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Re: Super Constellation
Posted: March 9th, 2015, 7:54 pm
by Alan Cantwell 1131
Looks great Doc, what did you end up using for the undercart legs?
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: March 9th, 2015, 8:41 pm
by Keith Mitchell
Peter sourced some stainless, hydraulic system tube. Expensive but very strong ........
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: March 9th, 2015, 10:57 pm
by Alan Cantwell 1131
Didnt fancy the titanium then?
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 28th, 2015, 7:53 am
by Ron Pearman
Where are we with this project? It's gone very quiet.
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 28th, 2015, 8:03 am
by Cary Bailey
Keith has not been too good recently and is due (if not already had) heart surgery. I was in contact with him a few weeks ago.
Cary
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 28th, 2015, 8:06 am
by Ron Pearman
Very sorry to hear that.
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 28th, 2015, 11:28 am
by Cary Bailey
Ron Pearman wrote:Very sorry to hear that.
Ron, he will be fine!
Cary
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 28th, 2015, 8:11 pm
by Keith Mitchell
Just to clear things up Gents, I'll be having a heart valve replacement in around 6 weeks. This is a problem I've had for several years but this year it progressed from 'moderate' to 'severe' dictating surgical intervention.
As for the 'Connie', following initial engine runs and Phil Clark's inspection there was a major problem with the tailplane mounting tube and Peter set-to completely replacing it with a larger diameter CF tube and socket (supplied by IAD - beautiful quality). Now sorted.
Two weeks ago, a further shake-down session at Longhorsley was undertaken and the model underwent several taxi runs very successfully. The four ZDZ 90's throttle-up beautifully, even though we've got them set rich for running-in. Power is awesome and the 215lb model accelerates very smartly up our strip. Interestingly, it is the first big multi' that I've had that doesn't track to port on application of power - the effect of the triple fins/rudders and streamlined fuzz' section perhaps??
We're now doing a few odds and ends prior to further ground runs and - hopefully - final inspection by Phil in a fortnights time.
Considering my surgery, that'll be it for this year, so looking to test flights early '16......
.... and thanks for your good wishes.
Keith
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 29th, 2015, 3:52 am
by Alan Cantwell 1131
Wishing you well Doc, Beutifull model, but the owners a tad rough round the edges, get well, get flying Doc
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 29th, 2015, 11:39 am
by Keith Mitchell
Thanks, Alan. If I've recovered enough, I'd dearly love to get to the AGM, as I haven't been able to get to much this year.
Hopefully see you an' all then......
K.
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 29th, 2015, 8:48 pm
by Phil Clark
Lookin good Keith (& Peter)....see ya on the 13th
Phil
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 29th, 2015, 8:52 pm
by Mike Ellis
Sorry to hear about your health problem Keith.
I wish you a speedy recovery .
As I have had 2 colon cancer ops in the last 18 months I realise how mortal we all are and therefore should try and live in a positive way everyday !!
Take care and keep your chin up !!
Regards
Mike Ellis
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 30th, 2015, 6:08 pm
by Keith Mitchell
Yep - changes your perspective, Mike........
K.
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: August 31st, 2015, 7:57 am
by Ron Pearman
Thanks for the update. I suspect this project has worldwide interest and everyone is wishing you "All the best".
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: September 1st, 2015, 7:36 am
by Cary Bailey
Keith Mitchell wrote:Just to clear things up Gents, I'll be having a heart valve replacement in around 6 weeks. This is a problem I've had for several years but this year it progressed from 'moderate' to 'severe' dictating surgical intervention.
Considering my surgery, that'll be it for this year, so looking to test flights early '16......
.... and thanks for your good wishes.
Keith
Keith, glad all OK with you. I was not sure what your surgery date was. It's just a quick plumbing job so you will running marathons again! Take care
Cary
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: September 15th, 2015, 9:41 am
by Keith Mitchell
Got another really good shake-down session in at our Fly-In on Sunday, under the watchful eye of inspector, Phil Clarke. Fast taxi's up to the point where the n/leg was off and about to get airborne.
An exhausting day but worth it as scrutiny now virtually complete and hopefully I can get the D&I Certification out of the way before I succumb to a theatre trolley..........!
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: October 11th, 2015, 10:17 pm
by Tony Nijhuis 2280
Looks great Keith....soooo close to lift off too.....It been quite a journey for you and peter since collecting the airframe from me all those years ago!...something to really look forward too at next years shows I hope...
Tony N
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: October 12th, 2015, 7:05 pm
by Keith Mitchell
Cheers, Tony.
K.
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: October 15th, 2015, 7:55 pm
by Scott Crosby
An amazing model and a well done to all involved!! Keep us posted!
Scott
Re: Super Constellation
Posted: June 30th, 2016, 7:18 pm
by Keith Mitchell
Well the model got air under its wings for the first time with 2 flights at Elvington today.
Beautiful flier and the four 90's sounded gorgeous. It really is an elegant presence in the sky.
Flying shots/video links to follow..........