Originally Posted by devildog_0431

Did you pre-order it ? I caved and went with another AW Edge, i want that checkmate ! Maybe I'll make that my winter project

No I didn't. I have seen too many instances where a manufacturer would take 10 forevers past the original due date and I don't like the idea of tying money up on a pre-order for an unknown amount of time. Although not likely, something else could come along, you know. But I will say that the Checkmate is exactly what I am looking for and WAS looking for when I finally settled on their Python two years ago.

I go back and forth about whether or not I should go ahead and order it since I know that I want it and I could save myself about a hundred bucks, but then I also try to avoid the first production runs of a new airplane. Usually I don't make this big a deal about something like this but the plane is GORGEOUS!.

I have been looking at the checkmate but i just noticed a big difference in wing area between it and the python. 200sq inches less. Seems like a big difference.

November......December......Jannnnu... I'm innocently curious as to why the Checkmate has been held up...... Anything new?

Originally Posted by Coletrane

November......December......Jannnnu... I'm innocently curious as to why the Checkmate has been held up...... Anything new?

The Checkmate is a very complex airplane and as such it took a little longer to get it finalized and have the production units built then we had originally expected. That combined with an earlier announcement then what we typically try and stick to has resulted in the longer wait time.

At this time the first production run is here at our warehouse and we are inspecting them to ensure they are the highest quality possible. We expect to begin shipping in the next 2 weeks.

Mark

Wow.. Thank you Mark for the prompt response. The magnitude of effort behind the scenes to release a product like this has got to be huge...

Thanks again bud....

See ya in Toledo

Originally Posted by Mark Dennis

The Checkmate is a very complex airplane and as such it took a little longer to get it finalized and have the production units built then we had originally expected. That combined with an earlier announcement then what we typically try and stick to has resulted in the longer wait time.

At this time the first production run is here at our warehouse and we are inspecting them to ensure they are the highest quality possible. We expect to begin shipping in the next 2 weeks.

Mark

OK, two weeks are up. Are these kits shipping?

Thanks

I "seriously" would like to know the answer to that also

The lack of meaningful informations leaves one wondering, doesn't it ? I had a bad experience with Aeroworks over a wing failure on a 50cc Ultimate, was left holding the bag, but still fly their airframes because the are the best quality overall. That being said, I wonder what is really going on?

We have been shipping Checkmates since the 21st, so far everyone we have spoken to who has received their's is very happy with the airplane. The first shipment is nearly sold out and we expect to have more in stock soon.

Mark

Originally Posted by Mark Dennis

We have been shipping Checkmates since the 21st, so far everyone we have spoken to who has received their's is very happy with the airplane. The first shipment is nearly sold out and we expect to have more in stock soon.

Mark

Thats good news, now look foward to seeing assembly / flying reports from FG members.

Thanks

Here's a question. Besides the scale-ness...can we get some more comparisons between this and the Python QB?

for example, the Python's 1 piece landing gear vs. 2 piece on the Checkmate...

So I guess I'm saying can we get a list of differences between the two?

(build techniques, structure, flight characteristics)

Maybe putting it this way...what's BETTER on the Checkmate then the Python? (besides scale looks and scale flight?)

thanks guys!

I doubt anything is going on. They are not a fly by night, I took my kids college fund to be in the airplane business for a few months then vanish. They have been around 20+ years..

So is anyone going to do a build thread? My wife just ordered one for me yesterday!

Originally Posted by stumpygarner

So is anyone going to do a build thread? My wife just ordered one for me yesterday!

REALLY? She is a keeper!

How about some pictures or build info from the guys that have these already? Pretty quite on here for a new plane.