Bill
Yes I did state that the cheap ply rails failed, but I also stated I had reservations about them from the start. I also stated I am happy with the rest of the model. Yes I definitely would have used something alot better had I framed this wing myself.
No it did not take me a year to put it together, I said it had taken me all year to do. I started this project just before Xmas last year. As this was my first attempt to detail out a scale model, all that detail did take a fair bit of time, so can you imagine how long it would have taken if I had plan / kit built the thing? I am happy with the result, I have a model that surely does not look like any other sitting on the flightline, nor does it look like a "plastic fantastic" ARF. Along the way I have gained some valuable knowledge & experience and enjoyed myself which to me is what this hobby is all about.
Another factor for this taking so long is that I own, fly & maintain a full size light aircraft. I say this not as an excuse, but to inform you that I CHOOSE to do other things with my spare time. ( Well I choose to do the full size thing when my wife TELLS me to. It is such a terrible thing when you are told to "stop mucking around with those models, let's go fly the full size one!!!"
).
The deadstick landing was not hard, it touched down just short of the strip in thick grass about 6" long. The 3.75" diameter wheels never had a chance of rolling through it. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if the gear had not come out so easily. I am sure some other damage would have resulted. I did think about pulling the gear up, but was worried what would happen if the airscoop's on the bottom had dug in, and I was hopeful of making the strip right up to the last second. It was such a close thing, after touch down ( and breaking retract mounts ) it slowly tipped over onto it's back and the fin landed on the strip!!! Thankfully there was no further damage done. So it has not messed up the model & she should be airborne again in just over a week.
Cheers