So Bob,

I noticed you did not put a tank access hatch in the top. And a question - on the bottom of the fuse under the tank, when you sanded, did you reach the triangle stock or not? The PassTime and original plans do not call for tri-stock there. Although the strength wouldn't hurt, I wonder if I need to modify the firewall and LE bulkhead to add the tri.

Thx,
Nic

Nic, I did use the top hatch access. It is hard to see in the pictures as I just tacked it to the fuselage for sanding. I have not finished shaping the front side of it because I have not made up my mind on what engine I am going to use. I will releive it to fit the muffler and such. I plan to use the 2 1/8 dowels at the rear going through Bulkhead #4 and screw to hold it down like the original. As for the triangle stock, I did not sand through it shaping the nose but I am quite close to it. I may even get into it when I do the final sanding. I also think it give some strength to the bottom where the battery pack will be. I also would recommend add a plywood nose ring in line with your spinner. Its just easier to sand with the ring in place.

Bob Harris

Oh, I see now. I'm thinking of using white RTV to seal my hatch. Easily opens with an Xacto. I always used a ply nose ring.

OK, I've finished up the plans and laser cut parts list and will be sending Dan everything in the next few weeks. I was thinking about how to finish up the nose as to the hatch and such. I've been watching Nic's (WEDJ) build and had decided to use the dowel design like the original even though his ply blade alternative is great!! (I may change my mind!).

I had planned and had fitted the OS .32 in the nose because my K&B GreenHead .45 was just too worn out to be reliable. (Bad E-Bay purchase you know it was listed: Great compression, like new.... DUH!!) Anyway just in time for Christmas an unmarked packaged arrived from a very kind soul!! Look!! a NEW IN BOX K&B Greenhead!!!! Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus!!!

Now I need to do some more finish work to the hatch and nose before starting prep for painting but I am tickled to death that I will be able to have a period engine for it. I have an old peace pipe muffler I will modify for the K&B. Next is the 2 inch Veco spinner. I may have a lead on one NIB also!!


Bob Harris

Nice catch on the engine.

Somebody is living right!!!!

Bump

Progress?

I contacted Bob the other day; he said he has completed everything, and has turned it over to Wing Mfg. When I contacted Wing, I was told they haven't started producing the kit yet. I wrote Dan Gipe at Wing, but have not received an answer yet about the kit. I am first on their waiting list as far as I knowand am looking forward to the Perigee kit release. I'm going to contact them againI'll let you know.

Duane

Perigee enthusiasts:

If everyone who has been waiting for Bob's version of the Perigee, (the refined de Bolt KIT version), to be available would contact WING MFG at:

http://www.wingmfg.com/

OR

(269) 665-9630

we might be able to get the kit into our hands a little sooner. Dan has a lot of "irons in the fire" so to speak. He has just released Jim Kirkland's final design, (I believe), the Nutcracker as a fiberglass/foam kit, and has Don Lowe's Phoenix 5 available, so there is a lot going on over there at WING. I believe that Dan will respond first to the greatest demand. Wing could become one of the major sources for vintage pattern aircraft if the trend continues

Duane

I spoke briefly by phone with Dan Gipe from Wing Mfg. He said that with everything he has going on, and the relatively limited interest[X(] [] in the Perigee, he may not decde to produce the kit.

If you are waiting for Bob's kit to come out, or if you are taking a "wait-and-see" attitude about whether or not you may be interested in the Perigee, this might be best the time to contact Dan and tell him of your interest. There is no sense for him to go to the expense of developing a construction manual with pictures and all the other expenses involved in coming out with a new kit if only a handful of kits will be purchased, however if there is interestit makes sense to follow through.

If you are interested as I am, contact Dan Gipe at:

http://www.wingmfg.com/

OR

(269) 665-9630

Duane

Passtime Hobbies is selling a laser-cut Perigee kit. I believe this is the one WEDJ is currently building.

http://www.mybloo.com/coosbay/laser/beaver.htm

David

Well, as an update I no longer have the original Perigee prototype I was building. I had a nice gentleman make me an offer (A REALLY GOOD OFFER) I could not refuse for the Perigee in its almost ready to cover state!! So hopefully I will see her finished this weekend at the Mid-South Vintage RC Society fly-in.

I’ve kept my gold silk, K&B 45, chrome Dubro wheels and such as I do plan to build another, possible one of the production kits Dan will offer. I just was not really wild about some of the wood weight I used during the build and would like to get in the 3-1/2 total weight range if possible on the next one. I know the original weighed way more but I truly believe with Dan’s great wood selection it could be built less than 4lbs.

Again, this kit was designed with the exact same lines as the original model but with more robust wing spars and lighter structure. It is VRCS legal. If you want a true exact replica with all parts matching the original plans this kit is not for you. If you want a model that is true to all outside dimensions, is easier to assembly but can take the power of a hot 40 without the weak wing worries of the original give Dan a call.

Bob Harris

I honestly feel, for a number of reasons including those listed above, that Bob's kit, (potentially offered by WING), would be the best way to go if you are interested in the Perigee. I would urge you to contact Dan ASAP, or this kit may never happen. There is a lot of detail work involved in bringing out a new kit. He needs to know there is a solid market for the plane before he will proceed.

Thanks
Duane