jerryds

Just finished building the fuse according to the kit instructions. It is so warped that I am starting all over again. I tried straightening it but it was useless. Next stop will be the hobby shop to pick up a bunch of 1/4 square stock. This time I am going to build it the conventional way so that everything stays square. What a waste of time and effort. I looked for over 5 years for this kit, thinking it was a good one. Its a shame that the kit is so bad.

TomCrump

Are you referring to the IKON N'west Curtis Robin ?

If so, do you plan to do a build thread ? I'd like to see one. Maybe others would, too.

jerryds

I did not intend to start a thread. I guess I just wanted to vent a little. I got the Icon & Wes Curtis Robin kit second hand and perhaps this had a lot to do with the condition. I think the major complaint would fall with the building instructions and corresponding sheet of photos. The instructions start with the building the wing and then jump to mounting the wing on the fuse. But the fuse has not been built yet. That is a little later on the instruction sheet. The photo page looks like it was the last photocopy in the run and the copier was running out of ink. The pictures are barely visible. Former F1 was missing and former F2 was badly warped and had to be replaced. All other wood was in pretty good condition. Well I’m venting again, darn. I will not be beaten by this kit It will be finished and fly sooner or later.

Jerry

TomCrump

IKON kits were designed in a different era. They are for builders with extensive experience. The designer expected you to know how to build his kit. The instructions provided guideance in areas that he felt the builder would have difficulty.

I am just finishing up an IKON N'West Cessna Airmaster. It pushed me to the limits of my abilities. In the end, it was worth the effort.

I have built IKON kits in the past. I'm building one, now, and I have the IKON Lockheed Vega in reserve. I'll buy more, as availability and $$$ allow.

Hang in there. Your kit will be a challenge, but in the end, you will be rewarded with a model like no other.

These models look great on the ground, and fly exceedingly well.

jerryds

Hi Tom

I have been building and flying RC airplanes for around 23 years and completed many scratch built airplanes. But I must admit they are not a pretty as the ones you posted. This is my first Icon & West kit. I bought it because The Curtis Robin they offered was the correct size I wanted. Also I heard the kits were really good. Perhaps I was expecting too much.

Jerry

ARUP

When building the Ikon N'West Curtiss Robin use spruce in lieu of balsa for the 4 main longerons. Use gussets for the uprights and cross members. Other than that the build should be straightfoward. I have the kit and have studied the plans very much. I have built the Ikon Gee Bee 'Y' and have the Rearwin Speedster mostly finished. I have almost every kit Ikon made except the Hawker Hurricane, Beaver and Fairchild 24.

jerryds

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_197876/tm.htm

Check this out. I have been referring to it a lot.

Jerry

TomCrump

Jerry, You obviously possess the skills to build the Curtis Robin ! Use them to built this kit.

To me, instructions are just a guide. I'm not afraid to deviate from what they tell me to do. If you want to do something differently, study it out, and go for it !!!

I had a heck of a time with my Airmaster's fuselage. At that time, I didn't have the instructions. It took a bit to figure it all out, but I got it. Then, the instruction arrived. LOL

"Good kit" means different things to different people. In my opinion, they are good kits, but like ARUP, I know what to expect from them.

jerryds

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Yes I can build the Curtis Robin. The wings and fuse are all framed up now. Just started the tail surfaces, they are very easy and will pose no problems. I guess the next challenging part is to scratch build the engine cowl. Still have not decided what I want to power it with. My options are DLE 30 or 20, Supertiger 3000, or electric. Either way there is plenty of room to hide any of the engines

Jerry

TomCrump

The cowls usually were shipped in separate boxes. Over the years, some were lost.

I believe that the Robin was manufactured in two versions. Maybe the radial engined version would be easier to duplicate. Williams Brothers manufacture a nice set of dummy cylinders for a couple radial engines. Maybe they would have something that would work for you.http://www.williamsbrothersmodelproducts.com/rc.html