Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:35 pm
...Is Gary playing "Who's on First" with racer parts, mmm? "This wing on that plane, but only for a spell, then that plane's wing will be back on that plane, and this plane's wing will be on this plane, but this plane won't be displayed, that plane will..." (Jus' kiddin') 
Super job on Another Solution, Gary! Kind of a shame to hide that engine....They make a "see-through cowling" to show it off (when not racing)?
Super job on Another Solution, Gary! Kind of a shame to hide that engine....They make a "see-through cowling" to show it off (when not racing)?
Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:52 pm
Well, the quick and dirty update here is that I'm getting close to flying the Time Bandit. The engine runs are complete, and other than the typical (for these airplanes) radio noise and electronic interference from the ignition system, everything is running great. For a bone stock engine, this thing seems to run pretty strong. Amazing what a good propeller will do to get the rpm turned up a notch. 
The owner of Time Bandit, Gary Davis, is here as I write this, helping me get the finishing touches done to the airplane. We are hopeful that Time Bandit's wing will be completed this morning, so that it can be installed on the plane in place of Another Solution's wing. Naturally, there will be plenty of little nit-picky items to address, but the big issues are pretty much done. Here are a couple pictures of the first engine runs, with Mark Baxter keeping a close eye on the instruments for me...and yes, the airplane was tied down...........
Naturally, I'll try to post more pictures as we get nearer (or during) flight, but this is all I have for now.
Gary
The owner of Time Bandit, Gary Davis, is here as I write this, helping me get the finishing touches done to the airplane. We are hopeful that Time Bandit's wing will be completed this morning, so that it can be installed on the plane in place of Another Solution's wing. Naturally, there will be plenty of little nit-picky items to address, but the big issues are pretty much done. Here are a couple pictures of the first engine runs, with Mark Baxter keeping a close eye on the instruments for me...and yes, the airplane was tied down...........
Naturally, I'll try to post more pictures as we get nearer (or during) flight, but this is all I have for now.
Gary
Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:15 am
Bump.
Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:10 am
Great logo - beautiful job Gary!
Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:38 am
Love it Gary. Can't wait to see it here in a month!
Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:45 am
Lookin' good!! 
Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:17 pm
Fan-freakin-tastic! Love that logo as well.
Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:34 pm
Looks great, can't wait to see it next Saturday.
Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:10 am
Well, we were sooooo close. Last Wednesday, all Gary Davis and I had left to do was to install the wing root fairings and the wheel pants and we'd have Time Bandit ready to fly...or so we thought. Unfortunately, we found a substantial airworthiness issue with the wings that will keep the airplane from flying. We have since disassembled the aircraft and Gary took it home in the trailer, so that the complete rebuilding of the wing can start to take place. As you can imagine, this was an extremely disappointing find for us, but I can assure you that had I flown the airplane as it was, it would not have been good. We were fortunate to have found the problem and it'll all get worked out.
I tried to post this update when it happened, but the Great WIX Blackout of 2008 occurred right at the same time, so I was unable. I apologize to those of you who were expecting to see me racing at Reno this year, but there was simply no way I was going to put Time Bandit in the air under those circumstances. I just happen to be sitting in my hotel room in Reno, as I type this, and am going to see how I can assist IF1 during the races. There is still a tiny, tiny chance I could fly, but it is a remote chance. I would just have to be somebody else's alternate pilot. But, it is what it is, and I'm just glad to be back in Reno.
Here are a few pictures of Time Bandit that we took, just prior to disassembly.......
Gary
I tried to post this update when it happened, but the Great WIX Blackout of 2008 occurred right at the same time, so I was unable. I apologize to those of you who were expecting to see me racing at Reno this year, but there was simply no way I was going to put Time Bandit in the air under those circumstances. I just happen to be sitting in my hotel room in Reno, as I type this, and am going to see how I can assist IF1 during the races. There is still a tiny, tiny chance I could fly, but it is a remote chance. I would just have to be somebody else's alternate pilot. But, it is what it is, and I'm just glad to be back in Reno.
Here are a few pictures of Time Bandit that we took, just prior to disassembly.......
Gary
Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:42 am
Gary (and Gary),
I realize it's no consolation, but Time Bandit really looks fantastic. We're both sorry you won't be racing it this year, but it certainly wasn't for lack of effort or determination.
Scott and Ellen
I realize it's no consolation, but Time Bandit really looks fantastic. We're both sorry you won't be racing it this year, but it certainly wasn't for lack of effort or determination.
Scott and Ellen
Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:01 am
Agreed. It's too bad we won't see you and the Time Bandit rounding the pylons this year. Hopefully we'll see you, TB, & AS in the air next year, heck, maybe you'll fly both!
I'm glad that you guys found the problem before it became a serious problem in the air. These things unfortunately happen, but that's what the inspections are for.
I'm glad that you guys found the problem before it became a serious problem in the air. These things unfortunately happen, but that's what the inspections are for.
Tue Sep 02, 2008 12:58 pm
Gary
That sucks....
i was looking forward to hearing of this year's adventure.
Definately better to find the issue with the wing now then in the air!
Enjoy, and if you do get to sub for someone fly safe!
That sucks....
i was looking forward to hearing of this year's adventure.
Definately better to find the issue with the wing now then in the air!
Enjoy, and if you do get to sub for someone fly safe!
Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:45 pm
The good news is the plane looks fantastic.
The BETTER news is that you found the issue safely on the ground!
Fingers crossed that you'll get some stick time this week in Reno.
The BETTER news is that you found the issue safely on the ground!
Fingers crossed that you'll get some stick time this week in Reno.
Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:03 pm
I guess your wing from Another Solution won't fit without all new fairings etc?
Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:34 pm
Thanks y'all.
I forgot to mention that no, Another Solution's wings won't work on Time Bandit. The bolt holes are about half a hole off. That's okay though. Gary already has Time Bandit at his place and will be getting the wing rebuild started right after the Races, I suspect.
Gary
I forgot to mention that no, Another Solution's wings won't work on Time Bandit. The bolt holes are about half a hole off. That's okay though. Gary already has Time Bandit at his place and will be getting the wing rebuild started right after the Races, I suspect.
Gary