When I moved in last summer the bulrushes were too tall for me to see the pond from my porch.  Once the surrounding area dries out a bit I'll see if there any kind of access for a UMX flight.  Now... do I need a PFS or an OFP??? OMG!!!

See, your first plane and we can put you into 1 of 2 camps already.  There are those (me) who print everything before even acknowledging that glue exists.  And there's Rob in the other camp.  As a part comes off the printer, it goes in place.  I've noticed that in all the forums I lurk in these camps are about evenly split.  With Rob's way, you don't have to keep staring at a box full of parts.  Prints look good, Rob... nicely done.

I use a service which is part of the Bambu Labs ecosystem.  Bambu Labs has MakerWorld - a place where you can find models.  They also have MakerLab where there are a number of modelling tools such as PrintU which takes a picture and turns it into a figurine, and Lantern Maker, and the one I use called Image to 3D Model.  I take a picture of the Timber pin and feed that image into the tool... and it spits out an STL file I can print.

I have been building model planes out of balsa and plywood for about 60 years on and off. Then about 3 or 4 years ago, people started building planes with 3 d printers. I persisted in  traditional building and over the last 4 years have built about 2 or 3 planes a year. A couple of people were kind enough to print parts for me for them, dummy motors and machine gun and the like, but I hated asking them so I took the plunge about a month ago and bought a 3 D printer of my own. I thought it would be a simple process. Download the files, put them in the printer, stand back and watch your project come to life. This is not the case. There is much to learn about printing but it has caught my imagination and it is a nice new challenge. I thought I bought it to print parts for wooden planes, but now I find myself about 80% of the way through a Planeprint EVO and looking forward to assembling it. The EVO simple plane but there are 2 or 3 at Temac that fly well and also a good first build for me. I have needed guidance but luckily, with youtube and other folks experience I have muddled my way though. I will add this plane to the other 2 I built of wood over the winter and look forward to maidening them when we get good flying weather.
If anyone is thinking about maybe trying this, my advice would be go ahead, it is a challenge and a lot of fun. When not building the EVO it is also fun to build stuff to use around the house or things for our granddaughters.

David, George, Simon, Alex and I flew at TEMAC today.

Simon and Alex flew helicopters, and we flew planes and jets. It was cloudy,  but mild with almost no wind.

(The field was wet and muddy.)

 

Quote from: piker on April 14, 2026, 06:20:08 PMI wonder if Michael still has his Albatros?

Yup! I flew it a few times last summer.

Hey Colin!

Great to see you back in the Build Group.

As a list maker myself, I can definietly see the need for writing out what needs to be done in order to follow a logical process and not forget anything. I find certain calm in having a list to follow.  It helps me focus.

But I agree with Dave, that a long list like that can feel overwehlming at times.  To Dave's point, one step at a time.  Most important step is getting started.  Advice from a perpetual procrastinator.

Actually, my biggest problem in building airplanes isn't getting started. It's actually finishing a project completely, and for this I find a list of things to get done helpful.  I have several lists on the go right now, for several planes (most waiting for parts or better ourdoor painting weather), that I'm using to make sure I remember what needs to be finished.

It'll be fun to see your build of the Solent continue.  I know I said this many years ago, but maybe THIS summer will see the two flying boats together.

I wonder if Michael still has his Albatros?

I've heard mention of this photo technique.

Can you elaborate?

What magic is this?!!!   

Quote from: Frank v B on April 13, 2026, 04:04:55 PMColin,

It will be amazing to have you back at Rogo Field.

Frank

Thanks Frank, it's been a while! Probably don't know half the guys there now. Time to get back with the boys!