The KR as such is nothing much, but the concept generally results in a stunning wee bird - it offers wonderful potential and brings out the best in the "experimental" component amongst us.
Witness N19MMR, N41768, N891JF, N4DD, N902G, N1213W, N??TP. The jury is still out on 53ML, but my guess is that this variant will do the fleet great justice. Add the Yeehaa of them all, old big foot (N211LF) and what do we have - anything but a KR - we have a collection of brilliant airplanes that have ALL been inteligently adapted to suite a variety of tastes and desires. There are many, many more. In short - the KR is a concept, the resultant airplanes are the innovative expressions of imaginative and creative craftsmen. Sounds a bit poetic, but it is true. Sadly, 90% of the aggro around a KR stems from the need for changes. We all agree that the stock KR2 or even 2S, built as per plan and within the weight, would be a great day, VFR, hand start, around the patch airplane. Adrian Carter (C-FAFY) demonstrated this (and some)- he even made good use of the original RR folding legs (and no KR nett). However, as evidenced by everything I have seen, the typical KR builder wants something else (more). Yes - we need to lean over sometimes and we need to "experiment" sometimes, but when one of the respected members of the group makes a statement like: The only potential good result that I can see coming from this recent set of discussions is that most of the planes will never be finished. Well that essentially screws that discussion - not so? Not sure hoe he differentiate between the guy /gal that runs out of cash, looses a job, someone dies, divorce - any one of a hundred reason for quitting - and then pegs the cause to a modified mainspar. This is sad. I know where the guy is coming from and he is mostly correct in a world of litigation and in the world of "minding my own business" - a world that the pioneers of aviation would never understand - ask Wilbur (or Orville). The other part of minding my own business is really doing exactly that. If you feel safe in your ivory tower and you have no need for help from anyone, why do you read the posts - if not to seek an opportunity to contribute? With great respect, I know that you shared your composite u/c design with those that are planning a 1400lb airplane. Not much help coz none of us have a 1400lb main spar (like you do). Yes, you exonerated yourself, but I call that a cop out. This will probably cost me dearly, but what have you actually contributed lately - criticism does not count. The brief bio does not for count much either. Even the insufferable Colin (and Beverly) Rainey tries to contribute - poor misguided soul. Never mind, at least he tries. I take my cue from LF, ML, MJ, TP, DH and the like - they are the backbone of the KR as it stands today. They wil hedge, duck and dive - but eventually they will help. Actually, that is not true - only applies to the the guy with the over-active Labrador - but he will always be constructive if you are honest with him (and patient) Some of them hold you in awe, so I followed suite. I want to build an airlane. I am a 500 hout PPL and an engineer (certified, degreed - whatever) so I fully appreciate your concerns. I have the money ready - even for a QB RV8/9 kit, but that would be a bit like having haemerroids - every other asshole has them. (Sorry Dana - I suspect that you may stiil be around) The last comment from the esteemed member (with the brief bio) really canned it for me. Eureka, I have found my way forward - same price, same performance, same media, the only snag is that the support group is foreign - so no KRnett. It is not a KR, but all the variants are close - Anything from a single seat, 2 in tandem, two side-by-side, VW /Vair /0-200 or even IO-360. No mods required, the cabin (on the side-by-side models) is wider than a C172 and most of them offer conventional gear, or the training gear, or folding legs. Plans cost a few bob more, but then they are the creations of Claude Piel (or Giuseppe Vidor) - no mods required. (simmilar pedigree to the SF260, Ferrari, Masserati) Incidently: Quote: "Ken Rand and Stu Robinson where not experts in airplane structures, but they did not need to be. They copied an existing design and did not screw around with it" end quote. Wow - from a 35hp single seat to a 65hp two seater without screwing with the design - fuck me gently George. At your mercey ML - a man must do what a man must do. ___________________________________________________________ Moving house? Beach bar in Thailand? New Wardrobe? Win £10k with Yahoo! Mail to make your dream a reality. Get Yahoo! Mail www.yahoo.co.uk/10k
