Tim Johnson reported that the Northern Alliance Fly-In (Aug 8, 9, 10 in Owatonna) will now include “Classic” aircraft as well as military.  Classics are a/c built prior to 1960.  Tim needs volunteers for impound, serving food, etc.  Call Tim at 507-390-5030 or email johnsons@myclearwave.net

Dave Schwantz presented his magnificent A-10 Warthog built from an $11,000 kit aus Germany.  Built for a customer in Kalamazoo for $30,000.  All-Kevlar surfaces reinforced with ply formers attached with Hysol glue. Two Jetcat turbines matched in RPM have no throttle lag.  Blue Box cockpit, brakes and retracts come with kit.  20,000 MAH of lithium magnesium batteries, 5 just for lights.  Smart Box power distribution box mounts on top of JR 2.4 Ghz receiver. Two(2) gals of fuel onboard for a fuel economy worse than most light aircraft.  One tank ahead of CG, the other behind, drain together. PPG and Fixed N’ Flat auto paint, weathered with Model Master streaked with Scotch-Bright and rubbing alcohol.  Eight(8) sq. ft. of flap area.  Hatches closed with rare earth magnets. ProMark dry-transfer markings.  160 MPH. Well-visible color scheme. Dave also demonstrated using Aluma Lite and silicon molding compound for molding small parts.

Cal Branton showed his Top Flight B25 ARF, engineered by former SFM member Jim Sandquist. OS 70s, 19 lbs. “Crappy” wheels were replaced with Robart. Monokote “really sucks.”  Canopy pieces “not very clear & brittle.”  Instructions recommend attaching with CA which we all know will fog clear plastic. Doors and cowls are F/g. Doors “work well.”  Removable tail with rudder elev servos in tail.  2 wing tubes.  40-50 hours to assemble.  Non-scale down-thrust and side thrust added by Cal.