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Trapezoid fuselage box requires cardboard 'jigs' to get the shape correct

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hand-drawn registration numbers

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2D engine drawing is 'enhanced' with marker and pencil to provide a 3D appearance

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Parts are completed and covered. Assembly and markings are next.

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07.24.08:
Mike Stuart shot a video of the Laird in flight at the FAC NATS in Geneseo, NY, July 08. Here's the link to the video:
 
 
 
07.09.08:
Completed model. The LG assembly is attached with monofiliment 'pins' that allow flxibility from side to side, and the wire spreader bar keeps the gear moving as a unit.
Greg West provided the 'Skyways' water slide decals that are on the side of the fuselage. The prop is a 9.5" silver Peck Polymers cut down to 9". 
 
Next stop - FAC NATS, Geneseo, NY.
 
07.04.08:
Progress begins again as I try to finish this model for the FAC NATS in less than 2 weeks. The parts have been covered, the LG assembly is in place, and the fuselage markings are next. The LG is held on w/ monofiliment 'pin's' to allow flexible movement. There needs to be 'fairings' to wrap around the LG struts at the fuselage.
 
 
This model was started back in Jan '06 and is scratch built from the plans by Mike Midkiff. This is the first model I've ever built from Mike's plans, and it really is a lot of fun. I think it's coming together really well, although it was a bit of an adjustment using larger than 1/16" sq sticks for the framing.
 
There are several different color 3-views for this racing plane, and each one is slightly different. I'm going with the one I like the best. There are also some very detail graphic markings, that I'm still trying to decide how to represent. The "Laird" insignia on the rudder was printed onto bond paper then attached to the fin.
 
The engine is represented with a two dimensional drawing that has been re-worked with markers and pencil to look more realistic.
 
I'd like to think I can have this model completed for the '08 FAC NATS in Geneseo, NY.
 
You can see the complete selection of plans that Mike Midkiff has to offer by following this link: