Hello to all.
Can anyone suggest a wood suitable to substitute for spruce? Living in Chicago, one would think it should be easily found. I have tried several specialty wood shops, lumber yards and, of course the mega-home supply stores as Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. When the clerk asks what you need it for, the answer is always "Have you tried a hobby shop?"

They have a huge selection of oak, poplar, maple, aspen and clear pine. The pine is knot free and seems very sturdy. The aspen does also.

This is going to be used in a 40% airplane so the fuselage longerons are very long. (almost 7 feet) The designer recommends ripping a 7 foot plank into required sizes.

Any advice here is greatly appreciated. I have all the accessories, servos. hardware and a new engine here and ready to begin building. I just don't have the wood. I'm sure you all can see the problem that presents. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.

Jim