not sure about what to do. the kits aleast 25-30 yrs old

Now that's a hard one. If you could get an old set of plans, you could
copy the kit parts and get a canopy from Tower. Then you would still
have the original kit. I have both the original 60 & 40 size kits but they
are not on my to build list. I've built two of the 60 size in the pass, I
could post photos if you like.


Ron

i picked the plane up on e-bay for 50 bucks it was in a unopened box but i opened it to check it out. everything is in top shape even the planes

I believe you may have a collectors item in this kit. Since you were the only person who opened
the kit, you can vouch for the kit's contents. As has been suggested, you could copy the kit, and
build it like a scratch model, or buy a new kit from Tower. I purchased mine a couple of years ago with the idea of building it right away. Unfortunately, I kept damaging my flying fleet, and had to spend time rebuilding. I am sure in what ever method you decide to use, you will be very happy flying this model as discussed on another thread a while back.

Have fun building!

Rich S.

Hi dannorman:

Welcome to the "Contender" club. I am just finishing one up. I purchased it off E-bay about 18 months ago.
The kit was 4 or 5 years old, but in excellent shape.

There were several of us building one and the thread is "Top Flite Contender" on this forum.

Enclosed are some pics. I am in the process of installing control rods and will have it all assembled
in a few days. Can't wait for the maiden. If you decide to build keep us posted. Some of us made rather
minute modifications. Read the thread and you will get lots of information.

Good Luck, whatever you decide to do.

Safebet: That is one nice looking Contender. I can tell that you are a skilled builder. Thanks
for the photo's as I was just a little confused about just how much the wing tips were to be angled up. One pilot at a field flying his Contender mentioned that the rudder area needed to
be increased as rudder control was not good during landing when the wing blanked out the rudder as was the case with the full size Swift aircraft. Let us know what you find when you
start flying the model. It would be a lot easier to mod the rudder during building than have to
do it after installation. Are you including the flap during construction?

As a Navy guy, it is nice to see your plane flying Naval colors. Think I will do mine in blue.

Thanks for sharing you construction with us.

Rich S.

dannorman, Being that pictures are posted here's a few more. The flap
isn't really needed as the plane lands so slow. If you want the extra work
of installing the flap, go for it but you may find yourself not using it to often.


Ron

Hi Fellows:

I modified the rudder somewhat. Via the plans the angle of the rear of the rudder angles back toward the nose. I straightened it out. (See picture) Also, I added 1/2" in width to the ailerons at the wing tip end and then adjusted the wing tiplength accordingly.

Yes, I am using the flaps option.

Andy Steere, an excellent builder, built a Contender. I have included some pictures of his rendition. Note the rudder.
He really changed the shape of it. I have not heard any flight reports from Andy, but I wish he would let us know
how his Contender flies. (See pictures.)

Due to the fact the OS .61 FX I am using is large, I had to, in reality, hand carve the cowling. I made it in such a way the the bottom (air scoop - functional) is screwed to the upper portion of the cowling, and the blocks, top and bottom,
at the spinner ring are also screwed from the sides. Had I not done this, I would never have been able to
remove the engine. Now I will be able to remove 3 screws from the bottom, remove the air scoop, and then
remove 2 screws from each side and remove the front blocks and pull the engine straight out the front. The cowling
sides are not removeable.

Please, guys, post pictures and let us in on how your plane flies, setup, etc. I will submit a photo when final
assy. is complete.

I mounted all the hardware, engine, servos, etc, the control surfaces and the wind. The plane was complete except for covering. I balanced it laterally. It required 1 oz. on the right wing tip to offset the muffler. Laterally, it is perfectly
balanced. I might mention, that I made the upswept portion of the wing tips so that they are screwed on in case of future
wing tip damage. I added a 1" wide strip of balsa, leading edge to trailing edge on the wing so that I could join the wing
covering and the tip covering on a flat surface. If I ever have damage, I will merely slit the covering from front to rear on
this strip, remove and repair the tip, re-install and recover .