Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

OK,

I finally did it. I got everything gathered together and shipped the unbuilt, still in the box, Sterling Stearman kit to Ed at Lazer Works.

http://lazer-works.com/index.html

I shipped it via Fed-Ex today. (Friday, May 15th)

My apologies for lack of alacrity. I could've, should've sent it weeks ago.....[&o]

I thought I'd post this thread to both inform y'all of the shipment, but also as a collection point for information on the short-kit and what's needed to complete the plane.

First, what I shipped.

I shipped the complete kit. Instructions, plans, materials, decals. I did NOT ship the vacuum formed parts, those parts were the cowl, radial engine, and wheel legs/pants.

The original kit does NOT include wheels, so you'll need to find 4-1/2" wheels.

I suspect Ed will receive the box sometime around mid-week next week. Usually it takes him a few weeks to convert a set of plans to a short kit. Once he gets started on it that is... I have no idea what it'll take for him to do this conversion/replication.

Other tidbits I've discovered so far.

1. Fiberglass specialties (http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/) makes a cowl (ST-3). Whether they make other parts, like the radial engine or wheel pants/legs, not sure.

2. Robart makes replacement struts for this bird. I came across one thread saying stock landing gear had a tendency to bend.


That's about it for now... As I get updates from Ed, I'll try to post them.

If others have information to add, especially about the plastic parts, please feel free to add them....

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

sounds good

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

This sounds great. The kit his almost disappeared. Glad to see it will soon be available again. I e-mailed Ed to let him know that as soon as he gets it done I will be purchassing a complete set of what he offeres. Thanks again for doing this.
Sharpeye

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

I too will be looking to purchase a laser cut kit,although I just recently purchase an original Sterling pt17 kit I think the laser parts will afford a stronger and hopefully lighter airframe.</p>

Rcten</p>

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

I gave two away-the wood was junk

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

I got an email from Ed today... (June 1st, 2009)

He's received the kit, but said it'd be a couple weeks before he could start on it. He did not give any timeframe for how long it will take after he starts...

He also said there was a vacuum plastics place in Wichita Falls, and thinks the plastic pieces can be reproduced. I'll get them boxed up and shipped down in the next week or so.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

When you let us know you had sent the kit to Ed. I went ahead and e-mailed him to let him know I wanted one when he got ready. Below is copy of his responce:

&gt;Hello Larry,
&gt;
&gt;Thank you for your order! I will keep track of your order.
&gt;It will probably be end of July/1st of August before we
&gt;have this project worked out.

&gt;Regards,
&gt;Eddie Taylor
&gt;Lazer Works

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

This is very exciting  news. 

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Aha!

Have two of these kits, supposed to be very accurate (scale wise) but as everyone says the die cutting is horrible. I have started one of mine the other will remain in the collection, but so far i've been sanding the parts to shape or making new ones.

Why did I not see this post earlier?:)</p>

Thats great news though because its a promising kit and a shame its extinct...</p>

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

I'm interested in this kit also.  What are the specs, wingspan, weight, engine etc..

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Hi, sorry for long delay on your questions, the spec's for Sterling's PT17 Stearman FS-20 kit are as follow's:

ws 64.5", length 50"
.56 TO .65 2 stroke engine or 90 to 1.20 4 stroke and if you really want scale a technopower 7b or better yet 9b.
wt. 10 - 12 lbs.
bottom wing 560 sq in's
top wing 645 sq in's
19 - 23 oz's per sq. ft. wing loading

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Here's the latest on this project

On August 16th I wrote:


What's the latest update???

Just curious.. what are you planning to do about the plans and
metal parts that are needed for the plane? Are you going to
reproduce them as well???



Ed replied:


We're just about finished with the workup on the Stearman parts. Hopefully we should have it ready to cut by Monday, next week.

As far as plans, yes plans will be no problem. It'll be four pages and it'll be $40 for the set.

As far as metal, I have no way of getting that produced. I have not been very successful at finding a commercial wire bending service that will take small jobs.

Regards,
Eddie Taylor
Lazer Works


I answered back:


I can't help you on the metal either...

But I did have a thought. In the plans, maybe you could include
drawings and/or templates. So that builders could fabricate what
they need.

Just a thought.


Ed answered with:


Yes, I will be including a number of drawings for changes that I have made. I don't know about templates for making the wire parts but I'll look into it.

Regards,
Eddie Taylor
Lazer Works



There you have the latest news... Hopefully soon, we'll be able to get this plane again.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Bending wire won't be a problem if you have a bench mounted vice and one of these http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXL786&P=0 As long as the parts are shown on the plans of course. I think Robart once made oleo landing gear struts for the Sterling Stearman.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

how do i go about ordering one of these, this is my childhood favorite, got to have it.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

I, too, gave my Sterling kit away alooong time ago when I decided I'd have to use most all the parts as "patterns" and make up new parts for the actual build. This lazer offering will be a great way to build a nice looking model from "back when". Thanks to all involved!

Soft landings.

Joe

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Went to Ed's site and didn't see any information on ordering this offering...did I look in the right place? (I did see LOTS of "memories" on the site though :D)

Soft landings.

Joe

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Ed's not done yet.. with any luck, it'll be on Ed's website in the next week or so... be patient.. not much longer to wait.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Wow. I've only seen that kit once before.....

Is this guy Ed making a lot of them? I would purchase one, too.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Ed does not keep kits in stock.. He cuts the parts as the orders come in..

So get your Paypal account charged up.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Will do vmsguy!

Thanks for the heads up

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Robart has the struts available for the Sterling, Royal and Midwest kits. When you order, make sure that you specify Part # PT17R&S. The attach brackets are different for the Midwest kit. You can bend a wire gear but it is not stiff enough.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

I do have a question...

The most recognizeable color scheme for the Stearman is the navy blue and yellow.

What coverings most closely match? MonoKote's "Cub Yellow" seems too dark, but "yellow" seems too light. "Royal Blue" looks pretty close for the blue shade.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

MonoKote on a Stearman??? Blasphemy! Fabric and dope is the only thing that would "closely match".

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

Hi All, Got a call from Ed (Lazer Works) today,:D:D:Dthey will be ready to ship me a short kit this coming week, but he's still waiting for the plastic parts so they can be recreated.

RE: Sterling Stearmin, PT-17, lazer reproduction
 

I think the yellow was always refered to as "Chrome Yellow". Not sure about the name of the blue.