Anybody know if there is a plan for the Ariel, I think it was a Dick Hanson design.
Thanks

I'm pretty sure it was a Dave Stuart model. He also did the Jupiter.

Actually Dick's son "Guy" designed the Ariel. I had two fo them. it was a DHM kit and the fuse work was done by Dave Stuart that designed the Jupiter. This model was a 1994-1995 era plane.

The Ariel was a good flying model. I flew mine to the finals in Master class in 1998 and I think Greg Grigsby won Masters class with an Ariel in 1997.

Troy Newman

And AC Glen won advanced with an Ariel 2 years ago.

Still a fantastic plane.

-Mike

Dave must have ended up with the molds, as he was advertising the Ariel and the Jupiter in the K factor back inthe mid 90's. When I talked with dave around 4 years ago when I bought a Jupiter kit, he said he'd do an Ariel at that time if I wanted one. Since then I'm pretty sure he's gotten completely out of kit making. (I know he sold the Jupiter molds).

I just flew my Ariel. This is probably one of the very last in existance today. It was awesome. I used a Saito 150 with 17x6 prop. Dual Lipo''s/regulators for power. I think I will retire her as she is too beautiful to lose! Here are some pics..

I posted this on another forum. Rich Lee has the molds for the Ariel (and Runaround, Zlin, Elite, Excess, and EMC). He is a good guy and a master glass fabricator.

In fact, here is his latest price list:
Runaround: $275.00
Zlin (fiberglass): $285.00
Elite: $325.00
Excess: $375.00
Ariel: $400.00
EMC: $485.00

His email is richlee_AT_directinet.com, and [link=http://pages.prodigy.net/ka9lnp/rl.htm]THIS WEBSITE[/link] shows some pics.

Update: The original website was taken down. The link to the archive is located here: [link=http://web.archive.org/web/20050526084547/http://pages.prodigy.net/ka9lnp/rl.htm]CLICK HERE[/link]

Is he still making kits? I bought a Zlinn from him several years ago - excellent quality!

Yes! Rich Lee still makes the kits. Mike Bacosa just bought a Zlin from him a few weeks ago. The list above is the price list from Rich a while back.

I am seriously contemplating buying an EMC2. I will also finish my Runaround this winter...

If anyone is interested I still have my brand new "unbuilt" Ariel in the attic. The plane was custom built by Dave Stuart and is in ARF unpainted form. Contact me privately if interested.

wow thats almost a 15 year span!! AWESOME

DM

This is the classic pattern forum (discussing old pattern ships) and not the pattern forum.

Fortunately, it appears that your question has been answered. Good flying.


Ed Cregger

According to the forum title anything prior to 1996 belongs here - the Ariel definitely qualifies. Personally, I think it should be simply a rolling 10 year limit (anything prior to 10 years ago today, whatever today may be). At the FAI level even 5 years is considered 'dated'.
-Will B.