I envy you guys. I have so much spare time that I have to take really long breaks from building so I don't get my current project done too soon.

Mike, did you get the PM I sent you about the parts directory? I have it. If you want a copy e-mail me and I'll forward you a copy. It's a PDF, and I can't attach it to the sites e-mail function. It helps ALOT!

Doug, some internet "dirt-bag" somehow got hold of my name, address, phone number and sent it out all over creation. I'm in the process of changing my e-mail so for the moment let's hold off. Totally stumped on such a silly thing, what's so hard about finding and then installing the leading and trailing edges of that assembly . Looked and looked and looked for the parts but nothing there. Maybe I better get that "PD" from you or even give John V. a call. Will proceed with more build tonight......... After I shovel another dang 10 inches of snow off the driveway ![:@] seeya then MM

Doug, I talked to John and he will FAX me a parts map. I'll get going again tonight and should'nt have any other delays Seeya tonight. MM

Doug, if your out there, here we go with somemore. The parts sheet from John was'nt too helpful. the parts labeled "ETE and ELE" are not on the list. Also, the are not marked on the balsa sheet. The elevator photo is somewhat vague. After some detective work, I traced them to sheet 9, 1/4 "balsa, JUST THE TRAILING EDGES mind you. I have yet to find the leading edges and may have to use 1/4"balsa stock for the leading edges. Vertical stab was easy enough and it was not difficult. I've built 15 kits but have never been stumped like this on tail feathers before but, thats the challange to build versus ARF's. Just love it. I'll post photos tomorrow, too late tonight. MM

Yeah Mike still here. Didn't get time to get to the shop until last night. High school wrestling season is coming to a close and am busy with that, and now daughters show choir season is going to go full tilt. With work thrown in, my time is limited to say the least!

I agree that the parts directory isn't a great deal of help, but it's better than nothing. John made an effort at least, which is more than I can say for a lot of mfg's.

Question on the wing leading edge. What did you use? Directions say 1/4" leading edge, and nothing else. The only 1/4" I found was two pieces of tri-stock, and they will not shape correctly. I have enough stock lying around that it isn't a problem, but I'm curious what you decided.

Also, what method did you use to locate the servo bay cover and get it cut into the sheeting so that everything lined up?

Should be ready to join wings and move on by mid week if I can get some time. I'll look into the vert and horizontal stab while glue dries this morning.

John, if you're listening, it's a great kit and a challenging and enjoyable build. But do future builders a favor...Upgrade the directions a little. I'm sure either Mike or myself could give some suggestions.

Boy I hate to quote myself!! I'll post the method that I used to locate the servo bay and install the hatch, since it worked out so well for me. Future builders may find it helpful.

I used the cover screwed to the rails to install the rails, as the instructions said. After sheeting was applied I gently cut out the bay to the edge of the rails and the ribs. At this point, I took four tee pins, and bent a 90 degree bend about 3/4" from the end. I poked the pins through the sheeting, from the inside of the bay, so that the sharp end was poking through the sheeting at the four corner holes of the rails. Then I just laid the cover over the pins, centered up the pins on the corner holes, and used the cover as a cutting guide. Dropped right in, lined up perfectly. All that worrying for nothing!

Pictures later. I'm on the wrong computer.

Hello Doug. Well, here's where were at. I marked, measured where the servo hatches went and then cut out. Leave enough room for the thickness of the Ultracote. That was'nt hard. The horizontal stab, well, I never did find the leading edges. I had to cut out my own to shape. Never did see the labeling on the balsa sheets for those parts. Wasted two evenings looking for them. Wer'nt [] on the parts sheet either. Look at the photos to see how its done. Actually, building the vertical stab showed me how to build the horizontal. copy it. The fuse is much easier than I thought. The hold-down hatch assembly for the cockpit assembly, need's improvement. I'm going to re-design it with a hidden nut. Don't like wood threads. It all lines-up on bulkheads and I use alphiatic resin glue so it takes a while longer to set and dry. Measures out straight and true . One thing, when glueing the aft fuse sections on, there is an inner and outer side [four pieces] . The ones with the long pushrod exits are the inner. It's moving faster now so if I'm not so tired when I get home, I should get more done on it. [Providing there is no snow to shovel][] seeya then MM

Told you guys, this kit seperates the men from the boys. MM

What is the airplane in the background there. Pretty cool looking.

