I had planned to start a John Ostmeyer 1/5-scale T-28 Trojan; 98" Wingspan, 1438sq. in., 33 pounds, 85cc twin, having acquired the kit and most accessories, however Shindin has not yet finished the retracts, so I have put it aside until they are available. It is a very nice kit so I am frustrated!

I have instead decided to build an 83" Bert Baker BT-13 Vultee Valiant ("Vibrator") kit I acquired quite recently, as the Navy version SNV-1. I have found everything for it including a set of Robart gear (out-of-production but still available by special order),wheels with brakes, a DLE-35RE, servos, Flite-Metal, etc. This is a fiberglass fuselage and balsa-sheeted foam wing construction, and has many scale building challenges! I will start a thread on it in

a couple of weeks.

Also re-working a 110" semi-scale Curtis Robin that is overweight (will get new covering, servo relocation to eliminate nose weight), needs real flaps (!), and will upgrade the engine from 85cc twin to 116cc high-performance twin for more aerotowing grunt. The Giant Scale Sailplane models keep getting larger so we have to step up! How large one might ask? In California typically 5 to 6 meter wingspan with 7 and 8 meter getting popular, weights 25 to 55 pounds.

Anyone interested in seeing a Giant Scale Sailplane build?