If you are viewing in 2023...

[jdub]

Hello everyone!!

I dropped off this list when everyone else seemed to. I shouldn't have. My life was really chaotic at the time. I now have 200 hours on my Cassutt-love the plane! My next project I decided needs to be another midget type aircraft. I went and looked at a couple of Cassutt projects, but I'm thinking I want a bit more room (thinking as I get older). A Cassutt is cramped mid upper arm and getting the legs under the spar is ok now, but my not be forever. After owning 2 Tailwinds the V-Witt is the perfect choice.

Even though the races may not happen again, it's not a reason not to build these neat little airplanes.

There are those that view this in 2023...What are you all doing now?

Thanks,
Jerry

[dmar836]

Jerry, Welcome back. I have yet to complete the VWitt and I hate to blame Covid as it wasn’t the end all in my world. I do have to admit it changed the environment and the following economic malaise has been a bit depressing. So looks like I’m blaming it after all!😊
Did move the project around and swore to get back in it this spring as it’s really close.
I have so many projects in so many areas if interest that I can stay productive without working on a plane. I’m going to do my best!
Dave

[jdub]

Hello Dave,

Good to hear from you! I travel a bit for work and have some construction going on at home, so I get time to catch up when I'm out of town.

I put out a feeler for the cone extension casting molds on the Tailwind group-no answer. It was worth a shot. That is what is going to drive this project. So, I took the extension plans into work and one of our drafters is converting in Solidworks for me. I don't know if this is a good or bad idea, but it is somewhat free as it is in his spare time. Once done I'll throw it on Xometry and see if I get a bite for around $4000. That would mean a billet extension housing. Full engine package with a Casler 1600 and a 4k extension is still about the same as a freshly overhauled A-65, and it's cheaper in the long run.

Of course, I'm considering other avenues for engines. First on the list is a Harley conversion, second is the Aeromarine. I'll go to one of them if I give up on the extension.

Wires last month were $265 a piece from the guy in New Zealand.

Right now I'm finishing up an avionics project on a pretty special Starduster Too. Once done, I'll start on the V-Witt.

Jerry
509-713-3291

[dmar836]

I would also say that others have attempted workarounds to the extension. The one I saw looked like one of those Japanese goldfish with the bulbous cowling required. I think it made one appearance and was never heard of again. The extension was important to SW for setting the engine further back/changing the CG, substantially reducing/streamlining the frontal cowl area, and allowing the stronger end of the VW case, including the larger bearing, to be the prop driving end. Certainly wasn’t an insignificant part of the design.
Just something to think about.
Dave

[kyleb]

Hi folks!

I hope all are doing well. I'm still interested in this site and I hope I can get myself started on a project. My problem in my size, I'm 6-3 and weigh in at 225. I know I can drop the weight, but I have long legs (as I have been told) and getting them into a small airplane is a problem. Also, because of Covid, I was out of a job for two years, and I'm beginning to get back upon my feet.

Now, I have a few questions and thoughts-

Could I fit in the Cassutt? I purchased a set of plans last year, and I was considering this air frame as a "contender" for affordable air racing. I also consider dropping a Corvair engine in it. Any thoughts?

I remember the past president (Jim Veint??) for the Volkswagen powered racers (I forget the actual name) and he was designing a race airplane and in his design the spar was position in which a tall pilot could fly it.  Maybe that type of an airplane is needed to help fuel this organization? Just my opinion. 

Anyone located up in the Pacific Northwest? I'm in western Washington.

If anyone wishes to contact me I'm at [e-mail]

Good luck with everything,

Kyle