Warbird Information Exchange

I'm looking to build a fast tail dragger with 100hp or less.

The Cassutt was the first to mind and still seems like my best bet. Though after some additional searching things like the sonerai and shoestring came up. Any input on these or perhaps something I haven't heard of?





-E

A Sonerai will be no where near as fast as a Cassutt, and you will be stuck using a VW motor. They will not handle an O-200 / C-85. Shoestring stuff is pretty much unobtanium. I am trying to work a deal on a Shoestring project right now. Gary has his project, and I know of maybe one more on the market right now, but it is a full on racer.

There is also this http://www.snoshoo.com which was based on the Shoestring. The last I heard the prototype had never flown, so I am not sure if they are still going forward with it or not.

The shoshoo looks pretty sweet, do any currently race at Reno? Any video or pictures of them flying? Any pilot reports?

220 mph stock is better than the cassutt. So is a 2500fpm climb.



-E

The way I understand it, the SnoShoo DID fly, however, I can't recall what happened to it. Those folks are currently building my cowlings, turtledeck, and whatnot for my project, so I'll ask 'em the next time we talk.

As far as your project goes, frankly a lightly built RV-3 is really one of the best "bangs for your buck" out there, with an easy build platform and tons of help from all over the world. It won't go quite as fast, but you can still take a small overnight bag with you and you could actually sell it once you were done playing with it.

Just my $.02 worth.

Gary


PS...MX304, which Shoestring are you looking at obtaining? PM or e-mail me if you wish.

A cassutt interests me more than the RV-3 because its higher speed, higher g limits, smaller airframe (less hangar space), and lower fuel burn.


I'm fantasized with speed and G's.

You can take them apart and store them in a trailer or garage too. Save $$$$$$ on hangar fees vs. an RV or similar.

'Still would rather have and 0-200 and be really cramped.

Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't pay attention to the title of this thread when I even mentioned the RV-3.

The Cassutt is a tough one to beat for the criteria you have. There are "better" airplanes for parts of your wants (Shoestring, Owl, etc.), but those may not be the best for your overall needs (price, parts, etc.).

Gary

I like Cassutts, from a photographer's perspective. One thing I like is the infinite variation of configuration and paint.

The yellow and white one is the one raced last year by Gary (Retroaviation)

I've heard flying a Cassutt described as feeling like you have wings on your shoulders...

_________________
Neal Nurmi

---Wingman Photo---

That snoshoo really looks awesome but I can't find any information on it, or reports of how it handles etc.


Any input?

How about this?

http://www.ar-5.com/rgoyer94.html



http://www.ar-5.com/images/sportsmanpilot1.PDF

http://www.ar-5.com/

Midget Mustang probably falls between a Cassutt & RV3 for size, but probably slowest of the three (not by much)...

Hard to beat Cassutt for what you're looking for - I'm also researching small, single-place O-200 type.

_________________
Daddy always said, "If yer gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough" and I'm one tough sonofagun!

Anything composite? What if I opened the parameters to nose dragger's too?


I think I'll probably be going with the cassutt, I've already ordered plans.

This seems somewhat reasonable...

CASSUTT RACER • $11,500 • AVAILABLE FOR SALE • Cassutt project for sale. Needs cowling and canopy finished. Restoration almost finished. Engine, prop, instruments included. Raced as the Erie Scarab 99. • Contact Trev A. Echols, Owner - located Mt Pleasant, TN USA • Telephone: 931-698-0464 • Posted February 25, 2008 • Show all Ads posted by this Advertiser • Recommend This Ad to a Friend • Email Advertiser • Save to Watchlist • Report This Ad • View Larger Pictures


Gary