What I thought would be a crazy summer became more than that.

The first shipment to Arkansas went well, with thw Waco scouting out the new house prior to the main force. The present Arkansas wing (at Grandma's) has not be introduced to the Waco yet, that will happen in mid to late August.

After flying the NC Avanti with an outrunner for a year I decided to upgrade the motor, but she flew tail hevy and I eventually lost her. She went down in the pipeline, ruining the fuse and canopy and the control board. I decided to box up the parts are purchase a used Avanti. That Avanti with the inrunner is more efficient on the batteries than the Outrunner.!

B-25 flights ended when the nosegear failed to deploy on landing. Investigation shows the retract no long works.

Conscendo continues to dominate 2nd position, especially now that the F-86 was sold.

I finally got back to the Phase-3 U-2. Added in quite a bit of thin clear plastic (from salad containers) to help seal the thrust tube and hold, cover, and protect wires. Revealed the upper seam with E6000 glue, along with putting in an Avanti main retract holder for the front gear. After making adjustments, I attempted to launch going north on the runway, but a gust of wind caused her to veer off, clipped the nose and a wingtip. Repaired, but will have to wait.

While deciding on how to proceed with my crashed Avanti, I flew the RocHobby P-39 in it's place. It was the plane I flew less than an hour after I recovered the Avanti.

We are loading the next 26' Uhaul and will drive out on the 1st while I head down to Florida a few days later. I wish these were the only trips we were doing.

Here it is, at the end of this crazy month. I hope things cool down soon.

The second quarter ended well, I had two additions to the Arkansas Hangar: F7F Tigercat and a Conscendo Evolution. Flew those in May without incident along with the Arkansas Avanti S while visiting grandma and house hunting.

The North Carolina Hangar remained the same. Avanti had the highest number of flights, followed by a tie with the F-86 and Conscendo and then the FMS B-25.

Disaster struck the Conscendo Evolution when another pilot flew it and cartwheeled the second landing, snapping the fuse in 4 places. But wait! After repairs and showing that pilot no harm done, I managed to run it into tall grass when I looped too close to the ground. Another fuselage...

All in all a good quarter. And the move to Arkansas begins.

It's been a heck of year already. Busy at home and abroad, good and a few bad flights, high winds, cross winds, and some decent days.

I made as many flights as I could with the Avanti, can't think of than a few times when she was not loaded up and flown. I even had a bouncy flip landing that mared her up and tore off the tail- friends contributed foam tac and she was back in the air with a good landing.

Knowing I was going to be at Grandma's for a couple of weeks, I mailed out a complete set of Avanti parts and assembled my first High Performance Avanti and flew her off of a grass runway. Ten flights on one weekend at the Flight Masters field near Fort Smith.

I also made a spreadsheet to track flights starting in early February (Avanti came out on top, followed by Conscendo Evolution).

As we are preparing to move this summer, I will have a number of planes (and parts) that I am looking to sell, trade, or rehome (local only at this time):

Phase-3 U-2C
Efair
Avios Twin King
Eflite Beechcraft Staggerwing 480
FMS RocHobby P-39 (w/replacement airframe)
FMS B-25 (w/extra motors)
Freewing F-86 (w/extra landing gear)
Skyhunter (airframe)

Happy New Year!

It's been a good Christmas Season (no, no planes for Christmas). I was able to finish up the repairs to the Avios KingAir and maidened her. Took a lot of trimming, but flew fairly well. Only one flight as on landing, she had a prop strike and threw one blade. Two additional flights on the following day, with the same result on the second flight (good thing I have two more spares).

Flew the Avanti S, racking up 19 flights so far. Still learning to get those smooth landings.

P-39 and B-25 also took to the air again with good behavior in the air and on the ground.

I also brought out the EFlite Beechcraft Staggerwing again and had a good flight trying to keep up with the faster planes (using a 3S).

