Thanks Brian! yeah I did have a great year that's for sure.

You must have read my other post...LOL

The truth is I was making generic statements there, I did NOT have this particular thread directly in mind. But since it was fresh, I mentioned a few things. Just stuff I've learned and opinions I've formed, and as I said there, they could be wrong and are subject to change at any time....like me using YS engines....whoda thunk it? Now I'm all YS and loving it. 6 months ago, no way. 6 months from now, who knows?

Well, y'all are spreading it a little thick there But no thicker than anyone else, including me at times. So I was just poking fun. A new plane is the most euphoric feeling us pattern guys can have, especially if the plane feels good.

You more than most people should know what high regard I hold Bryan in. And you for that matter. Bryan was my inspiration, mentor, and you guys are what gave me the confidence to drive forward and do something that other people were telling me either I couldn't do, or it was wasting my time. Flat cold truth: if it hadn't been for that weekend in Harvest and meeting you guys, I'm not sure I would even be doing this right now. Even still flying pattern for that matter, because the planes themselves are what drive me, along with the great people I've met.

Also I know, for a fact, if Bryan hadn't wrecked that plane and had come to the Nats, that Concourse trophy would be hanging on HIS wall. I was just the other guy....but watch out next year, now that I know that trophy exists, I'm going to try and pull some tricks out of my sleeve!!!

That Shinden is beautiful, no doubt about it. I haven't seen it fly yet but hopefully David will have it at Apopka next weekend and I'll get to see it up close there. the only question mark in my mind and this is strictly from a design standpoint of having tested so many different things is that wing. It looks large, has a full 2 meter span and has a LOT of rake in it. I bet it rolls sweet. I am curious as to how it snaps and spin breaks. If I may ask, what's the chord at the root and at the tip?

Actually a painted in the mold composite plane CAN be light, OR it can break 11 lbs easy depending on how it's made.

Wood is actually not all that hard to get under weight easy, but you do have to take a lot of precautions and know a lot of tricks. I try and post them and share them every chance I get, because nothing is difficult about it, there's just a lot of little things that can add up. Usually a guy that buils an 11 lb wood plane would have a heart attack looking at how a 9 1/2 lb plane was built, he'd swear it wouldn't stay together. But it does, if done right. And usually lasts forever. Remember that Typhoon I was flying way back then? It's still flying, and still in the exact same condition as it was when you last saw it. And I am guessing it has somewhere in the neighborhood of 2500 flights, and that's being conservative. the guy that own it was at our district championship flying it about 6 weeks ago.

back to the topic, I have no doubt the Shinden flies great and will make a huge splash this coming season. I know Bryan doesn't do these boards so tell him I said hello and best of luck, I hope to see you guys soon!

-Mike