Hi Dave Run, dont walk, to your local hobby shop. Get one of the cheap balsa models (guillows makes 'em). If you can put that together and end up with something resembling an airplane, then #1 you are a better model builder than I am <grin> #2 Yes, you can build a flybaby, piet or most wood airplanes. The flybaby design is one of the simplest I have seen yet. Easier than the pietenpol IMO. the laminated bows for the rudder, tips ect make forming these parts extremely easy compared to steam bending a solid piece, and the ply ribs are a great time save after playing with little sticks to make the built-up ones. I am making life a little difficult on myself by deviating from the speced materials and using more hardwoods, but that just ends up as a stronger (and cheaper around here) plane. Mike -----Original Message----- From: Dave Williams <dave.williams@zymark.com> To: FlyBaby <FlyBaby@listbot.com> Date: Thursday, December 02, 1999 8:58 AM Subject: RE: Fly Baby vs. Volksplane >FlyBaby > >Hello All > >I subscribed the other day when I found the link at Ron's page. My timing >could not have been better. I have narrowed my decision down to either a >FlyBaby or a VP-1. This would be my first attempt at a homebuilt. My wood >working skills are OK but I am a patient man. Being new at this, is the >FlyBaby a good "first homebuilt?" I love the lines of a FlyBaby and in fact >have had a picture of a P-26 since I was a child, 35 years old now. Your >thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Have a great day. > >Dave > >-----Original Message----- >From: N95MF@aol.com [mailto:N95MF@aol.com] >Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 4:14 PM >To: FlyBaby@listbot.com >Subject: Re: Fly Baby vs. Volksplane > > >FlyBaby > >I sent a note direct to Mike on his choice, but I'll make my 2 cents worth >public since someone asked. I have a FlyBaby (A65) and my neighbor two >houses down has a VP II. He flies my FlyBaby regularly and he hates to >admit >it but prefers how my plane flies overall to his. Since he put an A65 on >his >VP, the performance is very close. I outclimb him but he keeps up in >cruise. > >The VP is diffinitely easier to build, and you can see this in the final >product. IN MY OPINION, the classic lines of the FlyBaby are much nicer >looking. From seeing my neighbors troubles with his VW engine, I personally > >would have trouble putting one of those on my airplane, although I am sure >there are many in the field giving good service. > >Well that's this FlyBaby owner's opinion. Mark Goldberg Austin TX