dhal22

Seduced by the exquisite beauty of the MK Blue Angel and equally so the craftsmanship of 8178's build, I have ordered the plans, wing cores and canopy from Carolina Custom Aircraft [email protected] Although I am in the finishing stages of 2 other airplanes, I can't wait to get started on this one. As soon as I receive the kit i will begin to diligently post build photos and updates. Now to decide on the engine......[sm=confused.gif]

David

Atlanta 60

My Feedback: (18)

Excellent!!

Jeff Worsham

My Feedback: (28)

Glad to hear it! That's funny- I just ordered a Blue Angel from Dan at Carolina Custom Aircraft as well. Always wanted one since the 70's but could never afford the MK kit back then. Couldn't pass up Dan's offering, tho it'll be a while before I get to build it. Meantime, I'll anxiously watch as you build yours! Thanks for posting pics- jeff

PS: You know, I should add how nice it's been dealing with Dan via email. He's been timely with his responses and answered all questions before I sent any money. Seems real customer oriented and I appreciate that. Looking forward to getting his partial kit!

8178

My Feedback: (17)

Great news for a super design!

Many thanks to those that made it all possible.

Ron Ellis, plans, temples and canopy
Tony Howard canopy plug and canopies
Dan Hines wing and stab cores
And the folks that provided background documentation.

dhal22

"update"

I received my 'short kit' today and can't wait to get started. An order of balsa has already been placed and should be arriving shortly. Now i need to buy a SF or FSR, also I love Spring Air retracts, I will be ordering another set from them soon. Not being anywhere near the building ability of some of the other builders on this forum, I hope I'm not in over my head. This will be my 1st scratch build.

David

JPBIII

Does Carolina Aircraft have a web site? I could not find one.

Atlanta 60

My Feedback: (18)

Great News David!! Looking forward to it!! Can't wait to get some photos of a Blue Angel and Aurora flyin' echelon formation over GMA's pretty grass field...Wouldn't that be Classic!!

Great Stuff!!

Chuck

Atlanta 60

My Feedback: (18)

I don't think it's up yet...Last I heard he was working on one though...But if you will e-mail him he can send you his information...

Have Fun...

Chuck

dhal22

Dan's email address is the way to reach him. i placed it on the 1st post of this thread. apparently he can provide more than a BA short kit. a web site surely would help.

david

rainedave

My Feedback: (1)

I'm fortunate enough to fly with Dan a few times a year (we actually live pretty close to each other). He's great fun and totally dedicated to making first rate kits. The guy does not cut corners on any of the materials he uses. His foam cutting setup is amazing.

David

Deadstik

My Feedback: (8)

Hi,

My email has changed to [email protected] Another one of those computer things...Looks like another cool Blue Angel is going to take flight!!

Dan
Carolina Custom Aircraft

dhal22

Sorry Dan, I didn't catch the change of address until you pointed it out.

David

8178

My Feedback: (17)

Super news! I’m sure that you will be able to master it just fine. I recommend making the simple fuselage jig or you will have a heck of a time. Been outside spraying primer on mine.

dhal22

was at Lowe's today, looks like a return trip tomorrow for jig material. no reason not to continue to get ready, even if all building tables are occupied at the moment. with a Kinko's across the street, maybe i will get a couple of extra plan copies made for building and cutting purposes.

david

dhal22

building has begun. i have built a jig similar to 8178's. that might be a theme in this build. i have cut out several formers and side pieces. however, a couple of formers are not shown on the plans. i may have to ask 8178 (Mike) for advice there. my camera is missing it''s sd card so no pictures at the moment. i hope the early excitement stays with me through the rough phases.

david

dhal22

Bought another chip for the camera, so i''m able to get a few photos uploaded. it looks like i got this project started just in time to abandon it for flying season. hopefully that won''t be the case.

david

8178

My Feedback: (17)

Looking great! Your fuselage jig looks perfect. I wonder how people put the kits together without one.

WEDJ

Lots of eyeballing.

Jig does look like a good idea.

NM2K

My Feedback: (14)

I''m eager to begin glueing balsa together again. I never thought that this day would come (enjoying building). Now how do I go about building this fuselage jig? The Phoenix 5 utilizes a fiberglass fuselage with lots of compound curves...<G>|


Ed Cregger

dhal22

i think i enjoy building more than flying.

i purchased a precut piece of chip board as shown in the photos (12" x 48"?). i also purchased high quality 1 x 2 x 8' and a 1/4 x 2 x 4' strips of lumber as well as the bolts, washer and wingnuts shown in the photo. i cut 8" strips of 1 x 2 and back screwed them from underneath the chip board at fuselage former locations. of course i squared and clamped everything before screwing everything down. i used a countersink bit to predrill and flush all of the screws. i then clamped the 1/4 x 2 even with the 1 x 2's and drilled bolt holes. with the left over 1 x 2 i installed runners underneath the chip board to prevent warping. also, i put a center line on everything as i assembled the jig.

i hope thats a clear enough explanation.

david

dhal22

generating shapes for the formers not available on the plans has proven to be a challenge. a width and or height can be found but the top or bottom shape of the formers has to learned. by using formers in front or behind the missing formers and by referring to other similar builds i hope i have cut formers close enough to tack to the fuse sides. i then hope to lay planks over a span of formers and check as to whether i have the correct shape. what fun!

david

dhal22

for some reason the flash didn't pop on a couple of those photoss.

david

Nathan King

Looks very good. Keep it up!!

rainedave

My Feedback: (1)

Our names are not the only thing we have in common.

Nice, simple and functional jig. I'm a big fan of homemade tools, especially ones that are designed for a specific job. Looking great so far.

David

Atlanta 60

My Feedback: (18)

Looking Good!!