Mark bought a foam Corsair at a swap meet for a song.  It has had issues with limited power output and a perpetually loose motor mount.

1) Limited Power output- 1) one magnet appears to have been chipped and the piece was loose inside the   
                        bell. See green arrow photo 29.
                        2) one of the 3 wire connectors broke off.  It looks about 2/3 of the strands
                        had broken off.  It could have broken during the less than perfect landing on           
                        its last flight. See green arrow photo 32.

2) To secure the motor- Mark had built up a plywood structure to secure the motor but it still shook itself loose.
 
My approach: secure Mark's reinforcement with fibreglass cloth and epoxy and spread the load significantly via the full circumference of the large round fuselage.

step 1- take off the motor and the metal motor offset. photo 28.
step 2- dig out the firewall so it is flush with the plywood plate. Used an #11 blade. photo 30, 31.
step 3- apply diluted epoxy to the plywood and the foam around it to seal off the foam. Photo 34.
step 4- add fibreglass cloth over the entire circular firewall: foam and plywood. Add a second layer if more stiffness is required after the first layer has cured. Still to be done.

Frank

Rogo Field - Mar 9, 2025; 3:30 pm EDT

Winds WNW to WSW at 12 gusting 20 kmh
Sky: broken cloud to scattered cloud
Temperature: 5 degrees C
Snow cover: 4" of very wet soft granular snow

Set-up tables:  clear

Summary:  perfect spring flying conditions;  crosswind technique required if you want to maintain alignment with the runway.

Executive summary:
It's gorgeous!!  Get out and fly !!!

Andy

I am formulating a plan to sell some stuff. I can fly small planes from our new property but will be selling some of my faster planes and jets.

I will probably advertise here first and people can collect at the swap meet (or chance the open market selling price!)

The main thing is that it will be good to see old friends.

- sanded the new fibreglass. Note- the area under the landing gear now has an extra 3 layers of fibreglass and one extra layer of plywood. Photo 323
- covered the repair area in new red covering.
- drilled and attached the landing gear. Photos 324 and 325. Note:I added one extra screw...because I could. 

FINISHED!!!!

The problem started when the plane rejected the landing gear on a hardish landing.  Now the landing gear will stay intact but will reject the fuselage on a hard landing. 

Frank

Last step before covering

- added a layer of fibreglass tape (about 3 oz, tightly woven, long enough to wrap up the sides) to the base of the landing gear.
- on top of that added 1/2 oz light cloth to hold it all down.

Used 5 minute epoxy thinned about 50% with rubbing alcohol.
put waxed paper on top with masking tape so it held everything flat while it curled up the fuse side.

Next:
- sanding 
- covering
- sending it back to its rightful owner.

Frank

Added a plywood brace on top of the layer of fibreglass.  Epoxied in place.

photo 13 shows the 1/16 plywood brace.
photo 14 shows the plywood plate scored so it can conform to the shape.  Still in one piece.
photo 15 shows the plywood plate taped and clamped in place.

Next is 1/2 ounce fibreglass over the entire repair.

Frank

Just got word this afternoon that the Beeton Boys will be joining us for breakfast.  They are picking out the location now close to the venue.  I will publish as soon as the location is confirmed.

Frank

ps: they were going to Toledo Model Expo which is on the same weekend.  They cancelled because of the border dispute. Best news ever that even the modelling community can contribute.

Basic construction and modifications are finished. Still to do before covering: sanding, parts-fit adjustments, landing gear set-up, and radio and control parts installed.

I have restyled the nose a bit longer to look more jet-like, and have built hatches on the wings where speed controls will be.

The next 2 steps

- add fibreglass cloth over the balsa area.  See photos 08 and 09.  The waxed paper is taped on so the edges of the glass lie flat while the glue dries.
- add a plywood brace to cover the entire flat area. Photo 10- the paper outline lies on the 1/16" plywood for the next step.  Cut it out, glue it on top of the fibreglass.

Frank

Beautiful Dave!