Re: KRnet> question for old timers

[James Babcock via KRnet]

I knew Al (Alvin) Campbell well when I lived in San Antonio in the late 80’s. 
He was from Arkansas and helped a fellow Arkie build my KR-2 which first flew 
in 1991. He was buddies with Dan Diehl, and I watched them install the first 
Diehl fixed gear on Al’s plane, a turbocharged VW.  I then ordered the second 
set of Diehl gear for my KR before it flew. 
Unfortunately, Al died in his plane while giving a demonstration ride, sometime 
around early 1992. 
I have lost track of Calvin, his twin brother.
Al was a huge ambassador for the KR-2 and was always ready to give demo rides.

> On May 3, 2023, at 5:56 PM, Flesner via KRnet  wrote:
> 
> 
> A question for those around during the early days of the KR. There were two 
> brothers or cousins with the last name of Campbell.  I'm not sure of their 
> first names.  Was one of their names Keith and were they from the Midwest, 
> Iowa to be more specific?
> 
> The reason I ask is that a friend of mine took their RV10 fuel tank to a shop 
> in Iowa for repair and one of the owners of the shop is Keith Campbell and he 
> indicated he built a KR1 many years ago.  I seem to recall hearing their 
> names back in the 90's at different Gatherings.  Inquiring minds want to know.
> 
> Larry Flesner 
-- 
KRnet mailing list
KRnet@list.krnet.org
https://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet

KR> Thrust line

[James Babcock]

If I recall correctly (from about 1989) I tried to get the engine thrust line 
at center of crankshaft to line up with the top longeron. I did not offset the 
engine laterally to compensate for p factor like I have read that some planes 
do. Too much math for me. 
-- next part --
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image1.JPG
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 108400 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: 

-- next part --


> On Sep 23, 2015, at 4:59 PM, Mike Arnold via KRnet  
> wrote:
> 
> So, no one wants to wade in on the thrust line on the fire wall for a KR2
> huh. No Aeronautical engineers out there.
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> KR Gathering

[James Babcock]

Good idea, Paul!  There's a farm supply store just across from the airport. I 
am almost certain they sell aircraft grade rope ;)


> On Aug 31, 2015, at 4:19 PM, Paul VISK via KRnet  
> wrote:
> 
> I think a piece of rope in a good square knot should surfice. : )
> 
> 
> Paul ViskBelleville Il618-406-4705
> 
>  Original message From: Mike Arnold via KRnet  list.krnet.org> Date: 8/31/2015  3:42 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: KRnet  list.krnet.org> Cc: Mike Arnold  Subject: Re: KR> KR 
> Gathering 
> Well that sounds like fun we should talk I'll see if my wife is interested
> in going south lol
> On Aug 31, 2015 12:37 PM, "James Babcock via KRnet" 
> wrote:
> 
>> Mike, I have a flying, plans-built KR2 in Mt Home, AR if you come down
>> this way. I can taxi you around in it but no flight because it doesn't have
>> a seat belt for passenger.
>> 
>> James Babcock
> 
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> KR Gathering

[James Babcock]

Mike, I have a flying, plans-built KR2 in Mt Home, AR if you come down this 
way. I can taxi you around in it but no flight because it doesn't have a seat 
belt for passenger. 

James Babcock

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 31, 2015, at 9:29 AM, Mike Arnold via KRnet  
> wrote:
> 
> My wife and I are going to take the motorhome out for a few days this
> weekend how can I find some kartoos within driving distance of Springfield
> Missouri
> 

KR> 1992 Oshkosh KR1 photo 1 of 2

[James Babcock]

I am pretty sure that KR-1 belonged to a friend of mine, Eugene (Gene) Darst 
from Beaumont, TX. He died in it on the way back from Oshkosh in Aug 1993. NTSB 
No  CH193DEE04. 
Cause was listed as elevator cable failure. Rumor had it that he had been 
awarded a trophy at Oshkosh which jammed the control cable because of the 
limited space for baggage. Personally, that made sense to me. He was a fine 
pilot and craftsman. 