I'm downsizing the fleet. Several planes are heading to new homes this week. Best of luck to the pilots and planes.

It has been a busy year!

October flew by, partly because I was out of town for three weeks. It was November a few days after I got back. I spent most of the month fixing the B-25 and found out what the rattle was in the Turbo Timber: cracked motor mount (plastic) - the metal X-mount was fine. I epoxy-ed it and added some balsa wood to hopefully prevent that from happening again. Less rattle, but it is still there.

B-25 flew in late November, and had a total of 5 flights by early December. I found the left motor had a bit of a warble and the plane pitched right when flying on the 5th flight. I wasn't sure but it could have resulted from two prop strikes on landing with a cross wind. Ordered a new motor and found it was defective (noticeable speed difference and resistance when spinning). After a ticket and an email, Horizonhobby.com sent a replacement. Thanks for the good support!

In November and December I began flying my Freewing Avanti S again (only had a Maiden back in July), but the first flight landing was a bit bouncy and it marred up the nose behind the nosecone and had some compression. Some repairs and time with a steamer took out most of that. Back in the air, she was pitching left on the next several flights. I found the elevator and ailerons needed mechanical adjustments, and the rudder needed some trim. Next flight was much better.

Also flew the P-39 once, seemed a lot better after reducing the AS3X gains. But after the flight, I...Continue Reading

This delayed Hangar update is for August and September.

August was a hard month, I crashed my FMS P39 Airacobra while lining up to land . I had just turned the plane east after the south run over the runway (4th or 5th loop). I was cutting throttle and she slipped down and below the Crape Myrtles, and then realized I really could not track her. She went down, broke off the tail section at the end of the cockpit, cracked the wing, broke the prop, and cracked off part of a wheel/retract cover. Repaired in a week and flew again, but didn't feel quite right.

Next, my Conscendo, while in flight threw part of the spinner and one blade. Lost the Canopy and the nose flung loose, but not off. Dangling, the CG was changing constantly. I should have thought to put it into SAFE, but didn't and she landed in a very tall tree ended up nose up, and stayed there until Hurricane Ian came by (2 months).

U-2 had several good flights as did the Turbo Timber (has a noisy rattle above 50% throttle), and the Twin Otter.

As our Warbirds Fly In was approaching, I began to spend time on the FMS B-25 Mitchell. I would not get everything fixed, but it would be in good enough shape to take as a display item.

July was a fairly good month. Ended the month with the Conscendo, Pitts, Otter, P-39, Turbo Timber, a "new" U-2, the UMX Turbo Timber and the Avanti (one flight so far) all on flying condition.

In Hangar II are the first U-2 (had its own update), B-25, Efair, and T-28. All these are in for major repairs.

We said goodbye to the UMX Cessna and the Hobbyzone Carbon Cub S+ both were rehomed.

After a hiatus, I've made some progress on the U-2. The main issues I am have been facing are cabling (getting cramped - no room for the 2200 4S), thrust tube (likely will need an extension to make up for the read landing gear), increasing weight, and finding more of the airframe needs repairs (frame and fuselage coming unglued).

After several attempts at laying the servo cabling, I finally got a decent lay in the top of the fuse. Only to find both retracts were no longer responding. Today's work resolved that and both are dry fitted in.

Instead of adding an extension to the thrust tube, I am planning on using a patch to cover the holes and gaps and then put in a new kitchen laminate thrust tub that should be easier to attach to the EFF.

