Byron Originals, Ryan STA Build and conversion to electric

[F22trainer]

Picked this up a few weeks ago. After buying the F100, I resolved not to buy anymore airplanes. (I have sold or given away 6 flying models this year) I was looking forward to finishing a ‘give away’ plane so I would have the space to begin the F100. (You know the other thread I resurrected) when a close friend tagged me in a post on FB, local guy with the Ryan needed to sell it. Partially built by a known builder in our circle, all of the parts are there, it’s just not in the original box. I had just responded with a reluctant “nope” when the ‘Operations Director’ (aka, my better half) said “…is it one you really want?” I showed her some of the materials about the Byron Models from Iowa ( very close by my father’s parents in Storm Lake) and the one NIB listed for $1200.
She says “you need to see it before deciding. Go look at it and buy if you think it’s what you want”

I thought I would have puppies right on the spot…and I got it for less than half of the prime listing I would have been required to ship from Sausalito.
Got a Lanzo Bomber (another give away / raffle) to finish as the F100 also is getting underway, and then the new Ryan will move to the build table.

With a Balsa USA 1/4 Sopwith Pup to follow, I’m hoping to start my retirement next year in a proper fashion.

[boomer108]

Very nice! Good luck on the build.

[Elbee]

.....She says “you need to see it before deciding. Go look at it and buy if you think it’s what you want”.....

Well that pretty well covers it.
Presume you've picked out B-day, Mother's Day, and next Christmas Day gifts, already.

Looking forward to seeing further progress. Best, LB

[F22trainer]

LB…

[F22trainer]

It’s on the way:

http://shop.dualsky.com/_p0318.html

[Twowingtj]

Good choice. I've found DualSky motors to be quite well made and efficient.

[rifleman_btx]

Man we got to get the Byrons together!

[F22trainer]

Man we got to get the Byrons together!

And the F100’s!

[F22trainer]

Wow, regular shipping and 7 days - no complaints there.

[rifleman_btx]

And the F100’s!

Yes! Absolutely

[F22trainer]

Nearing the finish on building and approaching the wing covering. Tail surfaces were easy and learned some new characteristics of my chosen material. Had good results with SIG Koverall over balsa applied with Minwax Polycryllic, and styrofoam is even better. The Byron kit came with older foam, not the tough stuff we’ve gotten used to now. What I discovered is that edges are a cinch with a trim sealing iron to overlap and it does shrink with it. Heat gun stretches it taught and bubbles just disappear. The wings have been slow process as no CA get near this foam, epoxy is OK but Titebond and soft clamps are definitely easier but slow to dry. Since it all gets wrapped with Koverall it was an easy choice to stick with aliphatic glue on the balsa and foam, but fiberglass and shell got the 2 part epoxy. Quite a thrill assembling this ‘old school’ technology but taking some liberties with newer tech when able. The tail wheel came from Hangar 9 Oscar, as the Byron offset design was short on the axle portion.