Look what i found. It is in superb shape. I assume it has Rhom air retracts along with control box (i don't remember the proper term) that has the retracts operate at different intervals. An OS Max engine with a 11-12 prop, shiny Kraft wheels and lots of other goodies. And no Monocote! pull out and replace a receiver and battery i don't know/ trust and I should be ready to fly.

YEAH!!!!
You must have thrown the right coin in the right fountain, or rubbed the fat mans' tummy the right way, but whatever it was that made that beautiful ship to you... CONGRATULATIONS!

DM

It is complete junk, ugly and not airworthy. Send it to me for proper disposal.
Change the prop before you fly too, those nylons props are scary, esp when old.

Great find! Looks like the same one that was posted on the forum a couple of times. One of my favorite aircraft. Check the retracts for air leaks well before you fly, they need air pressure to extend!

Depending on how the paint work was done, I expect it might be hot on the landings with the extra weight of the paint.

Dang! Got to get the gear in my Speeda!

Dhall,

Congrats on your new classic.... Can't wait to hear a flight report on it. This only raises one question, How do you guys keep finding these things????[X(][X(]

David

Mike, these are these best operating retracts i've ever seen. i cycled them over and over just admiring them. i will add an air pressure gauge to the system and let it sit full overnight. i will weigh the plane later today. apparently the previous owner didn't know what he had as i have seen inquiries by him on other sites. the original builder what quite accomplished as this is well done. more pictures later.

Congratulations David!! She looks like a real beauty!!

I'm wondering if that 11x12 prop may be a little much for that OS FSR?? I think you may wanna shoot for the 11x8 range IMHO...I like my FSR turning between 11-12k so whatever prop does that should be good...I just don't think that 11x12 is gonna let it turn up quite enough (I could be wrong though... ) so you will have to run it some to see how it does...

Looks really great and I'd like to see her fly sometime... [8D]

Have Fun...

Chuck

this plane has some history, it is very well done. i will refresh my memory on the original owner and report back.

I'm assuming this is a "find" because you got a screaming deal on it. (I realize it's an awesome plane, but they're out there if you want to pay $$$$$) Did you find this plane at an estate sale or something?

David,

You just need to make sure the system holds enough pressure for a few gear cycles during a flight and sitting around waiting for a flight. I’d check them in both up and down directions. My Kwik Fly new Rhom retracts had been setting since 74 and worked fine without leaks when I started flying it a few years ago.

One of the interesting things about the Rhom retracts is they do not mechanically lock in the up position like the Spring Airs do, but they do lock in the down position. So if the pressure drops too low while you are flying the gear will pop out a bit on high G maneuvers. That is your visual warning to extend the gear and land!! Of course back in the day we used a bit of liquid R12 in the tank to power them and one charge would last a whole flying session.

I still have two Rhom R12 can fittings.

Tommygun, the plane was listed here for sale, at a price I thought to be very good. Being fortunate enough to be the initial inquirer on the plane I got 1st priority. I also did not try to low ball the owner, I saw no reason considering his asking price. Once the owner figured out it was a pattern plane he was able to list it in the right location and reported a huge interest. Again, fortunately for me, I didn't lowball him and I retained priority throughout our discussion. Then it became a matter of organizing meeting him at a mutually agreeable location (we each drove about 3 1/2 hrs towards each other).

According to the seller the original owner was a championship winning pilot, after the builder/owner died his son wanted the plane to be flown and gave it to the seller. The seller being into 100 - 150 cc size planes had little interest in the much smaller plane and decided to sell it.

The plane is extremely well put together. The control surfaces have zero air gap, the retracts work flawlessly and i like the retracts extending and retracting at different intervals, all control connections are well done, better than i would do. The nose gear has a very neat pull/pull cable steering set up, there was a lot of time put into that setup.

I need to reconnect with the seller and find out again who the original owner was. His work should be commended.

Hey David,

Nice SPEDDA! [sm=thumbs_up.gif]

Great on that you were able to acquire it.

You got quite the growing arsenal of BPA Ships! [sm=shades_smile.gif]

I do have a few, just need to go fly now.

I remember the listing. The price was sweet, to say the least. I offered the guy more, almost double, plus shipping, but he was set on not shipping. I was worried that the Plane may go to someone else who wouldn't know/ respect the pedigree of the plane. VERY glad to see it did not! Good job David.


DM