I'm not slammin you Lee (I hope I didn't come across that way) I'm just disappointed because I prefer a different building medium, wood and carbon specifically. And it's impossible to find nowadays. I like to build, but at the same time I realize that the majority of people don't.

At the same time, my background is full scale composites and structures, perhaps you've heard of TIMCO in Greensboro? I worked there for many years doing heavy C and D checks on just about every commercial jet out there. So while I definitely see the advantages of full composite planes, I also see the disadvantages as well. Specifically, the more work that is done before hand, the less choice the end user has for particular equipment selection. Also longevity can be an issue...repairability, etc. And the more "high end" it gets, the less the average guy can manage without serious help. Your average guy who's only assembled an arf will have his hands full with a ZN kit, for instance.

I also build planes for folks, and have built quite a few of just about everything. Case in point: I just finished a ZN Hydeaway for a friend. I think most would agree that ZN is the watermark for quality? Seems that way, but hang on. Anyway, the wing tube was preinstalled, but had to be moved...the plane will not balance without a chunk of lead in the nose if you use an OS. Plus it needed to be moved up to take care of some mixing issues (MAJOR). Wouldn't you agree that this is one hell of a job for your average guy? Especially with a foam sandwich and honeycomb bulkheads and trays? Now add that the firewall was WAY too far back because it was set up for a mount that isn't even available in the US, (and for a YS at that), and the wing tube sockets broke out of the wing in the last plane, so they had to be redone on the new one as well. It was also set up for C/F pins instead of adjusters, and the owner wanted adjusters. The C/F servo/tank tray was pre-installed, but had to be cut out and redone to accomadate the new wing tube and a tank on the CG. I could go on and on.......but my point is, it's only as good as what you use with it and how much you're willing to sacrifice.

I dunno, I hope you and QQ have done something beyond what is considered "quality", because from the drawings, that plane looks sweet.

So I'm not trying to trash anyone, I am just looking for the next step in construction, something well thought out and different, even if it's "old school". I'm rambling now I suppose, I just didn't want to come off like I was turning my nose up, I'm not. I'm just frustrated with what's out there now, even though I know why it's like it is.

-Mike