Started building my KR2 summer 1981, completed it summer 1984, first flight September 18, 1984. To date 1480.4 hours.
Flew and designed many RC models from 1973 to 1981 when I and another fellow were chased off the John Day Airport (local timber baron though we were a danger to his Aero Commander!). Started construction on my KR2 in retaliation. The tail area looked way too small in comparison to empennage/wing area ratios, so I increased the aft surface areas by approximately 25%, and lengthened the fuselage behind the rear spar 2 inches to compensated length lost when bending aft fuselage. Also reduced reaction of the elevator to stick movement by 1/2 resulting in smoother handling. Other than these mods it is pretty much plans built including retract tail-dragger configuration. Many years ago I took a calm weather winter flight to see how high it would go. Had a HAPI 1835cc at the time. At just over 14,000 foot altitude it was still climbing at 100 feet per minute wide open throttle indication 80 mile per hour indicated air speed. Handling was a bit sluggish but not at all twitchy, did not feel any way near a stall condition. I live in the southern Blue Mountains and Strawberry Peak (9,500?) and Vinegar Hill (11,000?) did not look all that impressive. Sure took a while to get down using enough engine power to keep the cylinder heads warm (field elevation 3,700?). Dave F John Day, OR
