Any word on availability of the Brio?

Was wondering that myself...no updates on Piedmont's website. That was the model I planned to build this
winter for the coming season but it's looking like next winter. Still, I think it will be worth the wait...


Scott

I emailed them about a month ago to see if there were any new updates available on the status of the Brio. It has gone unanswered. I as well would like to get one, but I'm not planning on putting it together until next winter.

I have also been looking at the Brio for sometime before the end of the year. The total lack of activity at Piedmont has got me a little worried.

The fact that it is at least a couple months behind schedule suggests a production problem to me. I have a feeling that Lee is making sure that they release an excellent product. I'd like to hear from him. He's working with a new manufacturer and that could be tough. I hope things work out because we need Piedmont. They are one of the few companys we still have that wants to produce a good 2 meter kit. I miss the Temptation kits and I am sorry that they stopped producing them because I think the plane still had a decent market demand. Of course all this is just speculation fueled by a lack of knowledge. Mike

Mike did you repaint the Valdez?

I figured the reason the Temptation kit went away was also because he lost his supplier.

Hey Brian I have the Exxon Valdez at Jim Hubbards and I don't know if it's done yet. Mickey is doing my rehabbing on Dave Snows old Smaragd. It's going to be called the Smorphidite. It has a Temptation wing with a Phenom sweep and a slightly different position. I have the feeling like it will be a great plane but if we guessed wrong than I'll be back to the Valdez. We got lucky and were able to fit a Temptation canopy to the deck on the Smorph. It looks interesting with a little sleeker canopy. I think it looks nice.
As far as the Temptation goes here's what I heard thru the grapevine. I was told the fuses were made by Composite ARF and they have the molds. I hope they can get them into the hands of someone else so they will be produced again. I know that the Chicago gang would have placed a decent order for them had they been available. But as I said before I'm not sure of any of the rumors I've heard about that subject.
The season will be here soon. Also we are having a pattern seminar here on the 16th of April and we would love to have you and anyone else who is interested attend. Mike

My observation is that Lee works hard to get Piedmont's products right and that can be frustrating for him and us. So, before the speculation starts, here's a copy of a note I received Jan 20.

Very sorry for the late reply.

The kits are shipping to us now. So it won't be long.

Lee

Earl,
Are you going to be flying a Brio ?

tommy s

I wish they would re-release the Temptation also. I would like to do another one, now that I have done one the second would be better, hopefully.

Tommy

If things go well I will continue with my Partners again this year. However, the Brio is definitely an option for the future. I am very impressed with the quality and value of the prototype that Lee was showing at the Nats. Likewise, I respect Quique's assessment of the airplanes performance.

Earl,
Yes, I was impressed with his statement that the Brio was the best F3a airplane that
he had ever flown. Maybe next year for me too, but I guess I'd better concentrate on
intermediate class this year first.

tommy s