ORIGINAL: billberry189
Duane, Actually I thought I would use the lumber supplied with the kit for the first build and on a later build go for the lightest stuff I can find. That way a possible comparison between different weight Simlas can be made assuming all else is the same(ie-engines, radios, building techniques, etc.). And then there is the clipped wing version, and light weight/small engine versions. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
The fact you have a 120 2-stroke doesn't hurt. Lately I have had the practice of "building light" pounded into me. We try to get a Simla abound 9lbs.
As far as comparisons go...good luck. When we have our SIMLA FLY-IN, (or whatever we decide to call it), it will be interesting what set-up appeals to the most pilots. I hope that some of the 50-odd Simlas that have been spoken for so far, will be built in the "Clipped-Wing" version...that some will have .60-2-strokes in them...some electric, (to get the best set-up for that medium)...and some no doubt will have some huge 2-meter powerplant in them and will be able to do an unlimited vertical climb. It will be great to see all of that.
Kevin and I have even discussed the idea, (in general terms...see the EKT thread), of making mods to the basic Simla to make a contemporary 2-meter pattern plane out of it. I know that plane should never be the "norm", but it would be interesting to see what we could dream up. Of course the red/white/black Kaz color scheme would be a must, along with the Bosch airfoil, (just cut down to 78"). Personally I'd like to retain the basic looks of the Simla, and keep as much of it as possible...it would be a great project. The general thinking would be, "what would Ed do now to make a modern 2-meter pattern plane if he were here"? We would, of course take cues from modern planes, but it would have to retain the basic current fuselage,
and be built from the kit...(ie no "widebodies").[:'(]
Duane