> On Jan 27, 2015, at 6:57 PM, "Chris Prata via KRnet"  list.krnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Took this at 1992 Oshkosh. Wonder whose it is/was? Nice example of a KR1  
> 
> <20150127_192903r.jpg>
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> borrow a dual plug VW head?

[James Babcock]

Mark, Steve Bennett machined my V Dub heads back about 1989 or so. The wires 
don't traverse the valve covers. No problems whatsoever.

James

> On Oct 25, 2014, at 10:20 AM, Lawrence Bell via KRnet  list.krnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Mark, there are different configurations.
> 
> On Fri, Oct 24, 2014 at 7:05 PM, Mark Langford via KRnet <
> krnet at list.krnet.org> wrote:
> 
>> Given the problems I've had with my ignition system, I'm seriously
>> considering a dual-plug setup. 
>> 
>> Thanks...
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> Mark Langford
>> ML at N56ML.com
>> http://www.n56ml.com
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
>> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
>> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
>> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change
>> options
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> Starter

[James Babcock]

Call Dan Diehl. If I recall, it was a Subaru part. 



> On Jun 30, 2014, at 12:29 PM, "smwood via KRnet"  
> wrote:
> 
> I bought my starter from Great Plains http://www.greatplainsas.com but don't 
> see it in their catalog now.
> 
> Sid Wood
> Tri-gear KR-2 N6242
> Mechanicsville, MD, USA
> smwood at md.metrocast.net
> --
>> I have searched the archives and maybe I am just missing it?.., does anyone
>> know of an aftermarket starter ( one I can get at an auto parts store ) that
>> will fit a Diehl case?
>> 
>> If so, a part number? Make and model?
>> 
>> Thank you,
>> 
>> Clayton
> 
> 
> 
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> test

[James Babcock via KRnet]

Me too, Larry. I could see being booted for too many bounced landings, but I 
don't even know what a bounced email is!  I will wait for Langford to get 
online and sort it all out for us. 

James

> On May 5, 2014, at 7:21 AM, "via KRnet"  wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Got an e-mail saying I had excessive bounced e-mails and had to reply to that 
> e-mail.  What's happening?
> 
> Larry Flesner
> 
> 
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> Paint

[James Babcock]

Well, I was always told that every epoxy has a temperature at which it will 
soften, and that was why shades of white were used in order to keep the 
temperature below that softening point. 


> On Dec 14, 2013, at 2:03 PM, "Nerobro"  wrote:
> 
> It's a foam thing.  White stops the wings and tail from getting to hot, and
> having the foam deterioate.  You want to reflect, rather than absorb uv to
> keep temps down.
>> On Dec 14, 2013 11:58 AM, "Doran Jaffas"  wrote:
>> 
>>  This may sound like a rather dumb question but all of the aircraft
>> I've seen (KRs) anyway sre painted white with trim colors. Is there any
>> real reason why white is always the base color? I know darker colors absorb
>> UV rays  but does anybody have any experience with this good or bad? My
>> experience in painting  is tube and rag or sheet metal.
>>Doran
>> N186RC
>> ___
>> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
>> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
>> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
>> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change
>> options
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> Turbo VW Tests

[James Babcock]

Hi Jeff, a guy named Alvin (Al) Campbell had a sweet little standard KR with a 
2180 VW and a turbocharger back in the late 80's. He was an automotive engineer 
and probably published his data in the print newsletter ih the 80's. Search 
those if there's a way. Or else talk to Dan Diehl, he was Al's sidekick. We 
lost Al in the early nineties. About all I can remember him saying was that on 
takeoff, he had to stay off the throttle so he wouldn't overboost. Part of Al's 
job was monitoring engines on test stands, so it was natural for him to do. 
Obviously, he always flew the engine controls, but was always willing to give a 
ride to all takers in the right seat. He was a huge advocate for the KR.
On a historical note, there was a culture of VW drag racers in SoCal in the 
past, and they along with the dune buggy crowd learned how far you could 
reliably push those engines. IIRC, Revmaster learned from their endeavors, and 
they should know. Have fun!