Nice build thread guys. I have been loking for another kit to build. I was interested in the Greatplanes Arf Version of the
shoestring,but since it is no longer around I think this is my next option. Looks like it is a somwhat straight foward build.
Keep up the good work!!!

That is a Pilatus Turbo Porter from OK Models. Special order from Singapore and not sold in the US. $425.00 for the plane and $115 to ship it here. It's a 90 size with an OS 1.20 four-banger. Absoulutly spotless with many flights on it and I treat it like a baby. MM

I agree with Dan, that is a great looking airplane. Gotta love the one's you never see! If you missed the question Mike, what did yo come up with for the Wing leading edge? See my earlier post for the rest of the details. Just got home, so no work for me tonight. Wings are sheeted and ready to join though. I'm going to shape the ailerons from the kit, since I've got nothing to loose.

One more thing I forgot earlier. Did your hinge points on the trailing edge of the wing end up not centered after you shaped the TE? There's no way they could be centered (on mine) after I looked it over. Checked and double checked and I didn't build it wrong. I'm going to fill the existing and redrill. I'll post pics if you're interested.

Yo Doug, Oops, I was'nt paying attention. The leading edge on the wing, I used the triangle stock. Fit just fine and sanded it to shape, matter of fact, I did'nt even need to use any balsa putty. As for the hinge points, there was no problem there also. The three holes per side lined up just "peachy" Here's a couple photos. Remember, I decided to use pre-formed aileron stock. The fuse is coming along fine, I'm adding triangle stock the critical areas . MM

Your photo of the TE looks just like mine. In other words it looks like the pre-drilled holes aren't centered, as they are closer to the bottom of the wing than the top. Maybe it isn't an issue with the design, I can't tell since I'm so pitifully far behind! Hopefully tonight I'll get a chance to get the wings done and stat working the ailerons to shape.

The fuse looks great! It's usually my least favorite part of the build, but I'm looking forward to this one since it looks to build different than others.

Ya know Doug, Yes, those holes may be off just a skosh. I'll bet they could be doweled and re-drilled. No biggie. Don't worry about lagging behind, this is'nt a race. Were suppose to be enjoying this winter project......... I think....... Seeya later, MM

Yep, did the pinning and redrilling tonight, as well as finishing both wings complete. Since I'm going to use the supplied aileron "blanks", I decided to wait to join the wings until I get the ailerons fit right. UPS delivered a care package today as well! I now have all the pieces and parts I didn't have in stock to complete. No work tomorrow night, last conference wrestling meet of the year.

As far as falling behind, I'm not worried. I just wish that I could be helping you out more since I started this! C'mon Mike, I need to feel needed!

No problem Doug, stay with it. Tip #1 today. Ya know, we could fore-go the hinge pins on the ailerons alltogether and install the CA cloth type hinges. There's only three to do per side. And tip #2, If you have'nt already covered the horizontal stab, it might be a good idea to tuck in some three-quarter inch long by 1/4" square balsa just inside the trailing edge. Notch them so they fit right up against the inside [ where the CA hinges are going to line up at ] and this will give a little more "meat" for the CA hinges to wick to. That trailing edge is pretty thin for depth without extra balsa there and may not hold up to flying stress without reienforcment. If you need a photo describing this proceedure, let me know. Back to the "Fun and Games Dept" here at work [&o]. Later, MM

Mike, I did think about using CA hinges for the ailerons, but I'm going to stick with the pin hinges. I definitely will add the stock in the horizontal and vert stabs...if I ever get there! The end of January is just not a good building time for me. That's why I got up at 5:00 am this morning and headed down to the shop, so I could get some work done before we leave at 7:30 for our wrestling conference tourney.

