Finally finished

LAST EDITED ON Dec-01-04 AT 04:33 PM (CST)
 
The long-rumored Vector 40 project is finished, finally. Here are a couple of pictures.
Data:
Airplane: Vector 40, designed by Randy Smith, built from Brodak kit, no notable modifications.
Engine: O.S. LA .40, all stock, with SuperTigre needle valve.
Prop: APC 11x4
Spinner: Tru-turn 1-3/4"
Wheels: Dubro 2" Ultra Lite
Wheel Pants: Randy Smith fiberglass
Finish: Brodak dope
Flying weight: 48 oz.

I had troubles with the finish (relearning some old lessons I knew but forgot about), but the problem was entirely with me; the Brodak dope is excellent. I plan to use the lessons learned pretty quickly to take a run at a better looking plane.
Note the canopy: My weak sense of humor is at work in the gauges, the coffee mug and the little copy of stunt news. The gauges indicate "up," "lap time" and .
It has two flights on it at this writing. Some minor trim is indicated, but it seems to have the potential to be a great flier.
--jt

John Thompson

Gee John, your going "pro-stunt" on us. Looks really good. Like the cockpit. Flown it yet?

Only two flights. I could tell I will really like it but want to fiddle with balance, tweak flaps, etc. No major problems. Loved the LA .40 run, lots of power even at a relatively rich setting.

John Thompson

LAST EDITED ON Dec-01-04 AT 04:44 PM (CST)
 
John, you are an inspiration! That pilot figure looks like he'd be worth a closeup or two on his own! Fantastic cockpit... I hope I can do that sort of thing one day...

(how on EARTH did you ever find such a small copy of SN???? )

Tim

The pilot was painted by my wife, who is an artist. The tiny copy of Stunt News was purchased at a special bookstore that handles only very small publications. I'm most proud of the coffee mug, which I made myself from brass tubing and music wire. Painted, it looks just like the real thing.

>John, you are an inspiration! That pilot figure looks like
>he'd be worth a closeup or two on his own! Fantastic
>cockpit... I hope I can do that sort of thing one day...
>
>(how on EARTH did you ever find such a small copy of SN????
> )

John Thompson

Now get over here and finish MINE!!!!

LAST EDITED ON Dec-01-04 AT 07:49 PM (CST)
 
Awesome.

Kind of looks like the Skylark box. Man that was an awesome looking plane too.

That Vector will cut some didos.

Looks really nice, John!
I hope it flies better than your highest expectations.
Bill <><