Thanks to Tony Russo / productive weekend

[JimC-MD]

I just wanted to give a public thank you to Tony here. As some of you know, I received a Dalton 300 from my wife for Christmas. Tony handled this sale to a Hobby Wife that is new to the whole RC environment very well. She had nothing but good things to say about him. (Her piper cub is built with all hard points in and will be covered this week. Potential first flights for her this weekend!!!!)

I unpacked the Dalton on Friday evening after setting up my building table for the construction. I ran into a couple of questions as I planned the build. I emailed Tony late Friday and by Saturday I had answers to all my questions and the offer to call if I had more. I ran into another question or request for advice on Sunday. I called with hesitation because I hate to bother someone on Sunday. (I own a small business myself and my cell is the business number. I answer mine) The phone rang and I was going to leave a voice mail and hope to talk with him on Monday. When the voice mail picked up, I had a change of heart and hung up, planning to call during normal times. About ten minutes later, my phone rang and it was Tony. I apologized for bothering him on Sunday but he happily answered my questions. Because of this, I had a very productive weekend.

I have been in some form of business that deals with the public or customer service for a long time. I really appreciate good customer service and find it lacking in many areas. When someone goes above and beyond, I like to find a way to give a public thank you. For my part, I hope to plan a little better and have my questions organized during more normal times

[RollingHarrier]

You did that in just one weekend?!! Sweet!

[p sme]

Looks sweet-keep the thread going. (you know what we want...pics)

[WOODisGOOD]

Looking good Jim. Email me your address so I can send that Canopy part to you.

[cbk07]

No doubt about, Tony is first class all the way. This is clearly his passion and not just a business for him. He has done more positive things for this hobby than anyone I know....way to go Tony!! Craig

[TheTank]

Awsome to hear that Jim!!! Tony is definetly an awsome guy and an ambassador for this hobby! I started my Dalton 300 this past weekend too! Goes togethor real quick!!! I havent built a kit in close to 8 to 10 years, but this one is an easy one to get back into!!! I just finished the cross bracing, and tommorow, it should come out of the jig and get ready for the turtledeck and the hatch!!! Here are some pics... I apologize for the quality, I had to take them with my camcorder!

[SleepyC]

Nice guys..

Tony is the MAN.
Almost all Kits are Balsa and Plywood.
Hardly anything different..

So what helps your decision when going to purchase one?

The people behind the kit!

PS: Tank, F4 looks crooked.

[TheTank]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SleepyC
	PS: Tank, F4 looks crooked.

Damn... i think your right.... NOT! Wise ass!!!!!!!!!!

[ddlstang]

The fuse frames up really fast and easy - like a bike erector set. All the sheet trimming and sanding slows things down though.

[JimC-MD]

Yea Jim, one weekend. Tank even confirmed that it is not a fluke! The reason I posted the time frame is to help those on the fence about a build make the call. This is my first giant kit (over 80"). Nuttin to be skeered of so far!

Paul, I do plan on doing a build thread. What I want to do is share what I learn along the way. Put in tips, tricks, mistakes and how I correct them (if they are big). I am taking lots of pictures and making notes. I really enjoy building. I have done my share of ARFs but starting with a box of parts and flying the results has a real appeal for me.

Tony, thanks. Will do.

Tank, I see SCUBA weights holding down the fuse. Are you building an amphibious version? LOL Looking good, man.

Sleepy, Who and where the kit were from played a large part in my choice. Like I said, I have a small business and enjoy the opportunity to support another one.

Dale, I know slower times are coming and that if fine with me. I am trying to push my skills to the next level. I move quickly where I am comfortable and slow down where I need to. My goal is April. I should be able to do that without living in the garage!

[TheTank]

	Quote: Originally Posted by JimC-MD
	Tank, I see SCUBA weights holding down the fuse. Are you building an amphibious version? LOL Looking good, man.

Haha, yeah, I think I may need to put some floats on this one so I can fly in the back yard! Actually, a bunch of years ago I was given a melting pot and a couple molds for diving weights (as I also dive in my spare time). Well, I went and made about 300 pounds in various sized lead weight belt weights and even though I am a big dude and need a bunch of weight to get down, I have had most of them sitting around since i poured them!!! They do come in handy for all sorts of things though!!!

[ddlstang]

JImC : this is my first kit that I have ever built - not a whole lot to it - found myself stopping every once in a while wondering what I was forgeting - over all very easy to build. Also Tony cleared up several questions in his instructions and also refered to his build thread on the Giants. Just got the stab incidence set and is time to cut out the elevators and rudder.

Overall a very good kit - want to build about 1 a month - very relaxing - even the sanding.

[JimC-MD]

Well, yesterday was a year since I made this post. Life tends to have curveballs that change your plans at times. Just so you all know that I have not given up on this plane, I fugured I would update some.

[JimC-MD]

some more

[madmax]

AWESOME!!! Man I wish I had skills beyond ARFin. Nice shots Jim, thanks for sharing dude!