Phil Schwartz shared his Ty Brown 110” span A6M Zero with Robart retracts and is powered by a DA-100. Its finished with latex paint and Callie Graphix. Phil tells us the custom graphics only cost $37. He put in a Dynamic Balsa custom cockpit detail kit. The cowl is attached using alignment dowels and large rare earth magnets. We have not heard how well they hold while the engine is running.

Roy Maynard has the twin brother to this kit. We hope to hear more in the future!

Jeff Quesenbury received his 1/3rd scale pilots for his Vultee Vindicator project. They were manufactured to order in the UK by Perfect Pilots. www.perfect-pilots.co.uk/

Scott Russell showed his canopy & canopy frame mold and brought in one of his new DA-100 in-line twin cylinder engines he had acquired for his ¼ Scale P-38J Lightning project. He had them made as a matched pair for counter-rotation. They are only available as a custom order at this time.

He also has found a manufacturer that will make custom 3-blade props (clockwise & counterclockwise rotations) in the Czech Republic. The can be contacted through their web-site: www.vrtule-fiala.cz/shop/

Scott tells us he hopes to have the Lightning Project flying this summer in time for NAMFI & Fond Du Lac.

Brian Crossley reminded us that the March meeting will be our last before the season starts. If you have not sent your membership fee in yet, please do so as soon as possible.

It helps keep the web site functioning and gives us the funds to hold our meetings.

David Andersen wallpapered the hall with his detailed plans for his latest design, the ¼ scale Hawker Hurricane!  This will be the biggest Hurricane many people have ever seen.  The wing span will be 120” (10 feet) and is intended to be powered by one of the new inline 100 cc class engines (DA or 3W) or by an electric package.

Dave has been working with a customer gear manufacturer who has designed and is offering ¼ scale Hurricane main gear that is pneumatic or electrically operated.  The fiberglass parts will be available from Jeff Micko.

David has a trio of expert builders working on prototypes at this time. Chris O’Connor and Jeff Quesenbury are building 100 cc gas powered Hurricanes and Roy Maynard is building an all electric Hurricane powered by a 9kW out-runner motor.  No update as to when the first aircraft will be available for test flights.

Dick Stienie brought in his ¼ scale Balsa USA Sopwith Camel powered by a GF-38 4-stroke gas engine.  Painted with Rustoleum paints and flattened using a flat clear acrylic lacquer from Michael’s Crafts.  He painted the molded cowl with Rustoleum Silver/Aluminum paint.

The graphics were custom cut by a local vinyl sign shop “Banners to Go”. The ¼ scale Williams Bro’s pilot was hand painted then splattered with a mist of black spray paint to simulate the oil from the engine. The aircraft has not yet been flown.

(PRO-TIP!) Other members had suggested that ground handling could be improved if there is a solid axle between the two wheels and the wheels are locked to it so they both spin at the same rate.