[Jim Woodward]

Hi Guys,

I decided to build a new pattern plane for the remainder of this season and for next after selling my other planes. I decided to go the CA Models Osmose, Delux ARC version purchased through Luiz of Netbox Hobby in Miami, FL. I first saw the plane back in December when I picked up a 38% Extra 330 to build and I was impressed with the quallity of the planes then. Thank you Luiz.

My first impressions of the delux version of this kit is that it is very similar to the quality of the ZN Line and PL Prod kits I had built in the past. The fuselage forward 3rd is CF, then transitions into kevlar. There is also a thin foam lining around the fuselage. The chin cowl is also CF, and I have elected to add the CF canopy section as well in place of the fiberglass frame and clear canopy of the stock kit.

This is ARC minus tank, servo, nose-ring, and engine mounting. A significant ammount of work is done to the plane such as all wing/stab/rudder wood work and alignment, but you are left to installation of the tanks and such. I think this strikes a good point where we can customize the gear installation, and the hard work is basically done. Upon receipt of the kit I checked the alignment of the plane on my 'truth' board, and it was obviously "straight" to my eye, and measuring I'm glad to report!

That said, here we go: I first decided to create light-ply/cf stiffened formers that would strengthen the center area of the fuselage, and double as tank mounts. These were hardly any weight, and yet added incredible strength to the fuselage wing area.
Thanks,
Jim