Thursday, April 2, 2020

Two Parts

Where Are We Today
"The Ridge"

"Part I"
Each year at the end of our winter travels, I like to post/record mileage and fuel statistics for the truck. The data is taken from the trucks dash computer and is an average from the time we left "The Ridge" to the time we returned whether it was pulling the trailer or not.
We departed from "The Ridge" Oct. 28th, 2019, with our return on Mar. 20, 2020. During that time, we travelled
13,926.4 km./8653.4 mi.
we used
3125.3 l/825.6 U.S. gal. of fuel
for an average of
22.4 l/100 k / 10.5 mpg
We are still driving the same truck, 2015 Ford F 350, 6.7 Diesel, crew cab, 8 ft. box and dual wheels.

Mother Goose taking a nap


Part II
 When I finished "Part I" of this post, I realized it was a very short read, and although some may like that, I wanted more substance for a post. So I decided to make it a "Part I and Part II" read.
Part II is about a new model airplane  build, which many will know is all part of  my hobby of building and flying RC aircraft. Usually you build in the winter so you can fly in the summer, but for me, we are not here in the winter and there is nowhere to build in our 5th wheel when we are in the southwest.
Scratch or kit building is becoming a thing of the past, as ARF ( Almost Ready to Fly ) kits are so easily available and quick to put together. From the beginning of my time in this hobby, I have built from kits, with the exception of a couple of ARF Kits, and enjoy the process very much.
Building the stab
The plane I am building, I have had before, a World War 2 fighter, F4U Corsair. I must admit that the first one was built for me by a club member who couldn't fly anymore, but loved to build.
Now, I haven't built in a few years, so I am slowly getting back into it.  I consider myself a good builder, my planes come out true and fly well with very or no trim needed on maiden flights.
Building the elevators

Recollecting how when I first started to build, I would  spend hours at night, trying to get as much done in an evening as possible. From time to time that would lead to mistakes, mostly from not reading instructions carefully and forging ahead without completely understanding  what I was supposed to do. It is better to read each step a couple of times and remember that old saying, "measure twice and cut once".
The fin

With the current health issues, businesses being closed, not being able to work at CanAm and physical distancing, I thought this would be a good time to start this. I am in no hurry. This kit was given to me by a neighbor, Wayne, who had a heart of gold and bought the kit to build and hang in his home. Before he had a chance to start it, his eye sight went and he couldn't see well enough to build it. He knew I was in the hobby and offered it to me many years ago, and I have had it tucked away for far too long.
As building continues, I will post my progress for you to see and follow along. Thanks for dropping in, until the next time take care, practice social distancing, stay healthy and safe. The sooner we all do this, the sooner it will be over. 

Mr. Robin

 

12 comments:

  1. I'm sure it will be another beautiful airplane and a dream to fly.
    Stay safe.

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    1. My favorite fighter of World War 2, hope it flies well.

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  2. A very interesting hobby. Looking forward as you work through the different stages of construction.
    Be Safe and Enjoy the Social Distancing.

    It's about time.

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    1. Yes it is interesting, I will keep posting as I progress.

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  3. I really enjoy the map at the end of your blog. I never paid attention to the location of cities in that area and that so many large American cities are so close to Ontario. Have a wonderful safe day!

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    1. Thanks Elva, yes there are a lot of American cities close to Ontario.

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  4. Nice update Bill! A lot of miles but 10.5 is excellent I would think towing your huge home on wheels! Love the new plane, nice that Wayne gave it to you (sad about his eyesight though). Will enjoy watching it come to life :)

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    1. Thanks guys, I am pleased with the gas mileage. Wayne passed 8 years ago, he was a great guy, would give the shirt off his back. I will keep posting updates on the build.

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  5. Wow ... that is amazing you can build something like that and have it fly. I'd be measuring six times and still cut it wrong!!! Can't wait to see it completed.

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  6. When I read your Part I my first thought was, Oh no, I never figured all that out then I realized we are actually not back yet...lol
    Sounds like you are back doing something you truly enjoy. Tom and I will look forward to the pictures of your progress. Stay safe and healthy.

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    1. Saved, you still have a ways to go before you're home, then you can figure out your mileage.
      Yes, I am building again and enjoying it. It is helping to keep me busy also. I will continue to post pics as I go along. Stay safe and healthy also.

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