I'm working on this Cap kit and have already spent 3 hours lightening the fuse sides, greatly enlarging the existing holes and adding more. I can remove 1/3 the weight of the fwd bulkheads and motor box assy (1/4"-5 ply, no lighting holes.). I'm kind of using the Dave Patrick Edge as a guide to wood removal, there is so little to it. I'm wondering why this kit was designed so heavy. Is it because it was the way things were done 6 years ago? If I build it to plan, I could stand on this thing! Or,...am I way off base, thinking this is way over engineered?

The Lanier planes are produced for the general flyer. Flight testing is quite brutal so the planes are somewhat over built. At least this is what I have been told. Most planes can be lightened including some of the best kits. Excellent flyer when you get it done however.

EXCAP232

Here's what I've done so far. :tired:

Sweet but not fattening. Looks really nice.

EXCAP232

I'm a little excited, all up weight minus covering, 11.5 lbs with an OS 160. Probably <12 lbs finished! That will mean about 13.5 with a DA 50! I take donations.

I'm gonna lighten the G62 and try to get it under 4 lbs-I could live with a 14 lb 81" Cap with 28 lbs of thrust.

BTW, thats a wing loading of 21.6 oz/sq ft for the OS and 24.8 with the DA.

this looks good---why didn't I think of doing this when I built mine?? Be advised that that nearly all CAPS---including the Lanier---build tail heavy. Look to relieve any weight possible aft of the CG. If I were building another, I wouldn't sheet the bottom of the fuse aft of the wing, wouldn't use all the stringers for the turtledeck. I would use 1/32 ply for the turtledeck, probably would use 1/16 balsa to sheet the tail feathers. If you can build this plane with a gas engine at less than 14lbs, you'll be doing great. The lightest I've heard of with a 50cc engine was 15lbs.