Well, first I want to thank all those folks here at The Universe that helped in this build. It was a long winter build. I gained so much information watching the numerous posts on this plane. This was my first build and with some much needed help from Dad I think it was a success. After flying my trainer this spring I was finally ready to maiden tonight. It was certainly an awesome experience. And yes I was shakin' a bunch. What a great plane!
The details.
Increased size and tapered rudder.
Tapered ailerons and elevator
Clipped and rounded wing tips
Sheeted turtle deck.
Removable fuel tank hatch.
O.S. 91FS w/Slimline pitts muffler.
Canopy and Wheel pants from Bruce Tharpe.
Cowl from Fibreglass Specialties.
Awesome decals from Bad Brad Graphics.

I guess now you where the screen name came from.
Straub Beer. It's a good thing.

STRAUBMAN,
Wow!!!! What a great looking plane. Give yourself a pat on the back. So, how did it fly???

Ken

No Light Beer is Good Beer!

I'll tell you one problem you may have... All the black can disappear against a dark background (Like final approach with those trees behind you)

Great engine choice!

Good looking airplane. Too bad you shot the pic with that ugly guy holding it

Very nice looking bird for your first build, Straudman! Glad to hear the maiden went well and delivered that shaking rush that comes with a maiden ('specailly kit built!).

You guys keep doing this to me. I've destroyed two 4*60's in the last year and I thought I was over the adiction. GOTA have another. Great looking plane. Awsome covering and details.

MinFlyer may be right about the color, but if you can keep it in close, and you have some bumble bee strips on the bottom of the wings to tell you which side is up, you will not have a problem.

Great job.

Don

It just looks SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOD, it's just SOOOOOOO hard to see. How about some photos of the bottom. Outstanding graphics.
I have one on the bench ready to cover. I taught my youngest stundent to build, just waiting for him to get back from vacation and do the finish sanding then the covering. It won't be that nice looking though.[8D]
That really is A beauty!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL - Amen brother!!!

Good job on a good looking plane, but as some have said it may be a little hard to see at times.

And believe me, I'm not trying to burst your bubble, it really does look good! But I had an "Almost-all-black" plane one time - In fact, it was a 4* 40 - and when it went below a tree line it all but disappeared.

I added some 2" wide yellow bands to the leading edge (Like the black bands in the picture below) and it popped right out on final.

Fantastic looking plane, please give us reports on flight, landings, ect... Fly it on sunny days, watch the evening flights. I have an black plane, orange and black bottom which helps. Black is so cool though you have to have at least one. Bring a white sheet to the feild to cover from the sun when sitting on the sideline.
Nice job-whats next!

I have a 4*60 almost ready to cover, very excited about getting it done.

Yours looks great!

Thanks for all the complements. I was wondering about the leading edge. Two guys at the field said no problem. Well let me tell you. Dropping in over the trees on final was interesting to say the least. I definatly need to put some color on the leading edge. No pics of the bottom right now but I have two 4" white stripes on each wing. As for leading edge, I'm not sure what will look good and be functional. At this point I need something I can see or I may not have a pretty plane for long. Probably white. Any thoughts?
Frenchie. As for flying. I think it flys very good. Lots of power which I'm not used too. Not too fast though. Landings are a breeze. Actually need to give it a bit of power at the end. I need to increase the aileron throws a bit. A little slow on the rolls. The engine started making noises on the last flight. Sounds like an exhaust leak but it's not. I believe I have to adjust the valves already. About 6-8 tanks throught it.

No trees for miles from our field; just send it on South! Nice plane put some color on the LE, maybe just the wingtips and the next two ribs sections of the outer LE in white w/ gold trim.

You plane is impressive.

Great graphics! If you do add strips to the LE, make sure they are at least a foot wide, or wider. White or yellow 18" long in the middle of each wing panel would be ideal. One my black birds, I use white and black stripes on the bottom, and have them run slightly up the LE from the bottom. Makes approach much easier.

That's a beautiful 4 Star! Congrats.

I have to ask about the graphics - did you have them custome made? If so, how much did that cost? I am almost ready to cover my 4*60 and was thinking about doing it in a Dallas Cowboys scheme, I was wondering if that graphics company could provide the logos ect for that.

I apperciate your help!

Manks

Hey manks. Bad Brad Graphics did them for me. I sent him some pics with dimensions and some Straub graphic ideas. He put it all together. I can't believe the detail he was able to do on the little "Straub Guy" Cost for decals was around $50. Much easier putting on than covering on covering. No bubbles or wrinkles. He's a great guy to talk to. Works out of his basement and makes a living at RC airplane decals. Check out his prices on servo extensions and Y-harnesses too. I'll definatly be doing some business with him again. [link]http://www.badbradgraphics.com/index.html[/link]