Where Have All The Kits Gone ?
03-20-2017, 06:48 AM
#1001
03-20-2017, 06:55 AM
#1002
snicker.
I have a JD X500, darn thing cost over 5K, but it can handle the rough ground around me and cut through heavy grass. It has a 24HP V-twin Kawasaki on it, that get this, uses the same exact oil filter as a Toyota Camry Hybrid. Whats even better, if you have a Camry Hybrid and you want a good filter for a low price, buy one from John Deere. It is the Exact same Filter sold as a Mobil 1.
I was so tempted the other day, I saw a SIG Liberty Sport kit for sale near me, but my sense of common kicked in before I could pull the trigger.
I have a JD X500, darn thing cost over 5K, but it can handle the rough ground around me and cut through heavy grass. It has a 24HP V-twin Kawasaki on it, that get this, uses the same exact oil filter as a Toyota Camry Hybrid. Whats even better, if you have a Camry Hybrid and you want a good filter for a low price, buy one from John Deere. It is the Exact same Filter sold as a Mobil 1.
I was so tempted the other day, I saw a SIG Liberty Sport kit for sale near me, but my sense of common kicked in before I could pull the trigger.
03-20-2017, 07:15 AM
#1003
There is the right tool for the right job, and a riding mower does wonders for those who need one. If I had more than 1 acre, I'd get one.
On our Honda self propelled walk behind, there is a nylon sleeve that covers the rotating axle to the front wheels. Over time, that sleeve deteriorated, twisted and bound itself to the axle, causing grass to spool onto the axle, seizing the transmission. It took time to remove all the grass spooled over the axle. Part is no longer available, I replaced it with a section of 1/2" (13mm) EMT conduit, which restored guard function. Grass no longer spools on it. (We don't cut the back 2/3rd acre as often as front 1/3rd.) All in all, may get a new Honda mower and use for another 13 years.
On our Honda self propelled walk behind, there is a nylon sleeve that covers the rotating axle to the front wheels. Over time, that sleeve deteriorated, twisted and bound itself to the axle, causing grass to spool onto the axle, seizing the transmission. It took time to remove all the grass spooled over the axle. Part is no longer available, I replaced it with a section of 1/2" (13mm) EMT conduit, which restored guard function. Grass no longer spools on it. (We don't cut the back 2/3rd acre as often as front 1/3rd.) All in all, may get a new Honda mower and use for another 13 years.
Last edited by GallopingGhostler; 03-20-2017 at 07:20 AM.
03-20-2017, 07:31 AM
#1004
What did they want for the Liberty Sport kit? I may go to a Swap Meet this Saturday I hope its better than the last one I went to. That's the problem it seems if I have no money I find deals all over the place and its everything I want, if I got money its bupkis! In this case I'll have a few shekels which should insure I will see everything for more than I can afford. (SIGH) Sometimes its just not worth chewing your way through the straps in the morning.
03-20-2017, 08:24 AM
#1005
I can't recall if it was $100 or $150 for the kit. I have the same issue, when I have the money, can't find what I'm looking for, when I don't, I find all kinds of things I need. 
Been looking for 5 1/4 - 5 1/2" wheels for my B-25, na-tink. Found 6" for the P-61 though. Last time I was in Toledo, before I got the B-25, there were all kinds of wheels that size. I have been finding good deals on S3010 servos, so buying up all I can find. The ones I have walked away from are S3004 since I can buy those brand new for $13, so unless I get them for $1, they aren't worth buying used.
Been looking for 5 1/4 - 5 1/2" wheels for my B-25, na-tink. Found 6" for the P-61 though. Last time I was in Toledo, before I got the B-25, there were all kinds of wheels that size. I have been finding good deals on S3010 servos, so buying up all I can find. The ones I have walked away from are S3004 since I can buy those brand new for $13, so unless I get them for $1, they aren't worth buying used.
03-20-2017, 02:20 PM
#1006
Get a riding mower. You will appreciate it as you get older. The self propelled is good too as it keeps you in shape but you can't beat a riding mower. I had a Honda self propelled too great machine. I now have a self propelled to cut my pet fenced in area. However I have welded up some gates. Once installed the rider will do the pet area too. I use my rider whenever I can.
Do a test. Walk the area to be mowed then decide if you want to cut this area over n over with a self propelled mower.
Do a test. Walk the area to be mowed then decide if you want to cut this area over n over with a self propelled mower.
03-20-2017, 02:30 PM
#1007
From the do it yourself viewpoint, I've been working at finding plans for all of my favorite planes from yesteryear when my Dad taught my brother and I to build in the 60's, and through my own lifetime of building.
I have 240 folders of different plane types (u control, glider, scale and non scale RC) with somewhere's around 1,240 sets of plans stored away in PDF and AutoCad files ready for printing or redrawing. My biggest passion is for scale designs, but I started out with U Control like many did back in the 60's.
I love to build, I love to draw (a designer/engineer professionally) and I have a great appreciation for the art of designing and drawing up plans, so just review old Berkeley classics, or the greats like Ziroli, Platt and many many more, is a great source of pleasure for hours at a time.
