I am 77.

So I did build a Veco Chief at age 14 ? I only had a McCoy red head 35 at the time & a double edged razor blade to cut out any stuck parts. Lots of red dye on the plane. I to reduced weight. I only used the side planks of the body.

Never had flown anything before this first plane. Screaming take off in a 12" roll up & doing a 6 ' diameter roll . Yank down then up. That way forever. ALL over the place for almost a full tank load of fuel. Rough landing. GREAT OLD DAYS !