Hi Guy's; After reading the "Comment" letters I got to thinking about the modifications that have improved the KR. The one's that have (reportedly) worked well and made it better. I've never seen them all listed in one place (one sheet of paper) so to speak (excuse me if they have been) and I thought it might be helpful to someone who is considering building a new KR or buying a project to finish. I don't want to nor do I intend to spark a big debate about it (those have already been done) although I fear it will. I'd like to keep it a simple list of tested "improvements to the basic breed" and your input is welcomed. Just be civil. For those like to experiment, (God love you) go right ahead, that's what it's all about. By the way, I'm not an "expert", just an observer with a keen interest in the KR.
A new builder/finisher of a KR aircraft might do well to consider the following. - Buy the KR-2 plans with the -S supplement and build the KR-2S, you'll be glad you did. - Obtain and use the full sized drawings of the new KR airfoils of your choice for your situation. AS5045 - AS5046 - AS5048 - Select your horizontal stabilizer incidence and/or wing angle according to the airfoil/situation you have or want. - Build the fuselage 40 inches wide at the outside of the top longeron in the shoulder area (plans show 36") and taper the width in from there to the tail post. You'll be glad you did unless you want to use the stock R/R pre-molded canopy frame and turtle deck without possibly also widening them. - Stay away from the retractable landing gear unless you just must have it, remember KISS. Fixed tail draggers with good "wheel pants" are slightly faster anyway "Diehl or Grove" brand and fixed tri-gears are easier for some pilots to handle on the ground but are slightly slower in the air. Your choice. - Build a long narrow 10" or so, wide fuel tank in each outer wing panel up against the back side of the front spar. This helps the Center of Gravity remain more constant as fuel is used and keeps the fuel as far away from you as possible. You could also use a small header tank under the forward deck with this setup if you choose. Your choice. These are choices that need to be made first before starting to build or completing a project, they are hard or impossible to change later and could hurt any resale value they might have in the future. All of the other choices like engines, tires/wheels, flaps/belly boards, props/spinners and the like are easier to change at any time you feel the need but the "hull" (Insurance speak) needs to be done right the first time. I hope this script is recieved in the same good will as it was written and I would like to hear of anything that I forgot or left out. I would also like to give a big thanks to Mark Langford, Mark Jones, Bill Clapp, Collin Rainey, Dan Heath, Larry Flesner and the many many others who make this e-mail list a truly treasured jewel in the KR family. God bless you all. Regards Myron (Dan) Freeman Indpls, Ind. 46203 USA mfreem...@indy.rr.com