On Mar 25, 2013, at 9:51 AM, "Jeff Lange"  wrote:

> Jeff, 
> 
> I do have quite a few concerns about a number of things. The crank is a GPAS 
> forged unit with the Force 1 prop hub. If any crank can handle the loads I 
> think this is my best bet. My biggest concern is the case itself. I may have 
> to go with a larger type 4 center bearing or go to something like the 
> aluminum Scat "killer case". 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> 
>> Overall, good job.  It looks great and will undoubtely be a real rocket to 
>> fly.
>> 
>> -Jeff Scott
>> Los Alamos, NM
> 
> 
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search.
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to KRnet-leave at list.krnet.org
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change 
> options

KR> Filling holes drilled in wood...

[James Babcock]

Should work OK. You can also mix up a slurry of wood chips and T-88 or use 
bondoglass. 

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 2, 2012, at 9:27 AM, "Phillip Hill"  wrote:

> Is it acceptable to fill holes in wood structures by driving wooden dowels
> of equal wood strength into the holes "greased" with T-88 epoxy?  Any
> problems with this? I'm talking about drill holes, 1/4" or smaller.
> 
> Phill Hill
> Collinsville, IL
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search. 
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html

KR> Situational awareness

[James Babcock]

The FAA can always use the good old "unsafe operation of an airplane" reg to 
cover a whole multitude of what they perceive as sins.  If they can't gig you 
on violating a specific reg, they've  always got that one to fall back on.



On Nov 10, 2012, at 10:48 AM, "Dj Merrill"  wrote:

> On 11/10/2012 11:32 AM, phill.h...@gmail.com wrote:
>> He got his ticket pulled right then and there for not
>> paying attention to ground traffic and not making his intentions known
>> thereto. The FAA guy told me all the other pilot had to do is get on the
>> radio and tell us what he was doing.
> 
> I find this somewhat strange considering that radios are not 
> required for flight and it sounds like you were at a non-towered airport...
> 
> -Dj
> 
> -- 
> Dj Merrill - N1JOV
> Sportsman 2+2 Builder #7118 N421DJ - http://deej.net/sportsman/
> Glastar Flyer N866RH - http://deej.net/glastar/
> 
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search. 
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html

KR> Situational awareness

[James Babcock]

That's where I fly in to visit my grandsons. They love the lack of fences, 
gates, barriers, etc because they can get close to the planes. We'll see how 
much time before they put up barriers to keep the kids away just like most 
other airports..

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 5, 2012, at 5:26 PM, "Jose Fuentes"  wrote:

> Was his first solo, but yea way way too low and too soon. That was my
> thought before I even saw the car come into sight.
> 
> Lucky
> 
> Joe
> 
> 
> -- 
> Jose Fuentes
> Founding Father (one of and former Vice Prez) of Capital City.NET User's
> Group
> Former Microsoft MVP
> http://blogs.aspadvice.com/jfuentes
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://tugantek.com/archmailv2-kr/search. 
> To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html

KR> No KR

[James Babcock]

I've got a Dakota (PA 28-236) and a KR 2.  The Dakota is the station wagon for 
hauling people and baggage, and the KR is the sports car for when Daddy just 
wants to have some fun all by himself.  I spent many hours in a PA 28-180, they 
are a great airplane.  Keep the KR fire burning, it's a fun machine!!


> From: barret...@comcast.net
> To: kr...@mylist.net
> Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2012 16:45:38 -0700
> Subject: KR> No KR
> 
> Well guys, just wanted to say goodbye. After weighing all the options I have
> decided to purchase a Piper Cherokee 180. I should say that I HAVE purchased
> it. > 
> 
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://www.maddyhome.com/krsrch/index.jsp
> to UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html

KR> header tank

[James Babcock]

> Ray, Don't sweat it. I have the 12 gal header tank from Rand sitting in my 
> lap. I accept the risk.

I kept my header tank and one magneto in case I ever have to shut the electric 
system off.

KR> Food at the Gathering

[James Babcock]

Dave, is Grandma's set up for breakfast?



