I'm about to start on a pair of VF3 Pro versions soon. They should ship out right away as Mike emailed me they are ready to go. Mike has done the sheeting so I will be framing up, preping and finishing.

Last year I flew a Comp-Arf Integral on a YS170 in Advanced. I wanted something more durable, wood with a paint finish and something I built myself. I also wanted a pair. Next season I will fly Masters OR I may just skip and fly FAI (P only) as my goal is to fly FAI. I fly IMAC and Scalemasters too but I've really got the bug for Pattern now

I have some experience painting RC cars, a couple of warbirds, plastic models etc. I have an HVLP mini gun (Iwata) and some Eclipse brushes. I plan to do a YS170 setup in each plane (hopefully CDI.) I have built a few planes from kits and a bunch of ARF's.
I am looking forward to this build up and finishing. This will be a big learning curve for me also.

I have been experimenting with light-weight glassing on 12x12 sheets of 1/16. I plan to glass the whole plane (wings have lightened cores) so weight is VERY critical especially since I may go CDI. The lightest method I have tried so far is 2 coats of dope, .56 cloth wetted with Varathane 900, final layer of Varathane 900 with micro balloon fill. This is very light and the surface is so good it doesn't really need a high-build primer - just a regular prime and sand 90% of it off to a glassy finish at about 800 grit. VS. Epoxy resin this saves 6 to 8 grams per sq ft and I think it also takes less primer.

I'm not looking for a showroom finish. I want nice - don’t get me wrong - but I am a practical guy. I fly a LOT. These planes are going to see MAJOR usage. 20+ gallons a month usage (that’s why CDI will be great for me :-) – the fuel savings alone! A showroom finish is nice but I don;t want to be afraid to put on some milage.

My current plan is to use Nelson System 3 paint as I HAVE to be able to paint in my basement and I have kids so its got to be safe. It is -20 in the winter here and I don’t have easy (or free) access to a paint booth. Plus I have no intention of hauling a plane back and forth to one I am really bad at covering even with Ultracoat let alone Monokote - give me paint any day!

I know Chad has used System 3 with good success but didn't like the lack of shine in the clear. Has anyone buffed System 3 and/or used an automotive clear over it? I can always do the clear coat in the spring if they are compatible - or I can just use their clear.

The scheme will be VERY simple. Solid color on the bottom (white - maybe a stripe or two) and white/blue/red on top.
Any suggestions or tips would be great – especially on finish and controlling the weight. I have a scale and I will be weighing everything as I go. Mike is supplying all the wood and I know it will be good stuff.