I would like to use this forum to express my thanks and therefore high recommendations to both Great Planes and Hobby Services.

After purchasing a GP Super Stearman (boxed unused) from a private individual here in the UK I was a little disappointed to find that one of the cabanes literally fell apart in my hands when unpacking, the steel main structure was rusty resulting in the composite covering material breaking up.

I had read a lot about this problem in a GP SS build thread on RCU so was not really suprised.

On then to GP website, I needed new ones after all. Their website says no warranty if outside the states and no warranty without a purchase receipt, fair enough I guess.

I followed GP's procedure and e-mailed Hobby services with details of the problem soon receiving a reply stating that they could supply but should be chargeable. I agreed to pay and ordered a set only to receive another mail saying they had arrived and were ready to despatch to me, my address please. Now the best bit.

I admit I had told them previously that this model was to be display flown at a scale event at Old Warden (UK) next weekend and I did not want spectators decrying Great Planes because of tatty cabanes. The response was to inform me that not only were they sending me TWO sets (one spare) but furthermore there would be no charge as a gesture of goodwill. I offered to at least pay the carraige to the UK but that was declined.

So, a big thank you to Great Planes and Mary Ann at Hobby Services, I am very impressed and pleased with the service you have given me.

I am finding that US companies are giving me very good service overall including Sonic-tronics and Keleo recently, thank you all,

Gary,
Scancom Radio Control, UK.

Hobby Services has provided me with exceptional service since I started in this hobby. Friendly advice, prompt service and repairs, and the occasional 'goodwill' fee waiver for one thing or another.

Another thing I like is that many of the reps I've talked to actually have experience using the product I'm calling and asking about, not just reading data off a PDF. And if they don't, they get me an answer from a tech, and they all seem to know most of the stuff pretty well.

I'm glad you got properly hooked up and I know many more have and will. I feel like I am starting to outgrow some stuff at Tower, but between their prices, bargains, and service I always try to get at least part of my order from them.

very nice for you Gary. i have had great success as well with them. they sure make a great product. I have had my Super Stearman since 2004. I smacked it on asphalt two years ago on a low fly-by. It hit level and took off the carrage and muffler pipes. the gear whacked the lower wing. So, I tore it down and re-made it into a Navy version. Here are a few photo's. Hope you don't mind me sharing it with you. I went to a little too much trouble to put some scale detail in it but it think it will be impressive when it is done.
It has an old style G-23 for power. It is covered in Coverite 21st Centry fabric. I will be glad to elaborate on the stitching later but not on this post as it would be too involved. The roundell, star and red circles are coverite also ironed on. Quite easy actually. Very nice stuff to work with.
take care. It's good to conversate with modelers on the other side of the pond. You folks do some amazing stuff over there. I look forward to hearing from you. And yes I have flown it off of snow. I had to put stabilizing rods on the skis because I came out of a loop and they had shifted 'nose down' and created an elevator effect 'down' and I nearly lost it. It took full up and I cleared the ground by six feet of so. What a pucker factor!
bird.

Joe Marri, have I met you???? I live in Williamstown. Perhaps at the indoor during the winter?
It would be nice for you guys to come to some of out fun flies. I'm sure your club President will have our schedule. Vermont Modelers Club.
take care bud. Bigbird.

Thanks for the reply, good job you are doing there!

Short vid of how she sounds with a Saito Radial installed, lovely noise!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlGeVIyL8bo

Gary.

Very nice indeed! Looking at the cowl and engine in that last bit I could invision it in a Lysander. Wouldn't that be a nice piece as an ARF? One of my favoriets behind the Spit.
bird.

Hi,
Does anyone have any extra Monokote for the Gp Super Stearman. I clipped the wing on a landing and a need about a ft of white and red to finsih the repair.
Let me know.
Shubova

Shubova, I could send you a patch or two but you could also visit your local hobby shop and purchase a roll of each. It is about $17. bucks of so there or a little over ten mail order. I really recommend the hobby shop as they are becoming extinct because of the mail order. Although mail order is cheeper and provide a greater selection, you will pay shipping on top of that and bring the price close to the shop price anyway. Also, the hobby shop serves the local community and helps get kids and others started in this sport relatively quick.
So, it's your choice bud. Hope all goes well with your repairs. What a great flying plane, aye? I didn't realize how much I missed mine over the last three years until I got off the pot and finished repairing it.
One thing about this bird, land it on the main wheels and then settle the tail. It will make a world of difference. It will three point but it's not as scale looking. Many will notice the difference.
When you touch down, let off of the elevator, neutral or close, and it will level out and not bounce. It is the same with the cub, Gee Bee and many other planes. They tend to bounce and the more you try to re-flair the more extreme the bouncing till it comes to a possible violent stop!
You take care buddy and remember, when the wheels are on top, down is up! hehe!
Later. bird.

Yes I could buy a roll but all I need is maybe a 6" to a foot of each color (red and white) at the most. $17 here 20 there and before you know it you have a thousand...
What’s the biggest scrap pieces do you have?
I appreciate the help!
Shubova
[8D]