James Babcock

> Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:42:55 -0400
> From: n32...@comcast.net
> To: st...@newtech.com; kr...@mylist.net
> Subject: Re: KR> Food at the Gathering
> CC: 
> 
> Steve,
> 
> The airport Restaurant (Grandma's Landing) has a lunch buffet from
> 11am to 2pm Daily. I don't know about supper time though. I am
> here in Mt. Vernon already and can take you to Ryan's Restaurant. You
> can eat enough food there to last you all weekend.
> 
> Dave Mullins
> Nashua, NH
> >
> > Steve Eberhart
> > RV-7A N14SE flying since June 24, 2009
> >
> > ___
> > Search the KRnet Archives at http://www.maddyhome.com/krsrch/index.jsp
> > to UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net
> > please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
> >
> > 
> 
> 
> ___
> Search the KRnet Archives at http://www.maddyhome.com/krsrch/index.jsp
> to UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net
> please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html

KR> Starter to fit Diehl case?

[James Babcock]

I'm going on my sometimes faulty memory here, but it seems like Dan used a 
geared starter off a Subaru from the late 80's.  I wish I knew more 
specifics, but maybe somebody else can add details.


>From: "Bill Hucker" 
>Reply-To: KRnet 
>To: 
>Subject: KR> Starter to fit Diehl case?
>Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 09:50:32 -0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)
>
>I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a standard starter that fits 
>the
>Diehl Accy. case? (1835cc VW Great Plains engine.)
>
>I know they are available from Great Plains or Diehl, but pricy, would 
>there
>be a rebuilt one from an auto parts store or on-line? I tried a standard VW
>Bug starter but it wouldn't fit. I also tried looking up the KR archives 
>but
>nothing jumped out at me. Thanks!
>
>Bill Hucker
>KR2- N7142G
>___
>Search the KRnet Archives at http://www.maddyhome.com/krsrch/index.jsp
>to UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net
>Post photos, introductions, and For Sale items to 
>http://www.kr2forum.com/phpBB2/index.php
>please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html

KR> room

[James Babcock]

I'm your height and weight and have flown a standard KR-2 (original plans) 
for 15yr.  I wish I had built a KR2S, but at the time I built my KR, the S 
plans weren't published.  (In the newsletters, I'd read about guys building 
stretch versions, but was unwilling to deviate from the plans)
To answer your question based on my experience, sure your knees can clear 
the panel, but after about 45 min in flight, you'll be wishing for about 4 
more inches of leg room so you can stretch your legs out completely.  A 
custom seat cushion can help some to increase your comfort.
My $0.02, your results may vary.  James Babcock N127JB



From: airb...@comcast.net

hi there, I am 6' and 155lbs ..yes I am skinny,.. how much room is there in 
a kr2 ??? can my knees clear the panel ? thanks GUS

KR> photo of KR2 and a B17

[James Babcock]

I'm experimenting with posting pics, here's a shot of my plane at N. Little 
Rock on a perfect flying day.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q126/jbabcock1/krb17.jpg

KR> A little hanger flying

[James Babcock]

Hey, Jeff, here's my little experience with oil temp sensors, I hope I don't 
repeat what others may have said.  On my 2180 VW the oil temps ran too high 
so I relocated the oil cooler and tried different ducts etc, etc until a 
little light bulb came on and I began to suspect the sender unit.  I work in 
a hospital lab so I have access to calibrated high sensitivity thermometers. 
  I got an electric hot plate, some cooking oil and a saucepan and heated 
the oil with the sensor and thermometer in the pan.  Sure enough, the sensor 
was reading 15 F too high!  I wish I had tried that six months before so I 
could have been flying the KR instead of messing around under the cowling.


