Fondulac,
I didn't build it or own it but I pulled it down from the ceiling of a hobby shop and spent a few weeks getting it ready to fly. It had hung on the ceiling for about 8-10 years when the old J&K hobby shop owner (here in Conroe), Jimmy Moore decided it was time to take it out to knock off the cobwebs . It was built originally by "Heavy" Philman from the Beaumont, Texas area. (He passed away sometime in the early 80's) It was from the old Model Airplane News plans and the wingspan was something around 8 feet on the top wing. It had an old TG Sachs-Dolmar 3.7 in it. I put in a new tank and all new fuel lines, cleaned out the Walbro carb, put in a receiver and airborne battery. It fired right up and after a good range check, I flew it. That was in 1995. Here's the kicker: That plane still exists in a private collection and will probably need the same going over and it will be airworthy again! One other thing about it......... If you stick your face close to the open cockpit and take a whiff......... AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! AMBROID!!!
The flight was like steering a big box kite around real slow. It had a fair roll rate, a beautiful constant speed loop that was about 75 yards around and a wonderful flat spin. Landings were so slow you had to use a calandar to time them! I still have the plans...... I picked them up at a swap meet in the late 90's. I had also bought, built and flown the 57" version from Sig back in the late 70's and I won a 1st place plaque with it at the Alvin R/C All Biplane event in 1977. (Still have the plaque!) About three years ago some fella called me and started asking me if I ever owned a red, white and blue Liberty Sport. I told him I did but had sold it years ago. He then told me that he picked it up at a swap meet in North Texas (my planes really get around!) and it had my name on the AMA locator sticker still in it. One thing about my old airplanes......... If you don't screw 'em into the ground, they tend to hang around a long time!
WT
