Paul Smith of Michigan writes:

My Combat Master, built in a hurry for the contest at Kalamazoo in 2006 was my first effort at a modern day hollow log.   In an effort to save weight, I used the free flight style of finish, clear dope with tissue trim, limited use of stickers, and ink lines.   While the model did fly, it wasn’t good enough to use in competition.   It got pretty well beaten up when used as an engine tester and in flyability experiments.   This winter I bought my first spray paint system and used the Combat Master as a learning experience in air brushing and decal work.   I had some photos of a VNAF Bearcat that I’ve always wanted to model.   Unfortunately, in the interim, several Bearcat kits and ARF’s have hit the market so design has become too over modeled for me.   I decided to use the documentation on my Combat Master.  Before the rehab, the plane weighed 5.6 ounces.   I cut it open and hollowed it some more and sanded off all the weight I could.   I was able to take out enough weight to get the final product down to 5.4 ounces with paint.   This is still heavy for stunt, by OK for speed and racing.   From past experience in 2006 and 2007, this effort still isn’t good enough to crack the top 3 in the craftsmanship event, but I’m working on it.   More to come.

--Paul Smith