Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

I am 1 month into my first build from plans. The aircraft is a 1/3 Howard Pete designed by David Anderson. I am cutting all the parts my self. I have almost completed the bottom half of the fuselage. The gear is complete and I have just fitted the wings. My question concerns balsa grading. The plans call out 4 to 5 lb. balsa. I know it is a little late in the game to be asking about grading but the more I look at the 1/8x3/8 fuselage stringers the more I am getting concerned. this will be my first time using coverall and am concerned about breaking stringers during the finishing process. The balsa I purchased was not graded. I know the difference between soft:no grain you can crush it easily with your fingers. hard: has a grain and not easily crushed. I wish I knew more in order to make better selections. Can someone explain the grading system (either standard or your own). Also we're is the best source for balsa?
Thanks

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

Do two searches here, one using the key word balsa selection then do one on the Howard Pete. I tried to post up the build thread but the address is about a mile long. I just read it last night. One of the best build threads I have seen here on RCU and it is on the Pete. I too have the plans and instructions for the Pete and have been trying to decide if I want it for my next build or not. I have another set of plans for a plane I like plus a nice kit. Can't decide what to build next.
There was an article on balsa selection printed in a couple of magazines, I have it someplace in my shop. It was posted on RCU at one point a few years back too.

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

Here is the link to mwhar760's Pete build back in 2010:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_94...tm.htm#9498530

Bill D.

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

Benny Howard built these things (Pete, Ike and Mike) with extra tall gear on purpose so you don't need to put the non-scale flaps on it. Your airplane so your choice.

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

Thanks Bill, I have the thread in my favorites but couldn't transfer it directly. Really an outstanding build thread, I read every page of it last night.
Gene
I would have loved to see the new owner maiden it though. I did see one maiden on Utube, was it this plane??

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

Links to a part One & Two build articles from this parent site: http://www.mnbigbirds.com/Andersen%20Plans.htm

http://www.mnbigbirds.com/Adobe%20Fi...0Art%20One.pdf

http://www.mnbigbirds.com/Adobe%20Fi...0Art%20Two.pdf

If I had followed the above link to the 2010 build Iwouldn't have posted this. 4 sheets of plans are available to download also.

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

Off topic, sorta, but did you know the original Howards, Mike and Ike, are being refurbished/ restored? The owners still have an original Menasco 6 cylinder engine that will be used. If this happens it'll be the first time in over 75 years that an original racer with an original Menasco 6 cylinder engine will take flight! Good luck with your Pete! It is really a cool airplane! I think a 'Pete' model won the very first 'Postal Free Flight' contest, too!

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

Here is the short video from David Andersons web site:
http://www.mnbigbirds.com/Andersen%20Pete%20Video.htm

BD

RE: Howard Pete and balsa selection
 

First time I saw that video all I could think was to reinforce the wing tips!!!!:D I haven't seen a grass field in a lot of years though.