First Impressions
The Aeromaster comes in a box that is not overly large, but is really heavy. This is an all built-up kit - no foam parts. One of the first things I did was toss the ABS cowl and wheel pants as I've had my fill of plastic parts before. I'll be using fiberglass parts. The canopy was crushed, but there was no damage to the box it was shipped in (strange). Great Planes replaced it immediately with no questions asked.

The Plan
Most of this plane will be built stock, but it will be lightened where I see fit. It appears that the plane was designed heavy, and some lightening techniques are definately in order. I build my planes to fly rather than crash, and I'd like the Aeromaster to weigh no more than 19 lbs.

I'll be installing a Zenoah G-62 engine and B&B smoke system in the Aeromaster . The radio equipment will consist of a JR 8103 transmitter, JR S-PCM receiver and Hitec HS-425/545 servos. I'll be running two 1,100 mah batteries and two switch harnesses for redundancy. It will be covered with either Monokote or Ultracoat - whichever stands up better to my smoke oil tests. Paint will be custom matched automotive acrylic enamel.

This all adds up to a fairly expensive project, as any giant scale project is. I put a detailed estimate together, and it came in at $1,473.

Construction - started 9/7
These construction notes consist only of variations from the plans, and anything that I feel the reader would find of interest that is unique to standard building practices.

I have decided to go with foam core tail feathers. For approximately the same weight as built-up, I'll get a more true and stronger tail. Here are the airfoils I used in case you want to do the same. I use Elmer's ProBond Urethane adhesive exclusively for bonding balsa to foam cores. It's light, permanent and very strong.