Graham Ashby (Editor)

Chaps, for anyone who wants to join the build live online, the March start date gives everyone a chance to clear the decks, order parts, cut parts or whatever is necessary to be ready for the off. Absolutely nothing stopping you from starting earlier if you fancy, photographing as you go along and adding relevant posts at the appropriate time when it all gets going. That's probably what I'd do because I just procrastinate over building and take forever. Anyway, it really doesn't matter. Taking part is what counts and if you can make it to the fly-in with a finished model, so much the better, we'll be delighted to see you and especially delighted to see your Renaissance. Edited By Graham Ashby (Editor) on 23/11/2018 20:55:13

Chaps, firstly, yes it is a little similar to the Ballerina and your observations are acknowledged and understood. That said, there are still many folk who didn't build a Ballerina and the hope (for all the reasons mentioned) is that this might encourage them to have a go at a build. Of course, the open cockpit, single seat, low wing monoplane will always be popular and no matter what variation to choose, be it Turbulent, Fly Baby, Volksplane, Taylor or even Ryan, they're all 'of a kind'. The other thing I'd like to mention is that whilst many will want to but it as it is, those of you with a bit of experience are very welcome to adapt the design and come up with a variation. A biplane version would be terrific, tandem cockpits could look cool, a parasol wing even? Maybe an autogyro and ditch the wing altogether? Enclose the cockpit, add struts and a spray bar and it's a crop sprayer. Anyway, you don't need me for ideas. Personally, I think it would look great with a twin cylinder engine, struts, spats and dancing girls. But that's just me. Anyway, we hope you build one, if only for the 'taking part'. Piers: I'm with you in the shaming thing. Mind you, I believe we still have back issues of the March cover available. The plan won't be published again, sadly, but when the March issue is sold out I'm sure they'll be old coffee stained copies kicking around club huts for years to come. Old Geezer: Definitely bigger wheels. Ron: You old cynic. Sarik's prices were independently set well before they knew it was the MB model. In fact, I'm not even sure I've told them. Must do that... Thanks for your interest and feedback everyone, it's all appreciated. Graham

That'll do nicely

ANNOUNCEMENT COMING UP... Exciting eh? Anyone care to give this a little drum roll or light a firework? Right, a team decision has been made dear Mass Builders, and I say 'team decision' primarily so you don't just blame me if the subject is not to your liking. Anyway, we're going for Lindsay Todd's latest, rather evocative, little number called Renaissance. It's a good choice for any number of reasons, not least because it's a straightforward build, it flies jolly well, is infinitely adaptable, would suit a whole range of colour schemes, can be tweaked and titivated and, most importantly, it was an RCM&E free plan (July 2018) so there's every chance you'll already have the drawings. For those who don't like cutting ribs and formers, even better news comes in the form of a laser-cut wood pack from Sarik Hobbies. If you're not familiar with the model, I've included a few pics, below. We genuinely hope you're inspired to have a go. It should be a lot of fun. More soon...

That's interesting Trevor, I'd love to see the programme, I'll see if I can find it. Glad I bumped into the thread, thank you.

Little bit of progress chaps. Firewall given a coat of paint and lacquer, throttle and choke connections sorted, plus a gratuitous shot of the undercarriage. The next day or two should have the engine bolted in and the tank plumbed... unless there's something I've missed! More soon. Graham Edited By Graham Ashby (Editor) on 26/09/2018 09:35:50

Posted by Martin Harris on 23/09/2018 11:22:07: I dread to think what the pilot has just been told about your flying, Graham! I fear that someone may have told him the truth Martin. I was hoping he wouldn't have to hear it. You can only feel for the poor chap.

Thank you Steve, I looked at your website, she's an absolute cracker. Can't wait!

For what it's worth, I totally and wholeheartedly agree with BEB's Point 6 above: "Maybe the answer is we (the mods) just select a model and start/end date, let folks know and either you're in or you're out, your choice. If we did that we would probably propose: start 1st April, end at RCM&E fly-in 13-15th Sept; announce the model end of Jan - beginning of Feb maybe - so folks have time to decide whether to join in or not and if so order a CNC kit etc." The mass build concept can't work if organised and decided by mass committee. Answer: One model (the subject is almost irrelevant), chosen by the mods, dates set, you decide if you're in or out. Graham