I finished the Skylark 70 tonite. I needed to pick up a CG machine because I broke the one I had.. the LHS had a two of them in stock so I picked one up and set the CG.

It took 7 1/4 ounces of nose weight. I was hoping that it wouldn't need much, but, well, I guess that's not bad compared to the Tiger 120 I built a while back that needed over a pound!!!

So, all I need is some nice weather and I can maiden that baby. It came out nice, by the way.

I will post some pictures later on tonite. For now, though, I have to go to a meeting.

CGr.

What, are your fingers broke?

My thoughts exactly.

No, the fingers ain't broken... I won the CG machine (the one I broke) at a club thing a couple of years ago. I had grown to depend on it and like it. When I accidentally stepped on it a couple months ago, I started to have withdrawal symptoms without it. So, it became my security blankie...

Ok...ok.. I did it with my fingers and just wasn't sure about the stability. And besides, I needed an extra hand to put the weights on and balance it... not that I couldn't put them on then pick it back up..

Hey, what can I say. But, 7 1/4 ounces. Not bad, not good. I liked the Protege that didn't need one stinking weight..

CGr.

Yea, but you also put a 75 on a 46 size plane!

No sweat Dick, we're just bustin' yer chops.

I know... no problem.. and I can take the heat.. [>:] [sm=48_48.gif][sm=teeth_smile.gif]

Hey, the Skylark 70 is NOT a 40 size plane!! The Skylark 56 is, but this one is the larger brother.

Then you should have used a .90 or bigger.

I'm gonna take a few pictures and post them.

CGr.

I got the .75 at a discount from my LHS. Besides, the OS .75 AX is as strong as a 90!!! Right Mike?

No, I was referring to the Protege

Ah... yep.. ha.. but the mount was the size for a 60 or 75 size engine (the Protege). Besides, it flys great with that engine!!! I know... I know.. it also did with the .55!!!

Pictures coming up.

CGr.

Skylark 70 pictures

If you put that battery pack against the firewall you'd need less nose weight

Well, Mike, I looked at that. I had to modify the tank compatment to get the tank to fit under the hatch cover, then I added a little plywood platform with foam to mount the tank to. When I was done, there wasn't a lot of room to move around up there. So, I put the battery where it was and hoped that I wouldn't need any more weight.

I can live with 7.25 ounces, I guess.. It is a clean install.

CGr.

A pretty nice looking plane, I must admit! I've always liked the Skylarks.

CGr.

Yea, me too

Soap box time.

I can't ask what Goldberg is coming out with next because they are now Great Planes.

I've had my issues with some of the Goldberg models, but I must admit that they do fly well, and always look good. I wonder what Great Planes will do with them now that they 'own' the inventory. Time will tell, I suppose. I can only hope that something good comes of the sale.

I don't have complaints about Great Planes, quite the contrary. I own a few of them and love them. But, there is something to behold with models like the Tiger series (Tiger II, Tiger 60, and Tiger 120). I may complain about the added weight in the nose of the Tiger 120, but it flys like nothing else in its class. I also love the Great Planes Venus class. I owned the Venus 40 and loved it. A strange twist in fate (AKA a brain fart.. ) put that one in the dirt one fine day, but I quickly replaced it witih the Venus II. I fly it, I love it!!! They are two very different planes, the Venus pair and the Tiger series, however, I have flown them all and love them. All great in their own way.

I hope this 'merger' creates something that we can all be very proud to own as I am with the Tiger series and this new Skylark pair, as well as the Great Planes products.

Yeah, I've not mentioned other model manufacturers, but those are not the issue right now, the Goldberg and Great Planes (and I believe the Lanier model line) are now one. I hope they do something for us flyers and focus on us rather than their bottom line. After all, what we like will help their bottom line.

End of soap box.

CGr.

Well I know that Art and Carol Pesch (bigwigs at Hobbico) are very excited to have the Goldberg line. In fact, Carol used to work for Goldberg back in their heyday.

Dick, did you get an Ultra Sport?

Dick,
If you say that you didn't pick up an Ultra Sport I may just have to slap you!!!!!

Ken

Not yet, Mike. A couple of the guys at the club have one and I've watched it i flight and admired it too. That may very well be my next plane.

The Seagull Super Star 120 has been put on the back burner for a while, even though I bought the OS 1.60 FX engine for it... jeez.. spend money like drinking water.. ha.. It will make it in the air one of these days, but I'm having fun with these sport aircraft right now, and love flying them.

I will look closely at the Ultra Sport and see about that one. Thanks for the suggestion... it seems you tend to influence my next plane purchase lately.. [:@]

It's late here, and I gotta get up early to run the Volvo to the dealer for some routine maintenance. So, good night all.

CGr
(Dick)

I know a good one when i see it

And the Ultra Sport is the BEST!

Dick,
I don't know if you saw my campaign to bring back the Ultra Sport, but I worked (with Mike's help of course) for two years to convince Great Planes to revive this kit. I agree with Mike, this is probably THE best sport plane ever built. Nothing flies like an Ultra Sport. I have vowed that I will always have at least one Ultra Sport flying. And here's how all that started. One of my flying buddies had an Ultra Sport 60. One day he was out flying it and I was standing next to him. He said "Here, you fly it" and handed me the radio. 5 minutes of flying and I was hooked for life on that plane. Trust me, once you fly one you won't forget about it. It'll put just about everything else you've flown to shame!!!!!!!

Ken

I might get me the Skylark 70 and put a turbine on it.

I'm tired of trying out different props.

Go with a turbo-prop.

Ok, Ken and Mike. I will go for the Ultra Sport for my next project. Promise.

Turbine, eh? Now I would LOVE to see that one!!

CGr