szempruw

I started a "bucket list" project, the build of this Pica kit I bought over 20 years ago. I've been out of the hobby for awhile and decided to jump back in. I've used this forum extensively to look for building ideas and to get caught up on newer technologies. After restoring an MGB, one thing I learned was to have as many parts on hand before you start so that you can avoid waiting for parts and maybe shorten the build process a bit. Besides, some of the planning is fun, anticipating what's next and dreaming of how it will look. I found the RCM magazine review on line and I wanted to mimic the picture posted in that review. On top of that, I found I couldn't fit all of "stuff" in one shot. I couldn't get high enough! See the attached pre-build pictures. I managed also to email and correspond a bit with one of the designers of the kit, Jon Tanger. He was gracious enough to take some time and answer some basic questions I had about CG and overall weight. My thanks to him and he seemed to get a kick out of the fact that his efforts were still being appreciated. I like to build. I think it's half of the fun of this hobby, not just the flying.

I've already started the build and thought I'd share this effort to see if anyone else is out there. The kit is well organized and is an intensive build, There are some minor things to improve upon like the control linkages, yet that is a fun challenge also. If anyone cares to share comments, great. At 65 being "tired and retired" I know you are never to old to learn. At worst, this becomes a diary that might be fun to look back on in years to come. I've found about 40 forum members who built this kit over the years. Some have responded and I am grateful for their encouragement. I also appreciate the long summaries I've found with good suggestions of what to do if given a second time around to do it again.

My build started the first week of January, 2015. Let's see how long it will take. I've kind of locked into a color scheme and plane to try and scale, "Bunnie" flown by Pilot Roscoe Brown Jr. (March 9, 1922 – July 2, 2016.) I'm hoping the red tail scheme will help with visibility if and when I actually get to fly it.

Regards, Wally