Will you have it flying by this Saturday for the Katama Fly-In on Martha's Vineyard?

http://www.aopa.org/Events/2014/May/Fly ... -moon.aspx

*holds breath*

It's 0830 EDT! What's the wait?? What's the weight??

Are we there yet?

Zane, why is there no "popcorn" emoticon??

Papa Foxtrot wrote:Zane, why is there no "popcorn" emoticon??

* 2

denalipilot wrote:

Papa Foxtrot wrote:Zane, why is there no "popcorn" emoticon??

Thanks!

***************LIVE UPDATE****************

Early this morning at Plymouth Airport a man was apprehended while running rabid along the airport perimeter.

Local Law Enforcement Officials reported that the man, who kept mumbling that the scales were wrong while foaming at the mouth, was covered in grease, polishing agent, and bright red paint.

The unidentified man is now at Trembling Hills Sanortorium for further observation.

MAU MAU wrote:
Early this morning at Plymouth Airport......

Man you couldn't be closer to the truth. Was a super long 12hr day starting with the scales, then the grease plates and getting the castor and toe angles right. Kicked my arse.

So the weight:

The net net is that I was pretty bummed out earlier today not getting even close to where I wanted. We weighed her, freaked out, pulled the scales, zeroed them again, and re-hung her. Same.

Like many who have come before me, (and many yet to come) I fell victim to my own hyperbolie and half baked dreams of a bushed-out sub-1700 H model. After a tasty sandwich and a cup a joe, I came to realize that I had done pretty damn well considering all the mods and gizmos I added, so Im content with where she's at.

So.....

On 600x6 wheels, no oil and no fuel (per the TDS) and no back seats, she came in at 1699 lbs (for real.) was at 1701lbs when I realized I had left the portable 796, a flashlight and some pens in the pocket... Although fun, we all know that this number is merely interesting and is pretty much useless.

The day before I ripped into the Skywagon I had her on the scales for a baseline. On 8.5x10s with all old seats, junky interior, old radios, 12 qts of oil and 79 gal full of she came in at 2303 (gross was 2800lbs.)

This morning on official scales she weighed in at 2263. Net savings of -40lbs.

For my standard flying config, I will have the back seats out, which will give me an empty weight of 1802lbs on big wheels, max gross of 3190, and a useful of 1388lbs. (Skytec starter on order to get me under 1800 ) Of course my CG will probably be right up against the forward side of the envelope and will have to stuff 50lbs of gear in the ext baggage to get her to land right (making this entire pursuit ludicrous...) I know I could have saved a bunch more had I forwent the comfy leather, all the powdercoating, used less 1/4" foam, not painted the interior and not shot base coat/clear coat on the exterior, but I recon it's a respectable enough weight considering all the mods on the airplane. I think not to shabby for an auto-pilot'd IFR sex machine bush plane.... Besides... I have a scratch ticket plan that will culminate in the addition of Ti gear and an MT prop to knock off another 60-

CG paper work tomorrow, then all that's left is to bleed the breaks and I can start her up...

So my opinion means nothing here since I've never owned or rebuilt an airplane, but here's my 2c:

Don't you dare be disappointed because of the weight!!!

I really hope I get to see this aircraft in person. In pictures I think it's the perfect configuration on the perfect plane. You've knocked a pretty decent weight out of the bird and now she looks amazing!

You did an excellent job!

Nice job,you now have a great aircraft that's going to last another 40 some odd years. The weight will go away as soon as you start flying it and give back the scales. Katama?

Congrats! Get that thing in the air!

CamTom12 wrote: You've knocked a pretty decent weight out of the bird and now she looks amazing!

You did an excellent job!

Thanks man. Hard to keep perspective being so close to the project.

RE: Katama... Wont be flying that soon. Still have bugs to work out Im sure. Any of you NE guys that have a free seat come by and pick me up at PYM on sat morn. Im pretty much right on the way for most of you....

Too bad you didn't hit your target weight, but as others have said don't be disappointed! You now have one of the best Skywagons on the planet. And 1388 useful is pretty awesome.

You should be damn proud Greg.

You did a stellar job and now own a truly awesome aircraft that was created by your blood, sweat, and I am sure, a few tears.

Looking forward to a few get-together's this coming season.

1,388lbs useful load, that's damn good for a four seat plane... and also get flying!

So how about some final addition glamor shots of that sexy beast??

Greg,

As soon as you start flying her you'll forget all about whether she's 40 lbs lighter or 140 lbs lighter. Every time you pour the coals to her you'll get this big grin on your face that just won't go away. Everywhere you land she will be the queen. All the hard work, long hours, and treasure will be worth it - cause you'll be flying what is probably the most versatile single engine plane ever built - and loving every minute of it. Can't wait to see her in person. Congrats!