Fixing fatigue on a 12 year old bird

[60buick]

I hope some of you find this interesting. I have had this plane since February or March of 07. In RC terms the plane is ancient now. Most last a flying season or 2 before a crash or hanger rash send it to the airframe graveyard.

It's not been 11 1/2 years shelf time, this plane had been flown hundreds of times if not a 1000 by now. 2 more as of this morning. It has gone through a few motors, many servos but the original airframe is intact. It's been a real work horse. Lately it has become a camera rig, I attach a GoPro in the belly.

The fuse and wing are but original and fatigue was stating to scare me in the canopy area. It is over powered and usually caring some sort of payload. I could have bought a new one but this plane has been old reliable. I really could never replace it. So I cut out all the quick fixes and made a strong repair. I used the foam as my guide for placement and a epoxied in some balsa and bass wood pillars. Better than new.

It opened up the canopy for a better view I may have to try the FPV setup in this one. I bought the Fat Shark setup and have not tried it yet.

[hghost]

hey that looks awesome......great to see

[60buick]

Thank you. I am debating as to whether I should paint the struts orange to match or leave them as is, another battle scar. I used to worry about scale and looks and this was a pretty plane years ago. Today it is just my go to bird. Never any fuss and always reliable. It's not ugly but coveted in scars from repairs.
I just bought a used F6F Hellcat ready to fly. What did I throw in the trunk, the supercub. The Cat may sit for months but the cub will be out again tomorrow.... weather permitting

[hghost]

those that show wear, make the best ones....because wear comes from use...lol