Professional builders. Are there any?
#1

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Being the type who likes to fly and hates to build I was just wondering . . . are there well known "shops" or individuals that contract out to build models on spec for customers? I know some folks will build for a friend, but I'm wondering about people or businesses that do it on a regular basis.
Thanks as always
JP
Thanks as always

JP
#2

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There are several. One guy was really great though his name escapes me at the moment. He's in south-central NT State. I think the NSRCA site has links.
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ORIGINAL: patternflyer1
There's a guy on the Chief Aircraft website. I can find it for you if you would like.
C
There's a guy on the Chief Aircraft website. I can find it for you if you would like.
C
Found him!
[link=http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin/rcm/hazel.cgi/hzpi/u/HzSt0204pZjw1NWc9N/hazel.cgi?action=serve&item=/Models/BuilderServices/BuilderServices.html]Dave Sullivan[/link]
Thanks Chris. By the way keep me in mind if the season gets closer and you still don't have a replacement plane. I happen to have a few extra hangin around.

JP
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I don't think Bob builds pattern planes for people anymore. I believe Dave is only entertaining past customers whom he has a good working relationship with.
#7

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ORIGINAL: Ryan Smith
Dave Guerin and Bob Noll come to mind.
Dave Guerin and Bob Noll come to mind.
Ryan,
Is that the Dave that built Joe L's Integrals? Joe felt he probably wouldn't be taking any new customers. Have you heard the same?
And where is Bob Noll located? Does he have a contact point online?
Thanks for the leads!
Of course I'm more than set for now, but I'm already thinking ahead to next winter

JP
#8

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Why do you hate building?
If you look closely within these forums you will find that even some of the last generation of wunderkind have become progressively interested in the setup, design, engineering and construction of aircraft.
And these are people who have had many things virtually handed to them on a silver platter.
I understand having occasional time management issues, but there are few things in this sport more satisfying than flying, trimming and winning with your own custom model you built for yourself.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
If you look closely within these forums you will find that even some of the last generation of wunderkind have become progressively interested in the setup, design, engineering and construction of aircraft.
And these are people who have had many things virtually handed to them on a silver platter.
I understand having occasional time management issues, but there are few things in this sport more satisfying than flying, trimming and winning with your own custom model you built for yourself.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
#9
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There are several pro builders I can think of off the top of my head that normally build IMAC and/or giant scale aerobatic planes such as the large Daltons/Cardens/Aerotechs etc....but I don't think they do pattern type aircraft or if they do I haven't seen it (which doesn't mean much).
#10

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ORIGINAL: grotto2
Why do you hate building?
. . . there are few things in this sport more satisfying than flying, trimming and winning with your own custom model you built for yourself.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Why do you hate building?
. . . there are few things in this sport more satisfying than flying, trimming and winning with your own custom model you built for yourself.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Great input, and thanks for the nudge. I think I would have to agree with your opinion.

I really don't hate building; it all comes down to the usual complaints: space, time, skill, tools, lack of mentors, and the desire to have a "perfect" plane.
Sadly I admit to suffering from airplane vanity, and love staring at a hanger full of pristine models

Thanks again for the nudge, though. I'm slowly improving my skills and tool set year by year so who knows . . . maybe next winter I'll get the courage to try building a 2M myself.
JP
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I agree with Grotto 2, I am just getting back in and have moved and downsized my house. But, I just can't see myself flying a plane that looks like every other plane at the field. I am re-doing my back deck and screened in porch to make a building area. Ilove to build them as much as Ilike tofly them. Just my 2 cents worth.
T
T
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Just make sure that whoever you pick has experience with modern 2M Pattern airplanes. For example, pro builders with experience only on 40% gas stuff may not appreciate the nuances that are required to get it right on a Pattern bird.
#13

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ORIGINAL: NJRCFLYER2
Just make sure that whoever you pick has experience with modern 2M Pattern airplanes. For example, pro builders with experience only on 40% gas stuff may not appreciate the nuances that are required to get it right on a Pattern bird.
Just make sure that whoever you pick has experience with modern 2M Pattern airplanes. For example, pro builders with experience only on 40% gas stuff may not appreciate the nuances that are required to get it right on a Pattern bird.
I hear you have lots of experience Ed . . . and you're even close to me in distance . . . ever thought of a second career


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I know what you mean, Ed. I really think good builders don't charge enough, either. I'd have to have $50K and a year to deliver to be motivated to do it.
2Sunny, I guess I was lucky enough to come along when the finishing standard wasn't at today's level.
2Sunny, I guess I was lucky enough to come along when the finishing standard wasn't at today's level.
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ORIGINAL: 2Sunny
Great input, and thanks for the nudge. I think I would have to agree with your opinion.
I really don't hate building; it all comes down to the usual complaints: space, time, skill, tools, lack of mentors, and the desire to have a ''perfect'' plane.
Sadly I admit to suffering from airplane vanity, and love staring at a hanger full of pristine models
but I'm so inexperienced I end up making mistakes when I try to build that make my planes look and fly slightly less than professional. I'm trying my hand at painting this winter and really don't enjoy that part without having the proper tools and area to work in, and covering, I can't even imagine the practice needed to become adept at that. Add to that the fact that I don't have any RC builder friends close by from whom I can take notes, I just feel overwhelmed when I look at a kit like the Delro or the VISA. Someday when I'm retired and can build a dedicated workshop, I think I might actually enjoy building, even perhaps building for others, but right now there are so many planes I want to try, and so little time in which to build and paint I feel a need to rely on others for help.
Thanks again for the nudge, though. I'm slowly improving my skills and tool set year by year so who knows . . . maybe next winter I'll get the courage to try building a 2M myself.
JP
ORIGINAL: grotto2
Why do you hate building?
. . . there are few things in this sport more satisfying than flying, trimming and winning with your own custom model you built for yourself.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Why do you hate building?
. . . there are few things in this sport more satisfying than flying, trimming and winning with your own custom model you built for yourself.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Great input, and thanks for the nudge. I think I would have to agree with your opinion.

I really don't hate building; it all comes down to the usual complaints: space, time, skill, tools, lack of mentors, and the desire to have a ''perfect'' plane.
Sadly I admit to suffering from airplane vanity, and love staring at a hanger full of pristine models

Thanks again for the nudge, though. I'm slowly improving my skills and tool set year by year so who knows . . . maybe next winter I'll get the courage to try building a 2M myself.
JP
As far as building one from any of the available kits, just take the plunge. That's what we all did at one time or another. And we have all made mistakes along the way but that's called experience now.
MattK