VSC 2K3 - Sharks!

LAST EDITED ON Mar-27-03 AT 00:48 AM (CDT)
 
Duuooh--doh.

Duuooh--doh.

Duuooh--doh, Duuooh--doh, Duuooh--doh.

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The Anti-Pool Shark.

I found this shark lurking in the quiet pool of shadow at the farthest end of the courtyard from the swimming pool. Very attractive Sharkesque paint scheme. Until you look real close at the krinkle finish black trim...

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The Sun Shark.

This Shark was sunning itself in the middle of the courtyard.

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The Dead Shark Exhibit.

Someone had obviously caught a shark years ago and now just the bones and a bit of sharkskin are left on display.

Should have had it stuffed.

Currell - that last one looks like it has your name on it...

Tim

Although I'm sure not everyone agrees, I find the Shark design interesting and appealing. The first truly great example I remember seeing belonged to Kaz Minato, and had a superb ST .46 which made a divine bubbly sound as it transitioned perfectly between 2/4 mode. Of course, Kaz flew it superbly, but I couldn't help noticing just how "modern" the Shark design actually is.

And even though the classic "shark" paint scheme is cool, I've seen some extremely nice paint jobs (Kaz' of course, but others too, like Nick Lemak's).

The design is inspired.

Cyber, THANKS again for your excellent VSC photo journalism!

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"I went on a diet, swore off drinking and heavy eating, and in fourteen days I lost two weeks." -Joe E. Lewis

Yes. Thanks, Tim.

I recall Lew McFarland as the designer of the "Shark 45", but can't remember who kitted it. Viewing these great pics has rekindled a small fire, and makes me ask:
1)Is this available as a kit now?
2)Was "45" the W.S. or the recommended engine size?
3)If someone kits this, what size is it, and all the info you guys always provide. (!)

Just when I thought it was safe to go back in the water (Atwater?)

LAST EDITED ON Mar-28-03 AT 10:04 PM (CDT)
 
Jetco kitted the Shark 45 originally. I think the original was powered by a Veco .45 . Maybe that's why Lew called it a Shark 45 but I'm not sure that's right. RSM kits the Shark 45 now. It is a big airplane, wingspan around 60". Good flying airplane but not an easy build. I think RSM is laser cutting the new kits, which would be a big help.
Mine is powered by a T&L Super Tigre .60. I just flew it today for the first time after a major rebuild. Needs a little trimming but not much. It was too windy to do any meaningful trimming today. Nice to have the big beast back in the air

Jetco did do the first kits. I built two of them. One in 67 and the second in 68. As I recall the plans showed a K&B 45. Can't remember if that was the engine that Lew used in his first one. The first Shark I had was a bit heavy and the K&B 45 was not a great one. Consiquently it didn't fly very well. The second one, I replaced some wood and managed to get the weight down and used a new ST 46. I liked that airplane better than any I have flown so far. The anti-pool shark in the pictures that were posted is mine. I tried to pass the krinkle finish off as real shark skin, but nobody bought it. I was pressed for time and tried to do a quicky paint job with spray cans. All same brand. When sprayed the clear it attacted the black. I guess you get out of a job what you put in to it. At this moment all the paint is coming off and a decent paint job will hopefully appear in its place.