It's been a while since we have been able to post our progress on the Black Baron. Here's the latest news:

We've mounted the Irvine .53. First try wasn't successful. Didn't get the mounting holes drilled straight (no press) and had to do them again. Second time was the charm. We had to relieve the mount to accept the engine, but after that, it went in perfect. The Irvine is a pretty engine, don't you think? Hopefully it will stay that way!

We decided to install a fueling valve so that we wouldn't have to mess with the fuel lines for fueling. They will be cowled fairly tightly and I didn't want to have to spend lots of time fighting with the plane instead of flying it. We've made sure to epoxy all surfaces that may come incontact with fuel. The fuel tank is in, and will be surrounded with a thin layer of foam.