jthocker
Well Known Member
Finally, after 1 1/2 years with no airplane project in the basement, my RV12 kit arrived yesterday (1-28-10). After picking the tail kit up at the ABF freight facility and dropping the crate off at home, I proceeded to the University of Cincinnati, in downtown Cincinnati, to have lunch with my freshman son. After lunch, I went over to a friends house to help him get started on his RV8 tail kit. Four hours later, with his HS skeleton taking shape, I felt I could take "the training wheels off", and let Dave proceed on his own. The crate and dinner was waiting at home! A call to my new building partner, to alert him that we were ready to start, as soon as he and his Dad could get here, happened as soon as I hit the door at home.
My new partner is my 11 year old nephew Bruce. He lives almost next door. He is extremely mechanically inclined, much like my son was 8 years ago.
8 years ago, I was in the middle of an RV6A project. A project that didn't lend itself as well to a 9 and 11 year olds (my son and daughter) help, other than clecoing. I was also a Cub Scout leader, and dutifully had meetings every weekend in my basement. I volunteered to have meetings at my home, thinking that an airplane project might provide an inspirational spark to some kid. Time will tell if that actually happened.
Now comes the RV12. A kit that looks to me, like it would be so easy to build even a Caveman could do it, or maybe an 11 year old? At 9pm, I sent Bruce home after we had unpacked the kit and thrown all the packing paper away. My sister in law informed me this morning that Bruce was bubbling with excitement over the project as he left for school.
Here's my dilemma, Bruce and his family are going skiing for the weekend.
I on the other hand, have read about 25 Bernard Cornwell books this year and could use a break from Wellington and Napoleon, Archers, Knights, and Men at Arms.
Bruce told me last night before he left, that it would be OK if I got started this weekend while he was gone. As I look and marvel at the plans and parts, I can't help but think that I might have a good percentage of the tail done this weekend.
So, I've decided to head back out to the airport and our hangar, and help with the RV8 projects out there, and also see if Wellington and Richard Sharpe can finish off The Emperor! The RV12 will have to wait until Monday, after school.
My new partner is my 11 year old nephew Bruce. He lives almost next door. He is extremely mechanically inclined, much like my son was 8 years ago.
8 years ago, I was in the middle of an RV6A project. A project that didn't lend itself as well to a 9 and 11 year olds (my son and daughter) help, other than clecoing. I was also a Cub Scout leader, and dutifully had meetings every weekend in my basement. I volunteered to have meetings at my home, thinking that an airplane project might provide an inspirational spark to some kid. Time will tell if that actually happened.
Now comes the RV12. A kit that looks to me, like it would be so easy to build even a Caveman could do it, or maybe an 11 year old? At 9pm, I sent Bruce home after we had unpacked the kit and thrown all the packing paper away. My sister in law informed me this morning that Bruce was bubbling with excitement over the project as he left for school.
Here's my dilemma, Bruce and his family are going skiing for the weekend.
I on the other hand, have read about 25 Bernard Cornwell books this year and could use a break from Wellington and Napoleon, Archers, Knights, and Men at Arms.
Bruce told me last night before he left, that it would be OK if I got started this weekend while he was gone. As I look and marvel at the plans and parts, I can't help but think that I might have a good percentage of the tail done this weekend.
So, I've decided to head back out to the airport and our hangar, and help with the RV8 projects out there, and also see if Wellington and Richard Sharpe can finish off The Emperor! The RV12 will have to wait until Monday, after school.
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