Sport JTEC RADIOWAVE 26% Pitts Model 12

WMcNabb said:

Shouldn't take you pros very long to knock out the Proton. Only a few colors...

Seriously, should you decide to give it a try, I have a great set of photos that I'll contribute to the effort.

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I think one of the reasons I am so skeptical on the Proton scheme is that I can not find enough photos showing all sides, front to rear, top to bottom and underneath. If I had a better idea of what I could get myself into, There could be a chance I would consider it. So..you have photos? Post away. LOL

WMcNabb said:

Shouldn't take you pros very long to knock out the Proton. Only a few colors...

Seriously, should you decide to give it a try, I have a great set of photos that I'll contribute to the effort.

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I'm not usually a fan of them over the top schemes but DAMN that thing looks good!!

stangflyer said:

I think one of the reasons I am so skeptical on the Proton scheme is that I can not find enough photos showing all sides, front to rear, top to bottom and underneath. If I had a better idea of what I could get myself into, There could be a chance I would consider it. So..you have photos? Post away. LOL

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Bipeguy03 said:

I'm not usually a fan of them over the top schemes but DAMN that thing looks good!!

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Best ones showing the overeall scheme are below. First three are Mirco's, rest are mine.
Didn't have a great view from the top or bottom, but I know the guy to ask.

Please excuse this comment if it offends anyone, but I don't think Proton could ever be duplicated with plastic covering. If done very carefully, a glass and paint job would only be marginally heavier than a covering job under normal circumstances. Unfortunately Proton is NOT normal. With as many different colors as Proton has, the weight is bound to add up rather quickly. . . . . .

HRRC Flyer said:

Please excuse this comment if it offends anyone, but I don't think Proton could ever be duplicated with plastic covering. If done very carefully, a glass and paint job would only be marginally heavier than a covering job under normal circumstances. Unfortunately Proton is NOT normal. With as many different colors as Proton has, the weight is bound to add up rather quickly. . . . . .

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You do have a point David. Besides, that is one busy airframe for color. Way to busy for me to even attempt to duplicate.

Here we go my friends. Temporary assembly of the Pitts. In fitting everything together, all went well except for the top canopy/hatch. It appears it will need just a little touch up for fit. Course, I have not final sanded yet, so that will probably take care of it. Way to wet outside and since I can not sand anywhere other than that, guess it will have to wait. I guess covering will be held off for a little while. No big though. Not like Spring is just around the corner.

I got a steal on two brand new "correctly sized" Airman Wheels for the big Yak, so off came the White Rose. I wanted to see how they would look on the Pitts. Although they look pretty bad ass, I feel just a tad too big for the airframe. Oh well, I will just order new "correct sized" for the Pitts.

I also purchased a new aluminum spinner and back plate. Not the Ultimate styled spinner that is in the photos. Again, just a test fit. I think the one I got for this plane will look better than the Ultimate style.

More to come gentlemen.

That looks excellent Stang! And you made awesome time to boot.

Hey Rob,

Your S12 is looking AWESOME ! ! ! ! . . . . .

SWEET!!! Looks absolutely fantastic!

Great that it's a round engined biplane, but even better that you brought us along for the build.

Thank you sir, really enjoying this one.

Thank you everyone. It has been a "LOT" of work. But sure is turning out to be a good looking bird. I realized after I snapped the photos, I didn't have the canopy/hatch seated all the way down so I really don't have much refining to do. I do have to final sand the entire fuse still and will add dowels to the front of the hatch that will enter the "F1" former then my usual Secraft bolts/canopy locks to hold it in place. I want to use some really sexy wheels without the pants, but may end up using the pants. That is still too far down the line yet to decide. Biggest thing I want to get accomplished for now is getting the covering on. I think after that, a day here or a day there and I will have this thing pretty much ready to go.

I did weigh the bare airframe after taking some photos. I was pretty surprised to see it came in at 10 pounds and 8 ounces. This is pretty heavy to me for a plane this size. But then, as @Wacobipe and @Maxwell1945 indicated...theirs came in at the 25'ish pound mark, so I am not expecting anything less. I really wanted to stay below that. (I was hoping for and shooting for the 22'ish pound mark.) But I really in all honesty don't think it is possible.

I really appreciate all you following along and all the awesome and kind remarks, comments and suggestions. It has been the constant nudge I've needed to keep me going on this build. All you gents are simply awesome. Thank you.