So, having amassed perhaps several lifetimes worth of plans now that I'm retired, I plan to cut my own kits, along with having some kits laser cut (large giant scale zillion piece models). As far as I'm concerned, the old great kits will never die.
I have 240 folders of different plane types (u control, glider, scale and non scale RC) with somewhere's around 1,240 sets of plans stored away in PDF and AutoCad files ready for printing or redrawing. My biggest passion is for scale designs, but I started out with U Control like many did back in the 60's.
I love to build, I love to draw (a designer/engineer professionally) and I have a great appreciation for the art of designing and drawing up plans, so just review old Berkeley classics, or the greats like Ziroli, Platt and many many more, is a great source of pleasure for hours at a time.
So, having amassed perhaps several lifetimes worth of plans now that I'm retired, I plan to cut my own kits, along with having some kits laser cut (large giant scale zillion piece models). As far as I'm concerned, the old great kits will never die.
03-21-2017, 05:48 AM
#1008
I think I am to the point where I can build off plans and not need a "kit". It is nice to have the parts pre-cut though. My future build will be a giant scale Corsair to fit around a DA-100. Just have to find the right plans.
03-21-2017, 08:41 AM
#1009
I started scratch building from plans as I could not find a kit in my area; only ARF's. I downloaded a plan and worked from the computer printout. Then just kept going. I have built 2 SPAD airplanes and 3 balsa. Once I started it just got easier. A giant Corsair, however, would be quite a challenge. Good luck with that build. Hope you find the right plans.
03-21-2017, 09:08 AM
#1010
Shouldn't be any more challenging than the Zirolli B-25 or P-61. 
By the time I get those done I should be well on my way to building just about anything! LOL I think it would be less of a challenge since on ly one motor is needed, and I already built a Top Flight one, so have a good handle on those complicated flaps and bent wing formers.
By the time I get those done I should be well on my way to building just about anything! LOL I think it would be less of a challenge since on ly one motor is needed, and I already built a Top Flight one, so have a good handle on those complicated flaps and bent wing formers.
03-21-2017, 11:30 AM
#1011
I have access to a 150-watt large format laser cutter, and can make parts and can scale up or down the plans for any size Corsair that you want. You can email me at [email protected] TJ
03-22-2017, 08:44 AM
#1015
There are, but similar to Harley-Davidson motorcycles and real estate, some owners are asking inflated prices, which don't garner buyers, don't understand the market. Market is what price it will bear to sell.
03-22-2017, 09:05 AM
#1016
I do kind of hope they get a good price it will help my property value but I can't help thinking the buyer would be getting a royal screwing as an old boss of mine would say.
03-22-2017, 10:25 AM
#1017
Wood kit prices were lower this year at the swap meets I went to...I was actually looking at a kit, and the owner knocked the price down as I held it to entice me.. A guy standing next to me was ready to grab it from me.... until he found out it was a wood kit and not a foam ARF, At that point he almost recoiled in fear from it 
03-22-2017, 10:55 AM
#1018
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I watch ebay also and found the prices a bit high this year. There is a PICA 1/5 scale WACO ending soon at $222 and Royal PT-17 at $375 buy now. Both too high for me. I'm going to a swap meet this Saturday so I'll see what I can find.
There is a seller on ebay name amamodels selling laser short kits. Has anyone purchased from them? They have a 68 inch wing PT-17 I'm interested in.
There is a seller on ebay name amamodels selling laser short kits. Has anyone purchased from them? They have a 68 inch wing PT-17 I'm interested in.
03-22-2017, 11:37 AM
#1020
Wood kit prices were lower this year at the swap meets I went to...I was actually looking at a kit, and the owner knocked the price down as I held it to entice me.. A guy standing next to me was ready to grab it from me.... until he found out it was a wood kit and not a foam ARF, At that point he almost recoiled in fear from it
Speaking of wood kits, has anybody tried any of the Hobby King cheapie kits? I bought a mini Stik kit that I plan to build before summer season just for kicks and put a .15 glow engine on it. HK just came out with a large Cub kit and has a large Tiger Moth kit too.
03-25-2017, 09:30 PM
#1021
Join Date: Apr 2008
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These kits are still available. http://www.stevewebb.co.uk/index.php...hris+Foss+KitsThe Unowot was my second model and at risk of being accused of going off-topic, I will buy a John Deere X125 ride-on mower next week as the best compromise for my land. I've let the local farmer graze some of his sheep on some parts of it.
03-26-2017, 02:14 AM
#1022
I have purchased many "vintage" kits from e-bay. My first was a Sig Ryan ST-A, and my current build, a Sig Morrisey Bravo. Waiting patiently for their spot on my build table are a Sig Yak 18-P and Great Planes Ultra Sport 1000. Did I pay too much for them? Maybe, but the pleasure that I get building these planes is priceless! Some people spend thousands of dollars traveling all around the world. I chose to spend a fraction the cost of that vacation at my build table for months or more, and get the same type of pleasure. I say it's all relative...