Been a whirlwind of a month with planes going in and out of the repair Hangar:

T-28 got an AR8020T receiver and FPV camera/transmitter - ailerons were backwards so she went down on takeoff. Easy fix and flew shortly after. FPV flight followed

B-25 - AWAP
U-2 - AWAM
Conscendo - hugged a tree - found out the battery lost a cell. In for major overhaul as it's been well over six months. A few cracks and dings and such...
Avanti - AWAP (6S battery)
P-39 - Rough landing, just needed steering wheel adjustment
Turbo Timber - Windy day flying, with some rough landings. Might need new wheels
EFair - almost ready! last part is the battery strap Looks like the 2200 4S makes it a little nose heavy
Staggerwing 480 - finally paired up, no flights - this plane will be listed for sale soon
Carbon Cub S+ - This plane will be for sale soon
Pitts 1S - This plane will be for sale soon
Waco - Wall art
Staggerwing Kit - this will be for sale soon

I plan on focusing on the U-2 this month. I've made the cutouts for the retracts and gear. Needs some adjustments. 2200 4S battery makes it too nose heavy, so I'll start with 1800 4S and see if I can find some good 2000 4S batteries later.

April was pretty fair to me this year. Windy, and that did cause some issues (Pitts...). I finished the repairs to an Otter we found stuck up in a tree, pretty sure it had been hanging there since our May 2021 Fly In. We finally got it down in late January or early Feb. I repaired the cracked and broken wing/spar. replaced the servos, ESCs, motors, and the horizontal stabilizer. Reattached the flap and aileron to one side, filled in several nicks and gouges, and then taped up the wires into the wing. Re maidened on 27 April. No issues. Stable flyer.

On 29 April, I maidened an FMS B-25 (silver). This was given to my by my oldest son last Summer. I put an AR636B with an Otter profile in it. I also broke the props during some aggressive ground testing. Picked up some replacements from another field and tried them. It seemed a little weak on thrust, but other than that, there was no issue flying it (a bit of roll to the right). I used a Spektrum Smart 3200 3S. Second flight I used an EFlite 3200 3S and it seemed weaker - and on the landing, she tip stalled and damaged the landing gear. Finished the day with two P-39 flights (~13 so far this month).

U-2 is still waiting for my full attention. Today I made some progress on the forward landing gear.

I finally unboxed the Freewing Avaint S (Yellow) today. Set up on my DX-8 with an AR637TA. Getting an Avian 100amp ESC to put in there next.

Pitts repairs accomplished, I did not want to fabricate or purchase a new tail, so I went out looking for the left horizontal stabilizer one more time and we found it. Had at least 4 good flights and then one of the wheels bound - ripped out the landing gear and lower wing again. Repaired and waiting for a Not Blustery Day.

P-39 repairs completed. Put in an AR637TA and am looking for an Eflite Avian 75 or 80 amp ESC so I can monitor battery power.

U-2 EDF installed and removed. I'll need a longer thrust tube since the aft retract is protruding through the foam. One of my field flying mates donated some retracts (from a 70mm Yak), and I bought A-6 nose gear (way too tall). Contemplating how to use that on the front landing gear. EDF must need updating as I don't see the Reverse Thrust option.

Turbo Timber got an upgrade: a Power 25 1240kb and 60amp ESC. On a blustery day, the landing broke a landing gear spring and one prop blade. Spares on hand.

Conscendo Evolution I is doing fine, but I still need to replace the motor bearings. Considering adding Flaps to slow her down on landings , one pilot suggested Flappeons - so I might try that next time.

Efair-2.5 meter Started building, using a BL10 motor and ordered a 14x8 folding prop.

Otter (Rescued) Replaced electronics, but the receiver needs updating/configuring.

Staggerwing 480, put original wheels back on. Too windy to fly...

Been a blustery Month! Pitts lost on half of its horizontal stab in a hammerhead. Found out it was the one with the control arm... in repair.

U-2 flaps are installed, wiring installed, EDF is next. Still need small retracts..

Consciendo had an incident on a low pass, wind gusted and caused the nose to hit the runway. It sheared off on of the folding props. Didn't see that and tried to gain altitude, flung off the front end. Fixed that and flew the next day.

P-39 fuse is coming along. Going to add some reimbursement and then put in a new steering servo and the nose gear.

