rmorton

I am going to have a look at a Sealey HVLP gun tomorrow with a view to using to learn on hopefully it will be good enough for the primer at least. I am worried about the volume of air my compressor can produce it is a twin piston direct drive Mcfee no idea what model it is though. We only have one size of quick fitting so that should be ok. What internal diameter hose line did you use? My whole setup is based on 6mm. ICP mrentioned the yellow because of the amount needed to get an opaque finish but I think a lot is also to do with the skill of the sprayer. I cant remember how much extra weight she mentioned but I think it was 5 or 10 kg

I would love to do a metallic finish but the repair and touch up process with solid colours is so much easier.

I really liked this option as it saves a little weight and the embarrassment of bad paint job. I was looking at trying to polish or partially prepare the panels before assembly, then finish the polishing when all is put together. I had found a Stewart Systems product called Evershield that is clear protective coating and seems to be a bit of a miracle product. Unfortunately I can't get it here in France. The other alternative would be to spray a clear coat over the completed job, I would be very interested to hear anyone has done this and see how it works out

#I think this might be the one ? ACCUEIL - GEMILIS-AERO

I wonder how much of the problems you are having are due to the differences with the European systems. I will also take a look at a Harmon 695 that they have on special offer.

I am supposed to go to look at them tomorrow but maybe I wont bother, By the sound of it I would be better off with the MGL Extreme efis and save up for a Garmin

Indeed all be it a three hour drive the reception in Italy is wonderful, very helpful great food and lovely scenery, what more could you ask? You certainly have covered most of my most worrying thoughts there. When I was at ICP over the summer I asked about painting and they advised an epoxy primer for the interior (or nothing if you weren't in an agressive environment) and a similar primer topcoat for the external. As for colours they strongly recommend avoiding yellow as it has a heavy pigment and needs to go on thick to ensure an opaque finish. I was surprised that you chose a white primer under white finish as I thought a light grey would help you to see that you have covered the undercoat, but I am a complete novice when it comes to paint. What type of spray gun are you using? HVLP seems to be recommended for water based paints but I cant tell if you need a special compressor or not. Jus tso much to learn.....

#That is very disappointing to hear as this system seems to be a good option for me. I hope they sort your problems quickly. Do you think you were just unlucky? I must admit any electronics worries me in terms of ease of use, reliability and of course cost. There aren't too many alternatives either, the only other reasonably priced option was the MGL explorer light. I have had a look at some of the ipad options but the functionality and ease of use are a mine field of confusion. Maybe an ipad navigation/moving map with aefis and engine monitor.

I originally I wanted dark blue everywhere but I was warned about the wrinkly skin problem and changed to white. I started another thread on the subject to see if I a can find other inspiration. It's the bit i am least looking forward to but the part that will probably give the most pleasure if I get it right

Thank you Neil, I hadn't heard of Avplan before it seems very good but too much for my needs at the moment. There is a similar European software called Rocket route which is probably good option for me in the long run. It seems that the Avmap is more or less a dedicated display with software that will work with an external planner for navigation and the same for its egis functions. the other alternative is MGL explorer light where all seems to be built into the screen apart from a can bus device for engine monitoring. It is all very confusing and I am wondering if it is worth it or just stick to paper maps and basic instruments.

My parents are in Scarborough and I would love to fly over that part of the country, the moors must quite a sight from above. I am not really brave just stupid and stubborn, built my own house so figured that a plane was the next logical step, or a kit car, but as aviation has been a passion since before I can remember the plane won. I am lucky in that the ICP factory is only 3 hours drive away so spares and advice are not too far. I went there a few months back and stayed in a wonderful old world hotel and was treated to a fly-in (I put some photos in the media section) and then the following day a tour of the factory. ICP are a genuine small family firm that really care about what they make and are very active in promoting aviation. I have an engine lined up which is currently being reconditioned. Radio and other avionics (such that they are) are almost decided. Colours and finishings are still a thorn in my side and probably always will be. Last but not least I have to prepare the house for the onslaught, the garge is almost ready just need to empty it of junk and stick a few more tiles down.

I have a few options but favourite the playroom for wings empanage etc and due to size of doors either the living room or garage for the fuselage ......

Looking good and well done. What are your plans for finishing? Paint etc

I am near to Geneva in the Pays de Gex. I was hoping one day to fly to the UK and the club is keen to organise it, so we will have to see. I spent most of my formative years in Doncaster (I know its not always considered proper Yorkshire) Lovely part of the world round you. Are you happy with the Savannah? What about the Jabiru? I like the idea of the Jab, but round here I would be banished for such a choice. I cant wait to get started and have so far lined up all I need apart from the kit. I know I am doing things back to front but circumstances and exchange rates dictate.

Always like to see pictures

Just wondering if this setup is any good? why spend this sort of cash and not just go for an ipad based system? Any experience with it? I am looking for a navigation system with route planning and access to airfield maps and weather reports, Space and weight are important factors too. I like the idea of a combined navigation and basic instruments with a separate display for engine monitoring. Thanks

Thanks for that explanation. Does having the brakes on the pedals cause any problems?

Is the Savannah nose wheel free to castor and steering is via the pedal brakes? Is there an alternative set up. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these systems? Thanks Richard

That sounds really good as it can be a long trawl to find out whats going on out there. I look forward to seeing it develop

As per the title. I was wondering what we are supposed to put in the Aircraft section?

Did I really ??? 2015? Ooops. I only really started on the road to building and flying this year so hopefully my posts will become more frequent and probably once the build starts more annoying. As for the Diesel, its a long story... but I am very interested by the Gaz'aille which is powered by a TUD 4 peogot/citroen ally block diesel. I got hold of a TUD5 and the idea was for my two sons who are into mechanical engineering could strip and rebuild that before embarking on the TUD4. Anyway in the meantime they have gone off to uni and I am left to face a very long build indeed, so with that in mind I decided that the Savannah was a more realistic project to get into the air before I get too old. The Gaz'aille is still on the cards and I want to build it but I will do that at a much more leisurely pace and concentrate on cost and weight saving, as is the spirit of the project.

I think the lower half of the fuselage in a different colour does help slim the profile , but with my limited skills it may be too much to ask. I was rather hoping to use a transfer to make a curved line along the fuselage at the height of the door cross member. I know this stage is a Loooong way off for me but by knowing in which direction I go I can prepare the panels accordingly, such as polishing the external faces if I go for a polished Ali finish. too much to think about

The Canaries must be fun? So must the Porsche engine, the best I can manage is a citroen diesel ;) We live near the border with Geneve, been here quite some years now, my wife is French and I can speak, read and understand French well but writing isnt my strong point.

welcome John, you would be welcome to call in on your way to the alps. Where in Yorkshire are you based? Hoping to get my Savannah kit before the end of the year and may well end up building most of it in the house and not the garage as originally planned. Looking forward to seeing the improvements you make and hope you find what you need for the cooling problem.

Welcome, not so far from here. Your training would be useful to anyone wanting to convert an auto engine ;) Lots of fun and knowledge to be had here.