Scratch Build: Pitts Python 36"WS for Hacker A30-16M

[Sev Fontaine]

I recently got my hands on a set of Pitts Python plans. They were for a 48"WS and didn't have much detail due to the fact that only one plane was ever built from them. Mostly just a side profile view and and fuselage former outlines. I scaled it down and then added all the cross bracing detail. I then printed the plans 1:1 and started cutting last night when I received my balsa. It should be noted that all balsa used in this build is from sheet. I've found that using a balsa stripper to cut out sticks can save alot of money.
Tonight after work I started assembly of the fuselage. It's mostly done except I still need to cut the firewall out of 1/8" liteply. As you can imagine cutting everything with an exacto knife can be a little hard on the fingers (liteply especially). I'll probably finish cutting it out tonight and proceed with rough cutting the wing ribs. (20 ribs per wing x 2 = 40 ribs to cut out)
I'll also have to cut out 2 wing rib ply templates to use for final shaping of the ribs. This is to ensure all ribs are the same.
Anyway.. here are the pictures. I'll update as the build goes on.
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[Tom Hastie]

Uh... Sev..

You realize that it is flying season right now... not building season...right?

Looks nice so far... always thought the Python was an attractive aircraft.

Tom

[Sev Fontaine]

I know but recently it's been.... I come home after work and work on planes for the first hour. Then I usually go to the flying field when the wind dies down to practice for my Wings level B and C. When I get home after flying its: eat, do chores and work on planes again.
Even though it's not building season I figure... this is a pretty small aircraft and I can probably whip it out in less than a month. This way I can keep my first giant scale build for next winter. :)
I should also note that i'm finishing the build of my 54" electric Yak-54 in parallel with this build.
I... like you... also really like the Pitts Python. It reminds me of a sort of Yak-54/Biplane with the round cowl and all.

[John Weekes]

:) Hey Sev, how the Python coming? ...The pics looked like you had a good start.

...Or have you been focusing on flying???;)

...Hmm...I have the same Hacker motor...you'll have to let us know how it turns out...

Hope all is well...

John

[Sev Fontaine]

Hi John,
I worked on it a bit more but it's going slower now. I bought a cottage and have been working on that quite a bit. The straight bottom wing is completed. I have yet to start the top tapered wing, the tail surfaces, the round balsa cowling and the wing struts. After talking to the owner of the plans he recommends for me to raise the horizontal stab a bit to try and improve inverted waterfalls. I don't really know how to do that maneuver but will probably still make the change as per his recommendation.
Here is a pic of what I have done.
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I also added some stringers, the ply firewall and the wing saddle sheeting to the fuselage since the last pic so here is an updated pic for that.
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I plan to have it done for NEAT fair in September!
Hope all is well in Ottawa!

Sev