Gee.. I feel almost lucky.. winds here are only 20-22, with 27-30 m.p.h. gusts.

You know, my little freeflight birds are a lot touchier about wind than any of the large gliders, and I mentioned to one of the old-timers in my area that the last couple of years had so much wind it seemed like I NEVER got to fly them. It really does seem like the winds have increased here in the central plains.
Nightowl

We're forecast with 35 to 45 with gusts to 60 for tomorrow... The last 2 days have been beautiful, and of course, I'm still at work...

Jack

Well it was a LONG build do to work health family etc but ITS DONE!!
Big Bird Xl from Ray at SKY BENCH I really enjoyed this build. My covering job came out OK but the sweeps were a new new deal for me and a bit of a challenge. The edges were a bit prone to separate when shrinking.
Six inch wide black and white piano keys on the bottom of the wing.

Wow .... now that is one beautiful covering pattern, I would love to see some out door shots showing off the colors ... Shhhhhhh ... kitty is napping .

They would look great on my Sky Bench web site.

I just put a Thermal Sensor on E bay ... Includes a hand written letter from Walt Good

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

I agree with Ray there Oz! Great looking plane! Who cares if the dog don't like it? Just goes to show that his/her taste is all in it's mouth! I'm making a mental note to steal that color layout for one of my future builds. Something like that would look great on the Klingberg I'm thinking of starting next.

Agreed here too, thats a smashing finish design ozmo I might steal it someday myself haha. Its a zebra underneath hey? nothing like a bit of contrast.

Thanks everyone, thats all I can say after reading the many PM's .
Thanks too for the Aussie members that PM'd their best wishes and thoughts, I appreciate it especially considering the Harrisville rounds that were just held.

WB, Steve. I take no one looked at the pictures of your head and said "What the h*** is that!?!" I hope you got a clean bill of health.

Nightowl

Well look who is pounding the key board again ... Welcome back Steve.


Greg Smith, a fellow Wood Crafter, and I are died in the wool fans of the Windfree. We sort of grew up on them ... way back ... . A big part of building your own is how you can make it "your own" with build modifications and covering choices. Greg gave me permission to place his proto WF-XL photo on my web site, but I couldn't wait, enjoy.

Anyone one interested in the kit when it becomes available can be be on the wait list by sending and email to me: skybench@verizon.net

I will not answer the questions of how much and when due to time constraints, that info will be sent to those on the wait list when available.

WF-XL ... Wing span is 116 "

I have a ton of my build photos to put up on the Sky Bench web. There are several ways to build this kit: from ribs that allow full top sheeting or open bay ribs and then choose controls ranging from, RES, Aileron/spoiler, Flap, Aileron/flap. The fist set of instructions ( already on my web site ) is a slope version with fully top sheeted wings.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

Hallelujah!! Welcome back Steve, and, like the others, I hope you have a clean bill of health now. I'm sure there is recovery time envolved but, hey, that's no hill for a stepper. Thank God you're with us.

Oz
WOW! Looks like a big beautiful butterfly. Like Ray, I want to see that beauty in the sunlight.

Ray
I doubt if you will be lacking for customers on the rig.

No Glider Sunday this month! Dang wind is still in a hurry to get somewhere....15/40 mph.

Gerald

Looks SUPER Oz! Some definite sky-bling for the new season . Ray's birds are just beautiful...nice job.

Prayers all answered....welcome back homie! You're gonna be just fine after a little R&R (Rich & Rare, a Canadian blend ).

Gerald, would you please build a wall 40000' high and 800 miles long from SSW to NNE anywhere between Amarillo and DFW, I would really appreciate it, thanks .

Originally Posted by Ray Hayes

Wow .... now that is one beautiful covering pattern, I would love to see some out door shots showing off the colors ... Shhhhhhh ... kitty is napping .

They would look great on my Sky Bench web site.

I just put a Thermal Sensor on E bay ... Includes a hand written letter from Walt Good

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

Ray thats my Bug, a Boston Terrier / Pug cross. He and my Jack Russel Terrior are regulars at our flying field. They went out earlier that day for the annual feild clean up day and are DOG TIRED...me too! I won't let him bite you for calling him a cat!

Steve!!! Glad you're back!

OZ... Very nice!

Ray... WFXL is looking good... and will be my next order from you...

Jack... waitin' out the WIND

I won't let him bite you for calling him a cat!

OZ ...

Thanks, But if Bug comes around here, Bart may mistake him for lunch


Jack, we had our club contest today, I should say half of our club contest. We got in three rounds of the 2M class that ended with the rain starting to come down. 42 degrees, 9 MPH wind with gusts. Air started very good and ended cold and down, cancelled the Unlimited class and called it a day, but it was great to be out with the guys. I'll keep you posted on the WF-XL, thanks.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

Five weeks of wind, unable to fly
Steve bumped his head, sure glad he's alive.
Ray is instructing this newbie clown
To build his first Skybench, I'll not let him down.
Slow motion building, no time on the bench
I want this new Oly up on the winch!
Today is perfect, the wind's almost still
There's got to be thermals all over my field!
Stuck in the dungeon at my wooden throne
Listening to clients, piss, cry and moan.
The day is slipping right through my hands
I think I'll sell out and buy me some land.
Our days are numbered like hairs on your head
What a crime it is to work till your dead.