A couple years ago at a club Swap & Shop, I picked up for $10 a plane that that looked very interesting to me at the time. I didn't know what it was then, but now after much studying i am 99% sure it is an old kit built Dirty Birdi 40. The WS is 58" and it is 48 1/2" long to the front of the cowl. Other than some cracks around the canopy, everything else looks very structurally sound.
The original retracts are there. The ones on the wings do not operate very well, but the front retract can be operated fairly easy. The plane was originally covered with some type of fabric.
I would like to restore it back to original condition. I've never done retracts before, so I would like some recommendation for replacements. I know there are mechanical and electrical. Is there a weight advantage saving with electric, and also ease of installing? Hopefully the attached images show enough. Should the front retract be replaced, or could it be left alone if it seems to work ok?
All the control surfaces seem still solidly attached with pinned hinges. My concern is for recovering. The hinged control surfaces could be hard to recover.
I've covered several kits that I've built in the past with Sig Koveral and I prefer this and painting over plastic film. Does extra weight with this plane make a lot of difference? If so, than is plastic film the prerferred way to go?
I have a couple different OS engines I could use. One is an OS 46ax, and the other is an OS FS-52S. This plane had the engine side mounted. I would most want to use the FS 52 four stroke. Is there a preference here?
Please look at the attached photos. I'm open to recommendations. I'm sure I could come up with a restoration on my own, but any advice in helping to make this an easier and better project is much appreciated.
Thanks
Lamar
