Fokker Triplane

[scigs30]

I received the Fokker Triplane for Xmas and I am must say WOW. This hit has excellent laser cut parts and quality balsa. I hope Guillows keeps this level of quality of going. I will buy every kit that is converted to laser..Once again thank you very much. P.s when are the next laser cut kits coming out?

[supercruiser]

Glad to hear you like the kit. Probably mentioned it here before but, the new laser cut SE5A kit I got has really nice wood. 9.75 lbs/cu.ft. I'm building it as a flying model.

[SteveM]

I thought "nice wood" for flying was in the 6-8lbs/cu ft range. The harder stuff used for stringers and leading edges and the softer stuff used for formers and trailing edges.

I am certainly no expect on the matter, but I recall reading something to that effect.

[supercruiser]

You are probably correct that the general consensus is that "good" wood is the 6 -8 bl/cu.ft range, i.e. contest grade. The kit wood is good for my flying and building. And I think the average builder/flier would appreciate it. It's got really nice, consistent grain and 9 or 10 lb is suitable for flying. Maybe not competition flying.

[SteveM]

I guess for these kits 10 lbs/cu.ft. is good. I should weigh a sheet from the next kit, the formers must weigh a good 20 lbs/cu.ft. or so.

For the G challenge this year I think I will have to replace some of the heavier wood if I am to get good flying times. That and do little to no painting.

[supercruiser]

The G Challenge this year is the 400 series models, for those that don't know.
I've got the FW-190, still in the shrink wrap. Don't know if I'm going to build it for the challenge or not. I've got so many other things going on. Steve, what is your choice this year? Going with rubber or some other power source.?

[SteveM]

I went for the P-51 Mustang (I got it as my prize from Guillow's for last year's G challenge). I don't like that so many other people are doing to same model, makes it harder to stand out.

My power choice will most likely be electric. I have another plane (the F4U Corsair as seen on VA) that I will use to experiment with electric power. If this goes will then I will do the same for the P-51.