Hi Guys.
I have decided to join in with the revision build if you dont mind? I have sold a couple of these models recently ( I am sure greatly thanks to David Gladwin's RCJI Review.. thankyou) The other David. Skywarrior, was very complimentary about the kit quality, and gave me great feedback on the kit. So when I sold the latest kit, and the customer asked us to provide a complete package including a turnkey build service, as well as the test flying and set up service that we offer. I decided that I would see if I could restore some of my credibility and build it myself. ( Well assemble it.. I find it hard to call assembling an ARTF building)
I really enjoyed my two reactions ( Both the building and the flying) This was mainly down to the high level of prefabrication that PST seem to provide as a standard now ( Well. With their ARTF jets anyway) and also because of the quality. Everything seemed to "fit just so" and very little remedial work needed doing, so it was just a case of bolting it together and going flying. The Revision is looking like it will be very much of the same.
Despite the fact that I am the UK retailer for PST jets. I will try cover parts of the assembly that show the less than perfect aspects of the kit. I am not sure how this will be received by the manufacturer, and I hope they see my views, and findings as constructive ( Not just for them, but also potential customers). I will of course cover aspects of the kit that I like, and am pleased with. I just like to lay everything out on the line for people to see upfront, and make their own opinions based on the pros and the cons.

First stage, before building was to inspect the kit as it came out of the box.
The Revision was really well packaged and sent the usual PST manor of DHL in a stout box, with each part individually bubble wrapped and carefully placed. There was no shipping damage/ marks that I could see. First impressions were really great. The standard of finish in the mouldings is superb. The paint in mould work is up there with the best that I have seen. The Ply used throughout the structure looked to be of high grade, and seams were neat and tidy.
Areas that I was not so happy with were related to the bonding in a few areas of woodwork to glass. I cannot see any form of abrasion made to the fibreglass where the wooden structure bonds. The glue used appears to be an epoxy mixed with some form of powder ( I cannot be sure about what this is ) The end result is that in three areas, where the composite has flexed ( and the plywood hasn't) The two surfaces have separated.
Let me assure you that all of these areas are in no way structural
1) Is the plywood cradle the supports the fuel tank, and it appears that the underside of the fuselage may have been subjected to some force in transit ( as there are a few hairline cracks in the mouldings that are almost invisible )
2) The edges of the lower fuselage skin where the nose leg exits the fuselage and the rear nose gear former
3) The corners of the plywood structure that batteries attach to inside the removable nose cone.

It took me all of about 20 mins to run some hysol fillets and have these areas stronger than new. Looking at the way they have broken away ( Wood has started to peel away from the glass, with the adhesive sticking to just the ply) I cant help but think that if the factory were to scuff these areas that it would improve the bond considerably.

Out of interest. The bonding in the wing appears to be made using a totally different adhesive that is green in colour and has stuck every joint perfectly.

While the hysol was setting in these areas, I started to paint pretty much all of the fuselage and wooden internals in 2-3 coats of primer. This was under the instruction of the customer. I had done this to a Skymaster L-39 that he also ended up owning and he liked the aesthetic of the finish. I did it on the L-39 as the internal lay up of the composite work was quite messy. The primer gave a much neater and more uniform look. On the Revision there really was no need. The layup is so neat and tidy, the bonding fillets so smooth as clean that its almost a shame to cover it up with primer..... But, the customer is always right!

I decided to hand brush the primer, which in retrospect was probably not the quickest way, but I just couldn't see how I could spray inside all of the knooks and crannies without the primer running. It took me about 6 hours to apply this primer to everywhere forward of where the turbine sits. I am sure I could have got allot more done in that 6 hours, but hey ho!