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This message is in response to Dane White's request for opinions regarding
the fast build fuselage kit.
I guess the real question regarding the fast build is can the builder bring
the unit to the same point of completion for the same or less cost. Other
questions might have to do with the builder's skill level compared to that
of factory personnel and the builder's interest in the time that would be
saved. I've built most of a 4P by myself from scratch so for what they are
worth, here are my answers to those questions.
Regarding cost, I'm self-employed with little demand on my time. In a seven
day week I have 40 to 50 hours free. I don't consider that time to have any
value so I can do the same job for less cost
Concerning skill level, I visited the factory recently to get the 10 hours
of flight time required for insurance. While there I watched a fastbuild
fuselage being detailed out. In my opinion the work was superb and Steve
Lorensen was involved in the detailing. I've been pestering Steve for the
last 4 years. I think he's as good as they come. I'm a first time builder.
No way I have that kind of skill! Off the subject a little, my lay-ups are
mostly e-glass while the factory uses carbon fiber. I'll bet that fuselage
will be at least 100 lb. lighter than mine.
As for time, I've been at least 1.5 years on the fuselage. I think the fast
build would have cut that nearly in half.
So even though my time costs nothing, my skill level leaves something to be
desired and I'd like to be able to fly this rocket for a few years before I
get to feeble to keep up with it.
I'm not rich, my wife and I have paid for this thing with what would
normally have gone into the cookie jar. When I started this project $100
was a lot of money. Four years and many $ later, $28,000 for a couple of
fast build kits seems a reasonable cost for a couple of years saved.
Best regards,
Merrill Smith
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