Anyway, I got one of the ailerons done. Really wasn't that much work, and only took me about an hour to get one of them completely shaped and finish sanded. My handy dandy little power plane saved some time. 1st pic shows finished left ail fit in, and 2nd pic shows the finished ail and the blank that you start with. I did end up adding some stock to one end and then reshaping both ends for a better fit. Maybe tonight I'll get the other one finished and the wings joined so I can move on. Maiden flight late March...2010?

Well Done, Doug. I'm moving right along on the fuse. I'll post photos this Sunday of the progress. It's not difficult at all but I need to show a couple of pointers to save you some time. Also was able to install 16 oz tank. Wing saddle doublers are a tad confusing but a photo will clarify. Came out nice so far. It's late, goin' to bed. Ga-night, MM

Got back at it this morning. Finished the other aileron and started on the horizontal stab. First pic shows how fine the ribs are (it's a fully airfoiled surface) with my exacto knife for scale. The second picture shows the assembled surface. Mike, here's where you'll either decide to agree or disagree with me.

I've come to conclusion that you're right. They're not there at all. They're not mentioned in the directions, and only reference made is on the plans. I came to the conclusion that it's because there is no leading edge piece to apply. The way the ribs taper down to nothing at the LE, short of the elevator core LE (pic 2) was my first clue. I dry fit the whole thing up and looked at closely, and finally just glued it. I got so carried away, I almost forgot to add the extra balsa blocks for the CA hinges like you suggested. After I sanded the LE to shape, I'm very pleased with the way it came out, pic 3. I'm quite sure that your's will suffer no adverse effects with a piece installed, but I wanted to point it out and get some impressions.

Last pic is of the assembled wing surface. I epoxied the two halves together and used carbon fiber dowels for alignment pins. I'll also be using a carbon fiber rod for the wing mount dowel. I'm done for the day, and will get the laminated spar joiners installed tomorrow and start on the vert stab.

Did you notice the assembly of the elevators and rudder? More shaping and sanding. I've got a shop-vac full of balsa dust already!

Well Doug, I have to had screwed-up bad. The horizontal stab. It shows a leading edge balsa insert, I made and installed them. Thing is, your install makes a lot more sense. My whole stab looks warped and I'm deciding towards starting over with it from scratch[:@]. It wont take me long but it's still lost time. Let's move on. The fuse siding. I know there's a left and right but one still did not line up. It'll take a little bit of effort and possibly some help to line up and glue as you install. Nose photo show's the gap, I can take care of that. Also, wing saddle doublers are a tad short, look what I did to re-inforce. I want that stab to be right so I'll spend the time to do it. Seeya in a few days. mm PS, The instructions say three firewall bulkheads, the plans show four. Whats with that ?

And yes , there is a medical condition known as "Balsa-Lung" [ LOL] MM PS again, also nice Sundowner and B-25.

I wish that I would have traced the parts out for you. I didn't think about it until I was almost done. Do you still have the sheet that they were cut from? I've done that before on a botched part. I tried to take a picture of the LE of stab for you to see, but I couldn't get it to focus and come out worth a crap. Sorry about your luck. Hopefully you can straighten it out without much trouble.

I did get some more done tonight. The wife decided to pursue her hobby, which is getting aggravated with me, so I went to the shop for a while. Got the vertical stab done, and set up for fuse build. So far so good. I'm really pleased with the way this model is building. I just wish that the directions were a little more clear. Maybe John could take some suggestions from builders, and amend them. And add a few more pictures![X(]

As far as the Sundowner and the B-25--yes I assemble ARF's too. I build what I like and want to fly. I'm not pigeon-holing myself and refusing to do one or the other on principal. The 25 is new this fall (got the very first one shipped to my area) and will maiden this spring. My first twin, and I'm looking forward (and terrified ) to flying it.

reincarnate,

You ought to bash a little twin stick to get the feel of it before you fly your 25...
Twinman on the RCWarbird site has a tutorial for those whom want to cross over into as he puts it:... "(see “eccentric” in the dictionary) and challenging world of twin engine radio control airplanes."