Andrew- the instructions call for a 2" spinner and 2 3/4" wheels. I'm actually going to use 3" wheels for (hopefully) better ground performance. This has been a really satisfying build so far, I'll post this weeks pics tonight or tomorrow. Some of the steps have been a bit time-consuming, and then there is always the necessary evil of J.O.B. [8D]

OK, as promised- a few more photos of the build.

I got the cabane mounting tubes measured and installed. Damn J-hooks were a pain, ended up having to cut them to size on the "j" end because they were too long, and also add wood underneath because there wasn't enough thread! [:@] Oh, well- it's done. I took very careful measurements, and when finished everything was spot-on. [&:] Luck. I also added balsa triangle stock to the firewall (not called for in the plans, but I would rather not have the engine make any side-trips).

The triangle reinforcements...

I got a little sloppy w/the epoxy

Make sure that you have all the necessary "tools" before embarking on a building project!

OK, next thing you do is begin the sheeting process. I cut the rough 1/8 balsa sheets, wet them and wrapped them around a wine bottle of appropriate size for 24 hrs. When they were dry, there was very little bending necessary to form them to the fuse.

Here is the rough install of the first bit of top-sheeting; still have to start the cockpit shaping and there will be a lot more sheeting added over this next week. Stay tuned!

nice work! man this build is teasing me. im "not allowed" to start anything until after christmas [&o] . i also like to have all the appropriate tools for my build. it keeps everything at a nice relaxed pace, and helps deal with those fine tasks that would otherwise be a pain

hi flycfii
i have been looking for something to build this dark and wet irish winter
and i think i have found it ..[sm=idea.gif]
just been reading your build and i love this type of thread.
it taking shape keep up the good work.
belfast flyer

hey, its almost time for a progress report!
i hope you were able to find time to work on it.......I cant wait for you to maiden this thing, and the build has just started.
make sure you get video.

I'm powering my Smith with an OS 52 Surpass and likes a 11x6 APC prop. We fly off of a grass fiels so I didn't bother with wheel pants but use 3" wheels. I have a red Du Bro small metal spinner but otherwise would probably use a 21/4" white Du Bro. One servo in center of wing with lots of aileron throw set by linkage at torque rods. Stock landing gear has stood up very well after 4 yrs. Set up N struts pretty much to planwith some reinforcing ply epoxied to ply plates in wings but will look at a diffewrent way of connecting N struts when I build my second Smith this winter. Your build looks good.

Norm- post some pics of your smithy for us! I'll update sometime later today, lots of balls in the air this week. [sm=drowning.gif]

OK, as promised- some shots of this week's progress. Side stringers, and some more sheeting.

I'm getting into a part of the build where I really have to pay attention to the plans- for a lot more than just parts alignment. Example- the rectangular plywood cowl-mounts are supposed to be flush-mounted on the sides of ther fuse, inside the balsa sheeting. The instructions tell you to sheet the sides, but say nothing about cutouts for the plywood pieces. Guess if I'd seen that before being told to laminate sheeting to the fuse sides, I would have done the cutouts beforehand- doh!

what's the nice little "burn" on the plans just in front of the fin??? LOL

Uhh, in regards to the burn... I was gettin' a little tired to be using the brazing torch, I guess, just not paying attention. [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

Thankfully I have the plans scanned; those were just a copy. The originals will be archived.

LOL just wondering..........we all do strange things when we're tired.......like trying to build an airplane! LOL i've been up till 2 or 3 in the morning working and when i go to sleep and go back to work on the kit i have to sit there for 20 or 30 minutes wondering "why the he!! did i do that???"

I even have workshop dreams- [sm=bananahead.gif] but those are usually pleasant. Not like the ones I've been having about work; not fun at all.[:'(]

I'll try to get some more miniplane pics posted this week.

ive had a few late night build sessions.... now when im getting tired, or to that stage where i need to take a breather, i tend to set the glue bottle down, and take a nice break to refresh my mind, so i dont make any stuid mistakes (not that there are any "smart" mistakes).
on one of my builds, it was fairly late, and i did the classic make 2 left hand parts instead of one for each side of the plane. i felt like a complete retard the next day....... but ive learned from that mistake.....kind of......

hey, any progress this week?

Unfortuneately my first mini plane was demolished this year and no digital pics but took these from photos. Next one will look the same.

Howdy, all- no progress on the Miniplane for the last couple of weeks; I'm getting a decent promotion @ work and its been busy!!

Andrew- hang in there, man- I'll be back.

Norm- sorry to hear of your loss- nice pics!

congrats on the promotion! hope u can get more work done......on the plane that is

nah..........he'll just have more $$$$ to buy BARFs !!!!! LOL

flycfii, I´ve been reading through your build thread and see one major problem... you have a great area for building and way too few planes. Report back to us when there are planes hanging from every possible nook and cranny and balsa dust and monokote scraps covering the floor.

been there, done that, got the nagging from the wife to prove it!!!! LOL i just started final assembly of my skybolt and had to clean the shop before i got started. didn't realize it had gotten to be as bad as it was.

You do not want to see my workroom right now.