See how he is, just trying to scam a good deal! Really though, Clay, was in to pattern hot and heavy in the 80's and was very competitive. He flew my plane a few weekends back and I could see he still has the touch. I've been trying to get him back in the game the last few years, hopefully we can get the job done when he takes delivery of his new bird!

Hey Bob, thanks for your comments! Does this mean I'll get to see you at some contests this year? Really hope so, missed having you around last year!!!

Anyway, here are a few pics of progress on the MKII. Still a lot of work to be done, once the stab is set things should go pretty fast!

Todd

Looking great Todd!! Would love to see it debut at our Tulsa contest.

Steve Ford

Hello Todd
Perfect job.
I know you are very busy. But is it possible to get somes pictures of the fixation of the gear and how is reinforced the frame which support the gear.
Thanks

Yep, Todd... at this point, Tulsa, Springfield, and yours looks like the ones.

Does anyone ELSE feel that there are statutory violations in these pictures of his showing a workshop floor that is PAINTED epoxy, and a space that UN-Cluttered??? I think it's criminal....

And a chair with ROLLERS??? What is THAT about????

Hey Todd, how is the weight going on the bird.

Bob,

That is why it is so long between photo postings, it takes him along time to get it cleaned up for the pics!!!!! My guess he hires it done but cleaning professionals.

My flying isn't ready for Tulsa but I sure am!!!!

Nice job Todd, as usual.

Dan

Hello Papaone, glad to give you a closer view of the landing gear plate. The plate is (2) 1/8 ply pieces with unidirectional carbon fiber laminated in between. The fuselage is reinforced with carbon tow underneath where the plate is glued in. The reinforcement boxing is 1/8" liteply.


Hey Steve, wish it could be done by Tulsa, but don't think that's possible. Hopefully it will fly by the first of July. Looking forward to your contest!!

Robert, don't know the total weight, but each wing panel currently at 9.5oz each stab panel 3oz. I'm hoping for wing panels to be 13 oz each ready to fly which is what the wings I'm flying now weigh.
.
Bob, Glad to hear your going to be to some contests this year, especially ours!!, looking forward to seeing you again. The pics were taken in my "clean room" where I keep my finished planes. The shop area is another story!!!!

Got to get back to work, thanks everyone!

Todd

Todd is FREAK when it comes to clean. His phobia caused a lot of conflict when we shared the basement at Mom and Dad's house growing up as teenagers...me being a slob and all. Whoever heard of a tidy teenager?

Clay

Hello Todd
Thanks for all. You are very nice.
Will Defiant II product and sold ? How to get it in Europe ?
Regards

Hello Papone,

I guess it would depend on a lot of factors that are unknown at this time. Mainly how she'll fly and if I can produce fuselages in an acceptable time that are up to quality standards (workmanship and weight) all of us desire. It would be neat to see others flying this though!!

Todd

Hey Dan and Bob,

See, I'm just like the rest of you guys, maybe worse!

Todd

Been making some progress, did a little wood working and am down to the little stuff! Hopefully by the first of July!!

Todd

Hmmm... looks like a 78.387" ceiling in a basement to me....

Excellent appearance, Todd. Has a *lot* of that "looks about right" to it.... I think it will be a really good bird for you!

Oh My God!!! is that a little red apron hanging on the post?

Dan

Holy Crap, Dan........... you're RIGHT....... Todd, "come clean"........ are you THAT OCD/AR ???????????

That is an absolutely GORGEOUS airplane Todd. Not only are the lines very pleasing, but your build of it is immacculate. I really look forward to seeing it finished. Will you be at the Nat's and if so, do you think you'll have it? Take care.

Amazing Todd! Really nice building approching to the end Do you already know your colour scheme? I'm sure it will be really nice as your plane is!
Regards

Guillaume

Hey Dan and Bob,

Doesn't everyone wear an apron when building airplanes? I can't go back to the office after lunch with glue and balsadust all over my cloths!! Besides, it turns my wife on when I wear it!



Thanks for your comments Guillaume, I'm ready to have this bird done, been a long hard project since November. No color scheme yet, but its getting close and I really need to start thinking of what I want to do. Need to find some inspiration somewhere soon...

Ryan, thanks for your comments also. I wish I could make the NATS this year but it doesn't look like its going to happen. I'm seriously thinking of next year though. It would be nice to go again...

Thanks everyone, I'll keep progress pics coming!

Take care!!

Todd

"Doesn't everyone wear an apron when building airplanes? I can't go back to the office after lunch with glue and balsadust all over my cloths!! Besides, it turns my wife on when I wear it! "

WAYYYYYY too much information.......... frightening images, to say the least.............

(But REALLY is a great looking bird)

Now I am really ready for Tulsa, I must see Todd flying the first round in his apron.

Dan<-------has digital camera charging.

I wasn't planning on having the local TV stations out for the Tulsa contest. But now with Todd sporting the latest pattern fashions I may need to call them. All I ask Todd is that the apron isn't the only thing you have on. heehee

Steve Ford

I sure hope the apron doesn't say "Kiss the Chef" on it.

Dan

You guys are in for a BIG SURPRISE!

Todd

Todd, I'm just curious, is there any reasoning for the sharp sweepback on the wings? and the tips? Surely by having the wing tips taper like that you're losing wing area?

Hello Rendegade,

The area on this wing is approximately 990sq. in. with a 75" wing span measured at the tip trailing edge. I like a double tapered wing with area in the upper 900's. To me this helps snapping and stall break capabilities of the plane. I've experimented with different tip shapes and feel the flaired tip adds slow speed stability as well as a cleaner snap. Some may not agree, but this is what I've found works best.

Thanks,

Todd