Hello fellas. Well, my dad and I just completed a definite builder's kit. That kit being the Pica/Dave Platt Duellist 2/40. In just six weeks, we took this thing from looking like a box of lumber to what you see below. Carving, sanding, more carving, more sanding, etc. It seemed like it would never end. The nacelles were intimidating to begin with, but we succeeded in completing them close to what they should look like.

Our twin is powered by two OS .50SXs with 3-blade Graupner 10x7 props to yank it through the wild blue. Dave Brown mechanical retracts have been installed. Two JR retract servoes do the job very well. Easy, main gear landings are a must with the limited prop clearance that we have.

The flight characteristics make this kit worth all of our labor and then some. Tracts very well, almost as good as some top notch pattern ships ala TigerTails, Phoenix 9s, and Kaos'.

I'd like to read some of your thoughts on how it looks...for being a kit. It's covered in Silver, Orange, and White UltraCote.

Sweet, dude! Very sweet!
I hope my twin Supersportster conversion comes out half as nice.

You both did an awesome job. I just ordered the Pica Duellist from Quantum Models. Is this the kit you built? Do the retacts you are using work good on grass? Which Dave Brown retacts are you using? What spinners and props are you using? Thanks for your reply.

Stallion - It's beautiful. I've always loved the Duellist since I first saw it in RCM many years ago. I've never built one for some reason, but it's one of only a few planes that went on my list and never came off. I'm surprised though that you did all that beautiful construction and then chose to use film instead of glass and paint. You did a great job on it though. You have good reason to be proud.

Did you by any chance take any construction photos? If so I'd love to see them.

- Paul

Great job, congratulations! I built and flew one for a couple of years and had a ball with it. Enjoy !