With the help of Rusty Dose and the Classic Pattern Trader, I have been fortunate to communicate with whom I'll call Mr. Joe - an MK kit collector, pilot and classic pattern fan. Given my recent interest in reduced scale pattern classics, my eye immediately caught a glimpse of the pictures shown in the first issue of the CP-T of the various 20 size kits that Joe had in his collection. After some exchanges, Joe has been kind enough to lend me two of his 20 size kits - a Curare 20 and a Cosmos 20 - so that I may do what is necessary to preserve these rare classics. Once done, the kits will be returned to Joe's collection.

Here is what I would like to do as a conservation project of these beautiful kits:
[ul][*] Trace all the die cut and custom shaped parts onto graph paper.[*] Scan these tracings into a computer and transfer the scans into CAD for electronic printing.[*] Scan all original paperwork that comes with the kits (plans, instructions, etc.) so that they may be reprinted and/or included with the short kits.[*] Produce laser cut and/or CNC cut files for the parts in order to have a kit producer manufacture fairly complete wood short kits.[*] For those designs that have canopies (I don't think any had cowls), ideally be able to reproduce these with the help of talented and generous members of this forum.
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With that said, I would be most grateful for the participation of any of you talented folks to assist, if interested, in this project. Given the kits are now here (at the P.O. actually) I would undertake the initial tracing and scanning of wood parts as well as of the paperwork. Where I could use help, given my lack of CAD expertise, is with the transfer of the tracing scans into CAD and eventually in to a laser cut file for reproduction. Of course, I could also use help from anyone able to produce molds for vacuforming of the canopies.

As a preliminary disclaimer, given the vintage and out of production nature of these kits, it seems to me that no rights would be breached by a few classic pattern fans wanting to preserve these designs for their own personal use. No commercial interest is attached to this project and all parties involved would be volunteering their time and efforts toward the project. The only eventual financial transactions would occur in the paying of a laser kit for the production and materials of the kit as is the case with many other 60 size out of production classics currently manufactured by laser cutters. Of course, it is expected that any volunteers of the project would naturally be interested in a kit or two for their own personal enjoyment. This includes Mr. Joe himself who is generously volunteering his kits and is particularly fond of the smaller 20 size models for their ease of transportation and flying on a whim nature.

On a note of financial matters, the arrival of these two borrowed kits at my address will incur a substantial cost to me ($123 to be exact) due to the fact that the P.O. is requesting taxes on the insured value of the parcel. Joe, being cautious with his precious cargo, insured the two kits for a large sum in the event of damage or loss. I'd like to comment that Joe has kindly paid for the postage himself ($63) to ship these two kits to me. This results in a total initial expense of $186 in order to be able to commence this project. There will be some additional expenses in materials and in the scanning of plans as well as some overhead expenses (computer time) but otherwise the bulk of the effort and costs should be in the labor of the work to be done.

With those figures set forth, any donations that you would like to contribute to the project would be welcomed and appreciated and will likely help to expedite the project. Donations are accepted in the form of a Pay-Pal transfer (or otherwise if necessary) and the funds will be put toward the expenses undertaken by those involved in the project. If you are interested in making a donation, please enter a post on this thread and I'll send you a PM with Pay-Pal account details.

Since my view of this hobby is to share and include whenever or however I can, the resulting short kits will be offered to any and all interested parties whether they chose to assist with labor and/or financially or not. I'm excited about beginning this project and hope to hear from others who may be too. If successful, I hope to be able to continue this project with other classic kits that Joe may be willing to share for the cause. Next time, we'll find a way to reduce the costs involved.

I look forward to your posts with thoughts and comments on this project.

David.