>From: 
>Reply-To: KRnet 
>To: "KRnet" ,"Ed Janssen" 
>Subject: KR> A little hanger flying
>Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 08:02:50 -0500
>
>I was actually at a small airport back a few years ago and seen a mini max
>EROS in an open hanger. I thought it looked like the coolest little 
>airplane
>I had ever seen. It reminded me of a RANs airplane, but I do not remember
>the model. Anyway, the guy had painted the EROS red. I did not get to see 
>it
>run or fly as the owner was not around. For that matter there was not a
>single person around on the airport. But as I said , my thoughts where "man
>is that a cool little airplane"
>
>I used to travel a lot more then I do today. When I would be out of town on
>business, I would make a point of trying to find the local airport or I
>would actually drive secondary roads just to find remote little airports. I
>just wanted to be around airplanes. This habit of finding airports got me 
>to
>a lot of very remote and sometimes very small airports. Most of the time, I
>would find the airport but there would not be a single person there. Most 
>of
>the airports would have the open community hangers so I could just walk
>through and look at plane after plane.
>
>By the way, one of the coolest airports I ever got to was, Washington 
>County
>airport in Southern Indiana. The FBO was manned by the local EAA chapter.
>Everyone in the chapter signed up to share their duty. The fuel pump was on
>the honor system and I think it had a box that you would slip you money
>into. The walls where cover in the torn t shirts, solo awards. They have a
>little fly in every fall I believe. I went a few times and it was an 
>awesome
>big little fly in.
>
>This reminds me of the time I was at another little airport somewhere in
>Indiana. A guy flew in with a small Rans. I think it was a model S-9 or
>something like that.  Anyway , he pulls up to me because I was standing
>close to the water hose.
>
>He gets out of his little plane and begins to wash it off. To wash the
>bottom of the plane, he grabs a lawn chair that was sitting near by. You
>know, one of those web lawn chairs. He grabs one side of his plane and 
>lifts
>it up and sets the landing gear down in the lawn chair. He then could slid
>under the airplane and finishes washing it. I was so amazed by this I had 
>to
>watch. We talked and when he finished, he climbed in, grabbed a pull
>starter, you know, like to ones you find on a snow mobile, pulls it, the
>engine comes to life and he taxi's off.
>
>That was many years ago and I am sure it was before I had my pilots 
>license.
>Not that you wanted to hear all this but, what the heck, I wrote it anyway.
>
>I guess this is as close to hanger flying as I am going to get today.
>
>As far as the next KR gathering, yes I plan to go, but the next time I
>promise myself to have the KR there. I thought I was going to have it there
>last fall. But, I had not solved my oil temp problem, which as I mentioned
>previously, may not have even been a problem anyway. Oh , and on that
>subject, I also realized that my oil temp sensor is very close to my
>exhaust, so I may have even been picking up inaccurate readings anyway. So 
>,
>as soon  as I finish my baffling redo, I will relocate my oil temp unit
>also.
>
>Ok, its getting near the holidays and I guess I am getting a little
>sentimental. Don't ban me from the list, remember, I did mention my oil 
>temp
>problem and the fact my sensor is to close to the exhaust so there may be
>some official KR value there.
>
>Have a great day,
>
>Jeff York
>KR-2 Flying
>N839BG
>Home page  http://web.qx.net/jeffyork40/
>My KR-2   http://web.qx.net/jeffyork40/Airplane/   to see my KR-2
>Email jeffyor...@qx.net
>
>- Original Message -
>From: "Ed Janssen" 
>To: 
>Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 8:20 PM
>Subject: Re: Hi Jeff Re: KR> Re:Wet Runways in the winter
>
>
> > Jeff,
> >
> > I can sure relate to family commmittments. I've had five boys myself.  
>All
> > that's behind me now though.  Good luck on finishing up the plane.  It's
> > sure a beauty.
> >
> > I just finished up scratch-building a Minimax Eros (if you know what 
>they
> > are) and is now flying.  I also have a KR-2 project that needs
>refurbishing,
> > so now that I have something to fly, I guess I'll get ba

KR> Changing gear -- from retractable to tri-gear (Mike Geogheganandothers?)

[James Babcock]

Rich, I have about 250 hr on my Diehl system, and have had no squawks at 
all.  I removed the stock KR retracts before the first flight and installed 
the Diehl system, so I have no experience with the original retracts to 
compare to the fixed system.

