I have a friend who knows Tony Bonetti fairly well I think. Let me ask him if Tony would be interested in resurecting the Intrepid!

Thanks Dave, I would be very interested in plans for the Intrepid.
By the way, when I was building my original pattern ships back in
"the good old days" I used pre built wings I got from a company called
Glaskin and installed the retracts the same as you are doing on your
Troublemaker. Never had a problem.

tommy s

Tommy s,

No plans in that issue - just a cover shot. I don't think Intrepid or Troublemaker plans were ever published so anything Dave can find from his contact would be very interesting.

Ray

My friend in Vegas sent Tony an email for me. We'll see what happens.

My friend in Vegas got word from Tony. I now have his email address and when I have time I'll fire an email off to him. Anyone have any other questions for Tony Bonetti? I'll make sure to tell him about this forum if he doesn't know already.

Dave

Got both gear wells done and joined the wing halves. Now I have to wait for the glue to set. I chose to use Gorilla Glue (Elmer's Ultimate Glue, same stuff) to join the wing halves. This may not be that standard, but I've had excellent luck with this stuff. As it dries, it expands into every gap and crevice. It's totally sandable and I have used it extensively on 40% airplanes. I will however, use epoxy to glass the center wing.

Going to go back to working on the fuselage. Going to work on the tank mount and servo tray mount. Maybe make a push rod for the elevators.

Here's where I ended up today.

Most of the wing work is completed. The retracts are straight (I was worried I'd get them crooked). Next I will sand the center wing, cut out an opening for the retract servo, install training edge, install front dowels and glass it.

Did some work on the interior. Installed at pre-fab servo tray. I offset it so I can install a pull=pull rudder setup. Throttle cable sheath is installer.

This thing seems heavy, but I could just be worrying.

I have a lot of final sanding in my future.

Just spent some time doing some wing sanding and checking the alignment of the wing to the fuse. I don't know how I did it, but it's right on.

I'll tell you. I have a new found respect for you guys who built these planes back in the 80's. This is a lot of work... and a lot of feel it out as you go. I'm sure this is making me a better builder.

Anyway. The next few sessions are going to be fitting the wing and building a belley pan.

SAND SAND AND MORE SAND....YIKES!!!

Big progress today. Got the entire retract system working, monted the wings and stabs. Last thing I was doing before I tired out was building up the belly pan. The incedence came out less that 1/4 degree different, wing to stab.

WILL SOMEONE REASSURE ME THESE PLANES ARE HEAVY? I'M WORRIED i'M BUILDING A BRICK!!! FEELS LIKE THE PLANE AS IT SITS NOW IS 3-4 POUNDS.

Ready to fly weight should be 6~7 lb, so you are only half way there...no need to worry, couple of lb of engine and radio still leaves a lb for tank and covering, easy.
Evan, WB#12.

Well alright... here's where the project sits. I only have a little work to do on the ailerons, then a final sanding (hence the filler). Tomorrow I will clean up the garage from all the woodworking (messy) and get ready to cover this bad boy. I'm pretty happy with the way she turned out.

Dave

Worked for 6 hours today and got the entire fuselage covered. Not the best job I've done, but for a fun ballistic ship with a questionable life span, I'm satisfied.

Colors are Metallic Plum Monokote, Orange Monokote, Platinum Monokote and White Ultracote. The canopy is Pearl Blue Monokote. That canopy area was like covering a football!!! Next I'll cover the wing and proceed with the home stretch!

Dave, I love the colors you chose. It's a great looking model.

David

Dave,

I agree with rainedave, awesome looking model. Can't wait to hear a flight report.

Fly safe and have fun!!
David

Appreciate it fellas. It may be a few more days before she's done. Life has once again gotten in the way.

So... you would say this plane looks "ballistic" enough? hehe Heck I still have a Tiger Tail 4 with Rossi .67 to refurb after this one!

Dave

Sorry for the delay guys. Life is still in the way.

Dave

Wow that is Cool...Neat looking colors!! Great scheme...

Have Fun...

Chuck

Any news? Is it finished yet? I ordered one from Don today, anxious to hear hows yours is doing.

Todd

Sorry, no news. My kids are here for their month long visitation and I'm trying to spend as much time as possible with them. I'm going to try and squeeze in finishing this before I HAVE to start working on a project finishing a guys 39% Dalton Extra 300. After all, he's paying... hehe

I'M BACK!!!

After a long break starting with an IMAC contest, followed by a month-long visit from my kids I'm back in the shop.

Got the internal gear installed and covered the bottom of the wing. I still have to get the throttle hooked up, re-install the retracts and make a simple mount for the pipe on the belly pan (going to use a spring).

Hope to finish covering the top of the wing today.

Got the wing covering finished and put the retracts back in. Also did the throttle hookup. All that's left are the aileron servos and a few small things. Getting close!

I really love your trim scheme Dave! Keep it going, we're all waiting for a flight report!

FB

I will add some sweet graphics after the first flying day with it. It's going to be smokin!!! My first BPA bird!!! I need to get a BPA logo so I can give it to my graphics person.

Thanks for the kind words!

Excellent job on the build Dave. If someone was to have less build skill than a parrot, ie me, is there redemption in the form of an ARF for this aircraft?

Thought I would share with you the results of my efforts on a Troublemaker also. Decided to make mine with tricycle gear and fixed since I am in SPA and will be competeing there. A lot of them were not pqarticularly impressed that the Intruder ARF was orange but since I am a Tennessee fan you can understand the trim scheme. I would like to say it came in at 7 pounds 9 onces with a Magnum 91 as the engine of choice.

Jack
SPA 306