I've had my eye on a Contender for a while. I am looking for a quick build, something military-like (camo trim scheme?) and fun to fly, but not too demanding. I'm thinking of putting a MDS68 inverted in it.

Any suggestions? Pics?

<<I am looking for a quick-build...>>

Shoots the Contender down, IMO. There is a LOT of building and sanding in this model.

I'm finishing up one now. It has been an enjoyable project, but covering the fuselage is a real job unless you REALLY enjoy that chore.

Take a look at the photo below. That front end is crafted out of blocks and chunks. Lots of shaping and detail sanding; and you can't see the excavation work that inside the engine compartment required to fit a 70 Surpass.

I am NOT dissing the kit. Aside from some really dense and fibrous wood in the fuselage sides that required a great deal of sanding to get smooth, it is a typical Great Planes offering of quality. But it is a 60s design, and even though the GP engineers did their best "updating" it to Gold Edition standards, there is just a lot of work to be done. I ended up using much more aliphatic glue (i.e., longer drying time) than CA, because of all the sanding needed.

And the picture doesn't show all the seams, but that front end required many, many pieces of U-Cote to end up half-way presentable. The fuselage behind the wing saddle is another fun area for covering.

So, if you're looking for a "quick-build" kit, this ain't it.<G> Some may disagree with the above, but I consider myself an above-average builder, and it has become a real job. They fly great, and I'm looking forward to that.

However, the odds of me building another one anytime soon are slim to none...

Steve

I agree the TF Contender is not a fast build but was great fun. I learned alot about kit building and the plane turned out fine. I put a Saito .91 in mine.

Here is the link to my Contender kit buidling.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...hreadid=521128

Good Luck!

All

Nice job, Al.

I hope to have mine finished by next week-end. I did the up-swept wing tips too.

But it has been so bloody hot & humid here, I just don't feel like getting out to fly.

Steve

Look at a AIRSAIL DH BEAVER if you want a quick build, non ARF military type kit.

Only problem is that it is really for a .32 - .40 engine (an OS LA or FP if you go .40 size)

But if you don't mind a smaller model, these build quite quickly
and look and fly well.