>From: "Rich Meyer" 
>Reply-To: KRnet 
>To: "'KRnet'" 
>Subject: KR> Changing gear -- from retractable to tri-gear (Mike 
>Geogheganandothers?)
>Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2005 22:55:34 -0500
>
>Mike,
>   A year and a half ago you posted about converting your project from
>a "non-modified" (really?  Is there such a thing?) "KR2 on retractable 
>gear"
>to tri-gear.
>
>   After a year on Krnet (I lost my heart to KR) and a year on
>Sonextalk (my brother-in-law and prospective partner in building did not
>want to get into fiberglass work), my brother-in-law and I became the
>silly-happy new owners of N26LT this week.  I thought we were going to get 
>a
>Sonex kit when we could afford it, but we found this KR for sale with 300
>hours on it, a HAPI VW 1835, and when he convinced himself he could fit in
>it with seat dropped to the max, we bought it.  Our plane is a
>"non-modified" (really?) KR2 on retractable gear.  We want to remove the
>retractable gear and make it a tri-gear.  We would like to talk to anyone
>who has been through this conversion about the process.
>
>   You said you had a single piece Grove gear made up.  I thought there
>was a bracket available to mount spring gear on the main spar in the wing
>stubs?  What have others used for the main who mounted tri-gear?
>
>   Oh, and it's great to be back on Krnet!  Next year we hope to make
>it to the gathering. Thanks,
>
>Rich H. Meyer
>Cptcsd at npcc dot net
>Phone 574-642-3963
>Cell 574-202-3920
>
>--
>-Original Message-
>From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-boun...@mylist.net] On Behalf
>Of Michael Geoghegan
>Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 2:43 PM
>To: Krnet
>Subject: KR>First flight for low time pilot (long)
>
>Netters
>
>My name is Mike Geoghegan.  I have been a member of KRNET for about 4 
>years.
>I have posted to the net on a few occasions but for the most part I have
>listened and gathered a great deal of information which I have used in the
>completion of my kr2.
>
>
>
>N47MG is a close to plans built kr2.  About 4 years ago I rescued a boat
>stage project that had been sitting in a barn for 10 years.  It was going 
>to
>the dumps or my garage and since I was looking for a project to take up 
>some
>of my spare time I put it in my garage.  I had started down the road toward
>a private license in 1980 and got about 20 hours and solo when, due to
>children, work, and everything else I had to stop. Well now with the last
>child off to college I was ready to finally get that license.  The kr
>project would keep me busy and when finished, I would have a plane to fly.
>
>  For those of you who are not low time pilots I can make this post short 
>and
>tell you that I am flying N47MG and I will be providing photos for everyone
>to see as soon as the weather in Vermont gets a little warmer. I hope that
>will be soon.
>
>The following is a recap of my experience getting my plane in the air with
>very little flight time in my log book.  The project was a non modified 
>tail
>wheel kr2 on retracts.  I won't go into detail on the completion of the
>project except to say that I stuck to the plans and ended up with a dry
>weight of  598 lbs.  There were a few things I did in the completion 
>process
>that I would recommend to others.
>
>1.  Be sure to balance ailerons and elevator.  The elevator balance
>is important because without it your elevator trim won't overcome the 
>weight
>of the elevator.
>
>2.  Don't short change the importance of both aileron and elevator
>trim.  I installed what was then Mac servos in the elevator and the very
>smallest one in the left aileron so I could see it off to my left.  It is a
>12 inch piano hinge with a piece of  12 x 2 inch sheet metal attached to 
>the
>trailing edge of the aileron.  The servos are controlled by the four 
>buttons
>on the top of the stick. (also a Mac product)  With the use of both trims I
>can fly this plane hands free for short periods of time.
>
>3.  The engine that came with the project was a 1700cc vw.  It was
>mounted as a hand prop setup and it had a posa carb installed.  I rebuilt
>the engine and when I got to the point of testing it I ran into a lot of
>trouble with the posa carb.  Suffice to say that after many hours of 
>testing
>I lost my patience.  I bit the bullet and bought an Ellison.  I also
>purchased an accessory case with starter and alternator.  The Ellison is
>fantastic and the starter is much safer.
>
>  Now to the hard part.  I finished my project in September of 2002.  Got 
>the
>airworthiness certificate and it was ready for testing.  I did some low
>speed taxi testing to maybe 25 mph but I didn't have my pilot certificate
>yet so I was not going