Hey, Mick! Long time no see!
I'm still writing. When my next book is coming out, well, that's another discussion entirely. I continue to plug along, and I'll leave it at that.
Being in Washington state is as close to magical as anyplace I've ever lived. I can't wait to get out there and dig in, with the hunting, fishing, and flying.
I know exactly what you mean about the drill veering off; the same thing happened to me. It was already perforated, so I cut the aileron open to see what the bl**dy h#ll was causing it. Right through the center of the whole piece ran a sheet of lite ply.
Oh.
I had to admit, it made for strength and lightness. So, I bought one of those Dremel chew-tools, looked like a drill bit with carbide chunks sealed to the sides and tip, and that went in through the hole and chewed into the lite ply, but even then I only left a hole big enough for the pin to fit, and from one pin to the next, it went off to one side or the other. Leaving it that way made for a good gluing position for each pin, and didn't affect the pivoting.
Right now I'm agonizing over what engine to put into it. That Syssa installation spoiled me; everything fit like a glove, and even the Pitts muffler was tucked away neatly behind the engine. D*mn, why did I sell it? I'm such an idiot!!!!
lol
I just went through the box thoroughly, and everything I'm concerned with is there; the pilots, the spinner hub, etc. I haven't found the package of 18 tubes for the radial push-rods yet, but they're probably in there somewhere. I haven't found the wood for the carrier handles yet, either. I still have to do some work on my bench to make it ready for modeling, so I can't spread out just yet. Also, I have to finish my RC Guys Pitts first. It's almost finished.
The cowling is just over eight inches across. A Valley View RC 40CC Twin might fit into it, but what a waste it would be, hiding that engine behind a faux radial. I was on their site last night and they have a single in the mid-30's (35?) that shows good measurements. It's also about half the price of the twin, and it certainly has more than enough power for this bird.
I should also mention that I'm seriously considering powering this Super Stearman with electric power. I know. Me, considering making it an electric, right? You could've blown me away with a feather when I found myself going through Tower's electric power section, looking at the 1.6 motors and setups. But think about all the parts of building, setting up, and maintaining this model it could un-complicate. I have to say, I can't dismiss it out of hand. For instance, I now live across the street from a HUGE, well-kept park here in Lakewood, Washington, and they fly RC right there in the park. But the gas and glow models have been banned. See what I mean? It's worth considering. I'll have to start checking the RCU Buy & Sell forum.
That's pretty much it for now. Going through my posts here, and scribbling notes for the build, making lists of the parts I'll need. 4.5-inch Sullivan Skylite wheels, for sure. JR ST126MG servos, of course. Sullivan tail gear for heavy models. I'll need five of the 24" servo extensions. Central Hobbies Carbon fiber linkage ends, 3/16" X 4-40 threads. Got a ton of Robart pin hinges out there. Sullivan 4-40 black locking clevises, and DuBro 493 adjustable control horns. My brain is starting to lock in on the build.
Looking good so far!
Jim