Bridi XLT Build
 

Found this kit in my Storage area down stairs, forgot I had it. will start the build soon. This is the Kraft kit designed by Joe Bridi, I know he kitted this XLT under his Logo also Bridi Models, Can anybody shead some light on weather Bridi Models or Kraft kits came first, thinking Bridi came first. Plan on A novaRossi with Header and Pipe should move it right along, Spring-air retracts, Tail wheel. If you look close you can see were somebody tried to change the fuselage front end on the plans!!!!! Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Subscribed ! ! !

Hey Pete,

You are correct, a Nova Rossi and pipe in your XLT should really perform very well indeed....................:D

David

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Subscribed as well. Looking forward to your build, rv7driver.

I was checking out some old airplane photos as I was packing yesterday. I found three shots of the man himself, Joe Bridi, flying his XLT at the 1982 AMANats in Linoln, NE. Same paint scheme as the box, same Kraft wheels, but powered by what appears to be a Webra Blackhead. It was the first plane I ever saw with the exhaust routed from the pipe down through the fuselage to exit on the bottom. I copied that setup on several of my planes, including the ancient Escape I have now.

I'll try to scan and post those pix after we complete this move in a few weeks.

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

The nose modification could have been for raising the engine for more prop clearance and to use a straight header that the modifier had on hand.

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Pete,

I have a set of PDF plans for the XLT if you want me to email them to you... Also check your PM for NovaRossi info.. I can hook you up... plus a Beer:D

Scott A.

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Guys thanks for all the comments, Jim yes I plane on painting it as Joe Bridi had it, I already have the engine, header and Pipe had it a while just did'nt have anything to put it on. Scott I'm ok with the plans I have thanks for the offer, will see you down @ Perry.
I'm out of the Country around 14 days a month so please everybody be patient on the build, Will work on it as fast as I can, also have a tiger tail 4 ready for glassing and painting weather holding me back on that. Will try and post the first pic's tomorrow on starting the build. Thanks, Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

rv7driver,

I had to chuckle a little when I read about you forgetting about stuff. I just found a few engines I had forgotten about myself. I don't whether to laugh or cry... It does feel a little like christmas though!

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Turbo.gst, I agree it was a great surprise! and like getting a late Xmas present. My wife walked down stairs as I was going through the XLT and ASKED were did you get that kit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I laught at her and told her she never saw this kit as I had in in the storage room and just found it she looked at me and rolled her eyes walked away. Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Hey Pete,

After you said what a surprise it was to find that kit in your storage Area,I looked in my storage area and found one in mine !!! LOL
It is a original Joe Bridi kit but the picture on the box is the same as yours !!

Dave...

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Dave, that's to cool, still wondering about the Kraft kit versus the Bridi kit. The fuselage had been started and was really screwed up.. Formers in the wrong place fuse sides cracked, I'll recut the sides and also the formers almost ready to drop it in the jig and glue. A small set back back on track. Pic's to follow tonight. Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Subscribed, too!

I am curious to follow, there is also a Bridi XLT kit between all the other pattern ship kits.
For me it would need to have a trike landing gear.

Was down in the basement today and decided to put a Kompromiss classic pattern kit on the worktable for next project. Same happened to me, wife stepping in and asking "another new plane?"....

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Got the new fuselage sides made, was able to use most of the formers from the original fuse. been crazy around the house today, wife needing me to do this, that, asked her to just think I was gone to work!!!!lol will get fuselage in jig tomorrow. Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Why not post an attachment here?

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

My second pattern airplane was a highly modified Kraft Kit XLT. Ihas finshed myNovice season with my Rossi powered Kaos and Ineeded a Sportsman plane. My mentor Craig Millet modified the plans to his liking and we slung the pipe along the bottom as Ionly had a side exhaust Rossi. It was a great Sportsman airplane for me and Ihad a lot of success with it. Iwas flying in the NSRCA District 7 Championships ('86 or '87)and in the 6th round Iwas leading when a kid turn on his Channel 50 transmitter to run his off-road car. You can see the results.

Just thought Iwould share.

Doug

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Obviously still hurts when you think about it, especially when its a great flier....Those are kinda tough to replace and boy, do they set you back.....

I had a great Arrow in 83 which met the same fate but there was no kid turning on. No, my Arrow was reduced to splinters by a first generation Futaba J radio. I've been prejudiced against Futaba since, no matter what advancement they make, partly for the radio and partly for the service I didn't get from Futaba after. I think many long timers have similar stories

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Hi Scott

Can I have a copy of the XLT pdf for the plans?

Regards Attie

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Guys in Japan , left in a hurry did not get a chance to post pic's will be home on the 23rd. Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Very nice flying plane, big for its time. Rumors are that XLT stood for xtra large turkey. Not sure if that was Bridi's name for it or a competitors :)
I built 3 of them back in the 80's. My biggest reccomendation would be to check through the wood and replace the heavy stuff. The balsa block that went on the top of the nose was a brick in all three kits as I recall. I built it stock the first time and I would be lying if I told you I remembered the weight but I do know that I shed over 1 pound by the thrird version.
The wing sheeting was 3/32 balsa. Replace with 1/16 contest sheeting. Use contest weight blocks for other large pieces that need carving. The lighter versions flew much better.
Bob Hunt did a build in Flying Models in August of '85, his plane was on the cover. A picture of mine was in the article as well.

Good luck,
Stuart C.

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Stuart, thanks for the info, I'll be replacing most of the wood you are right the wood in the kit is very heavy, seems all Bridi kit were that way

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Subscribed! [8D]

Brian

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

I'm, back from Japan, will be working on the XLT today. Plan on getting the fuselage in the jig today pic's to follow.

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

slow going, went to Perry swap meet, pic's will not down load. So will try again. Fuse in jig, remember I had to cut new pieces for the fuselage will remove from jig in the morning and finish it tomorrow. Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

In 1982 I was visiting the University of California, Riverside to give some physics lectures. Over one weekend I went to a nearby pattern contest and met Joe Bridi. I told him I was flying a Deception I had built from one of his kits and he showed me his latest model - the XLT. He said it stood for Extra Large T*rd, so the post with Turkey is the family version of the story.

Jeff

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

Jeff, what a great story, will some how incorporate the name on the plane. Thanks for the info. Pete

RE: Bridi XLT Build
 

It may be an Extra Large T*rd, I'll bet with that R61F Rossi its going to be a fast T*rd :D
Looks good so far Pete..

Dave.