B-25 is getting new prop mounts as the other props were damaged during ground testing


F-18 is getting its EDF balanced and a I'll likely replace the ESC as it runs hot at 60%

Repairs are coming along slowly. I finally decided to start repairing the tail and found the F-16 part (horizontal stabilizer) was no going to fit well. So I ended up using half of a V900's horizontal stabilizer instead.

After fitting the half into the mount, adding a bit of carbon fiber tubing along with a couple of nylon screws and carbon fiber rods, it was time for finishing the canopy attachment: magnets.

Then came the initial electrical trial with the servos and the AR637TA from my Conscendo. After a couple of adjustments, everything seemed good.

Next, I'll add in flaps to slow for landings, after that will be the bottom plate and retracts.

Hope everyone had a great week. Our family met at Grandmother's house in Arkansas, she has a 10 acre field which was very nice for flying in. Wish I had brought more planes!

Decided to work on the Turbo Timber fuselage, as I had not figured out how to finish up the wing pod for the U-2.

Used a lot of Gorilla glue to fix all the cracks, resecure the motor mount, added carbon fiber rod to help straighten out the compression, and buffed out the excess on the exterior. Put on the new cowling, and found I had the TT Evolution cowl. It's a little short, but will have to do for the time being. Put on the old prop adapter, new prop and spinner. Glued the rudder and ground tested in the front yard.

Maiden flight was at Waymer RC Field. Conducted about 10 flights on three batteries. Had to adjust the aileron and rudder trim a bit.

Finally made just the wing pod for the U-2 from a bit of EPO foam from another unfortunate EDF. Next is the pod skid.

Before/after

Repairs Conscendo is behind the newer one.

Canopy after repairs (still needs a magnet on the leading edge)

Wingtip: used foam board cuts, glued and sanded.

Conscendo Evolution (CE): Finished fuselage (added a pair of carbon rods to each side), reprogrammed the AR636B out of the U-2, and made a new battery hatch out of two different (broken) CE battery hatches - no plastic clip, so two magnets and two bits of metal AND a rubber band. There's about a 3/8" of compression still present. Initial power up seemed good - but at Waymer field, I found it was not flyable. Reprogrammed again and flew it the next day in fairly Windy conditions. Three flights and no issues.

U-2: Buffed up the wingtip replacement and decided to use paper to cover it. Will attach the wingtip , buff again, then wrap with paper.

Next in line is a crashed Turbo Timber. Significant fuselage damage up front, with compression on the left side. Needs a new cowling, spinner, prop, and prop adapter. The plastic "frame" inside the fuselage holding the motor mount and motor cracked and left the assembly handing on by the four carbon rods.

Slowly getting things done:

U-2: Canopy ~90% completed. Just needs a front magnet and an inside support between the two clear pieces
Tail Completed the Vertical Stabilizer tail mount and started shaping to fit over the horizontal stabilizer. Deciding on front angle for Vert Stab...
Wingtip Cut off jagged edge and built replacement out of foam board (shaped and glued 10 pieces together). Fits

Conscendo Evolution I: peeled off decals from fuselage and applied steam for quite awhile. Took the forward two pieces and put them into a large can (extended) and steamed them for a few minutes. They came out gator skinned, but this foam pressed back in, mostly. So it looks pretty good. Will glue fuselage back together with carbon fiber next.

Been a heck of a year. Picked up several new planes - crashed a few of them too. Here's the current status:

Field (RTF): Conscendo Evolution II, RocHobby P-39, RocHobby Waco*, EFlite Staggerwing 480, UMX Turbo Timber, UMX Champ

Hangar I (repairs) ,FreeWing F/A 18E, UMX Cessna, UMX Turbo Timber

Hangar II (major repairs) Phase 3 U-2, Conscendo Evolution I

Field (storage/parts) UMX Turbo Timber, Typhoon 2, Big Bird

I'll post photos of a few of these here eventually. I have some uploaded on Instagram already