= Maybe we should re-focus on what brought the KRnetters together in the first instance. If we wish to keep them together, we must swiftly move away from anything that will harm this fraternity.
= Some netters are invaluable to the net, others are not - the ratio of valid answers given vs. questions asked is thin - why are we alienating those few that can (and regularly do) provide the answers? = Home built aircraft are all about affordability - and affordability is relative, it means different things to different people. = Ken Rand provided the unique opportunity to address the widest possible definition of affordability and then still present something that looks (and performs) like it should cost a great deal more. = Obviously, it can cost a lot more if that is what grabs you - some folks have a panel that cost more than the next guys entire airplane - that is what this is all about - you pays your money and you ....., whatever makes you happy. The point is - the KR is still probably the most affordable DIY airplane for what it offers. That takes nothing away from the many other top class designs /kits that are around - many offer an even bigger bang (for a bigger buck). = The KR design /construction (and the potential for tweaking), is what makes it one of the most popular HB airplanes ever - HOW CAN THIS STRENGTH POSSIBLY BECOME ITS WEAKNESS - a wedge threatening to divide a unique collection of different people, with different back grounds, different skills, different aspirations and different bank balances - a collection of folks that share one thing - the desire to fly. There is NO DOUBT AT ALL that the fundamental KR1 /KR2 /KR2S design is very real and the plans are complete and adequate - they CAN all build into a superb little airplane. Anything - even a surf board can be built weak, crooked and overweight - I bet the KRnet has already prevented that many times. Simple fact is - airplanes are the best possible demonstration of the word compromise - so many things to balance - payload /HP /Wing loading /speed(s) /stability /range /G limits /comfort /mission capability / building costs /operating costs et al. For some of us the KR then becomes more of a philosophy. Ken did not invent spruce, ply, dynel, epoxy and design principles - he just showed us another effective way to hang them all together. Steve J ask...@micronet.zm
