4 Meter Decathlon Tow Plane

[SteveR]

Hi Guys,

This summer I towed behind a 4 meter Decathlon tow plane in Switzerland. It is sold by www.fliegerlandshop.de in Germany. It's a fabulous tow plane but way more money than I want to spend. So I began to explore other options and have ordered 2 sets of Wendell Hostetler 1/3 scale Decathlon plans enlarged to 40%.

I spoke with a highly recommended kit cutter and he is willing to do 3 short kits for $400 each, probably a bit less. He won't cut only one kit given the economies of scale.

I'm also exploring the possibility of purchasing fiberglass wheel pants, cowl and windows to fit but don't have anything concrete to offer at this time.

Are there any of you interested in going in on this project? Will need at least 2 other short kit buyers. Please let me know.

Regards,

Steve

[SteveR]

Well, given the underwhelming response to my initial proposal and a review of the Hostetler plans and related builing challenges, I decided to toss in the towel and took the easy way out...just purchased a 3W 4 meter ARC PA-18 Cub from Aircraft International. The engineering, quality and workmanship are simply outstanding. Should be ready to tow in the spring.

Regards,

Steve

[Big Nuts 181]

Hi steve I'm sure we would all like to see the thread on it's construction/assembly sorry to here your not going ahead with the decathalon build that is a cheap short kit and I have the wheel spats for it too and possably a too! It is a goer of a project and between us I'm posative we could sell 3 of them!!

[SteveR]

Howdy Big Nuts,

Thanks for your note. I've been making slow, steady progress on the Cub and will send some photos within the next day or so. I was hoping this plane would be ready for early spring but the going has been slow as I've taken some time to fully enclose the exhaust cannisters and add other details. I've also decided to add some scale goodies including a bunch of Axel instruments. Bottom line: I'll be lucky to finish it by late summer!

In order to meet my May 1st new tug target completion date, I ordered a 3 meter Hacker Models Decathlon ARF. I towed behind this plane at last summer's JR aerotow and it's very nicely turned out. I received the plane from Soaring USA this week and will be starting the "build" (such as it is) this week. I'll keep a photo diary and will post photos as I go along. For those not familiar with Soaring USA, they are simply super to deal with and are meticulous about packing their planes to arrive in perfect condition. They are very reliable and always good to their word.

The Decathlon is a real beauty with very nicely done two-color fiberglass fuse and cowl and built up wings. Power will be a DA-100 with cannister mufflers mounted within the fuse.

By the way, if anyone is interested in the 40% Hostetler plans, let me know. They were not cheap as they were scanned and outputted on very large sheets, but I'll cut you a deal on them.

Regards,

Steve

[Big Nuts 181]

sounds good steve what sort of $$ are we talking??

[SteveR]

These plans were quite expensive as they are huge and were ouputted on a special digital printer. What's amazing is that all the lines are nice and sharp even though the plans have been enlarged. This is a 40% Decathlon from Wendell Hostetler, the wingspan is 153.6" according to Wendell. Natually the plans are rolled. I ordered two sets of plans, one to use for templates, the other to guide building. The two sets of plans cost me a total of $200. You can have them for $125 plus actual shipping costs.

Regards,

Steve

[Big Nuts 181]

ok cool hang on to them if you wouldn't mind Steve I just have to save a few dollars first but I'm in .....just had last and final baby...My newst sdition to the family just have to pay the vet bill now......:)

[SteveR]

Will do and congrats on your latest addition!

Steve