Skyshark 1/9th Scale TBM Avenger Build

[MikeT]

Thanks. Keeping it organized is really hard but it's all my fault. The old "empty desk" thing. Not much to report on the build,flying all day yesterday.
,
Mike

[MikeT]

No flying as the winds are starting to kick up here. Got the center section pretty much sorted out. Mocked up the retract valve and think it will work out.

Mike

[olwarbirds]

Mike what made you go air for the retracts ? its looking good brother... DJ

[MikeT]

Lenny at Shindin Machine does a strut that will fit the Robarts. The way the retracts are on the Avenger I had to have those struts. I could not justify the extra cost of machining them for the electrics. I haven't done a build in a long time but I'm getting back into the swing of it. Lots of head scratching but when i get confused I remember to just refer to the plans. This is a very well thought out kit. If I can manage my time right I might have the wing finished by the end of the week and then on to the fuse.
Mike

[MikeT]

Talked with Lenny and my struts are being shipped. I need to be sure how everything was going to fit before moving on to the outer wing panels. Hope to have some more progress to post soon.

Mike

[MikeT]

Received the struts from Lenny @Shindin Machine and there perfect. Did a quick pressure test with them and I'll fool with the speed before sheeting. I should get this thing rolling now that I have what I needed.

Mike

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JmQ1c32uMY

[MikeT]

I've been testing all the stuff in the center section and am pretty confident I have everything as dependable as it's going to get. Started on the outer panels.

[Grossman56]

This is going to be such a great plane once its done.

Grossman56

[MikeT]

Thanks I hope I can do it justice. Rather slow going but I'll work on it when I can and keep everyone updated.

Mike

[Grossman56]

Don't forget, slow going used to be the only way to go not that long ago!
Keep up the great work,
Grossman56

[MikeT]

Top sheeting complete. My Flightline P-38 showed up and will work on that while finishing up the bottom sheeting than on to the fuse.

Mike

[MikeT]

Made some progress on the fuse.

Mike

[Prowler901]

I love watching airframes come together. Nice work, Mike.

[Grossman56]

Mike, this is going to be an awesome bird, thanks so much for posting the pics of your progress, makes me itchy to try it myself.
Grossman56

[MikeT]

Thanks Guys.
Had to put some "color' to the cockpit area since once sheeting is on it will be difficult to get to. It's coming along but there's a bunch of "measure twice (or three times) and cut once" going on here. Been a fun build so far but still a bunch of "figuring" to do.

Mike

[MikeT]

Still a bunch to do before sheeting. Wish I could find a nicer pilot but I'll play the cards I'm dealt. I'll need to weather the cockpit area a bit once I've got everything in place.

Mike

[Prowler901]

Lookin' really great, Mike. Those little details just add so much.

[MikeT]

Got a spare moment out in the shop today. Making a bit of progress. I think I can button this up and get started on sheeting. This is taking way longer than I had anticipated.

[Grossman56]

Looks awesome Mike, I'm really enjoying watching your progress, keep up the good work!

Grossman56

[MikeT]

Thanks for the support. Sorry this is going so slow. You guys can blame Motion for some of it though. I "had" to get the new P-38 along with a F-15 kit I had a Jet Fan and motor laying around needed a home. On the bright side the guns used for the P-38 will be perfect for doing my turret machine gun.

Mike