ares gear will work here. And after my gear bending marathon I had last night for the Strathmoor gear, I will be checking the Ares gear out for compatibility.

Greg

Tom Dugan · « **Reply #23 on:** September 09, 2006, 03:28:29 PM »

Ty,

Goodluck with your runs tomorrow. I have several ST 21-46s and would be very interested in how it powers the Cobra. I like the idea of a classic engine for a classic plane. And, thanks for the gear lengthening tip.

Good Luck
Thomas

Mike Foley · « **Reply #24 on:** September 11, 2006, 07:48:39 PM »

Is Brodak planning on producing the Cobra as a full kit in the near future, or is the short kit the only option?

Leester · « **Reply #25 on:** September 11, 2006, 08:22:13 PM »

I believe it will be a full kit but probobly not in the near future.

Bill Little · « **Reply #26 on:** September 11, 2006, 08:41:53 PM »

Quote from: TJDNC on September 09, 2006, 03:28:29 PM

Ty,

Goodluck with your runs tomorrow. I have several ST 21-46s and would be very interested in how it powers the Cobra. I like the idea of a classic engine for a classic plane. And, thanks for the gear lengthening tip.

Good Luck
Thomas

The ST 46 will be a great engine for the Cobra. Just make sure to get enough prop clearance built into it.

It shouldn't take much weight to balance it, either!

Bill <><

Sam Laughery · « **Reply #27 on:** September 12, 2006, 02:53:02 PM »

The last time I talked with John about it he was not planning to produce a full kit since it is so similar to the Ares kit that came out about a year ago.

Sam

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #28 on:** September 12, 2006, 03:56:35 PM »

Maybe we need to rally Mr Brodak to get him to produce this as a kit....too many people out there that would buy them not to do it

Bill Little · « **Reply #29 on:** September 12, 2006, 04:04:05 PM »

Quote from: Sam Laughery on September 12, 2006, 02:53:02 PM

The last time I talked with John about it he was not planning to produce a full kit since it is so similar to the Ares kit that came out about a year ago.

Sam

Hi Sam,

While it IS true that the '59 Ares and the Cobra are I-beamers, the similarity pretty much ends there.

Bill <><

Bill Little · « **Reply #30 on:** September 12, 2006, 07:16:36 PM »

Quote from: Rudderless on September 12, 2006, 05:00:41 PM

I took both my Ambroid Ares and my scratch Cobra out flying. The St .46 powered Cobra flies very nice, but I am have some trim problems to be worked out. Nothing major, just one flight at a time. Mostly over heads, where they really show up. It lands itself, so I assume it if well balanced. Once I put in a new, unplugged filter, duh, it runs great. Gotta check after every flight when the plane is new. Repeat this three times. Then DO IT.

The Ares flies fine, a tad heavy, Brodak .40, 10x5 prop for ground clearance, needs some trim changes too, but not as much as the Cobra.
The long gear on the Cobra let it fly out of the grass no problem. Ares just mowed its way up.

I use an 11 x 5 on the Cobra, 7 1/2% nitro, 22 % castor oil.

If it
s a tension problem in the overheads, then more tip weight (if the plane can stand it) and move the lead outs forward. Less rudder offset (if there is any)and a minimum of engine offset, too. But one thing at a time!

Bill <><

Jim Oliver · « **Reply #31 on:** September 12, 2006, 08:40:30 PM »

To anyone who can influence Mr. Brodak to make a regular kit of the Cobra:

Please do it!!

Jim

sadams714441 · « **Reply #32 on:** September 13, 2006, 05:16:46 AM »

Please put my name in for one of the short kits also.