I want to build

[dougm]

I've heard some of those comments too, but when you dig into them they appear to be more about business relationships gone bad and sour grapes than actual product or service issues. I have dug into any complaint I could find over the last couple years and none of them turned out to be real product problems. Sometimes people just like to be the certer of attention. My $.02

[Nick]

Thanks for your thoughts, Doug. That Rotec sure would look purty on my Classic!

[anthonyh]

I have been itching to start on the Hatz but I promised the wife I would wait until after the Holidays to order the plans and get started.
She is a breast cancer survivor and has one more reconstructive surgery to go thru in a couple of weeks. After 10 months of chemo and radiation she is cancer free. I tried for years to get her in a plane and finally a few months ago she agreed to a ride and now she realises she likes flying. She now wants a plane and a bi-plane with a radial at that. So the Hatz fits the bill. I am still not sold on the idea of the radial. She wants it because it sounds good, well see when it comes down to writing the check . I personally will be just as happy with a 0-320 sitting up front but as we all know if she isn't happy nobody is happy.
On another note I have the CAD files with my brother (Thanks Doug) and he is going to cut all the metal flat stock for me in his shop when I am ready for (want) the parts. He is also going to get a price for me on the 4130 tubing thru his shop to see if he can get a bargain.
For now I am reading up on gas and tig welding and doing as much research as possible. So many different methods for doing everything and all will get you to the same place.
Later!!
Anthony

[johnkerr]

Like Doug I did the research possible and came to a similar conclusion. Rotek has been very supportive. They are accumulating lots of experience with an ever increasing number of knits in the field. Mine is down for the winter and the install of the TBI. As Mark Marino explained to me no first time installation is trouble free. He had challenges with adapting the Jabiru to the bantam. Once the initial teething problems were solved life has been great. I can trace each challenge back my install.

[Nick]

John, it would be great to hear what you learned about installing a Rotec, and the solutions you found.

Nick

[johnkerr]

You can check the archives for a detailed report but I will give some basics. The weight of the r3600 is about the same as the o320, just plan for the center of mass to be as shown on the plans but 6" lower thrust line. The lowered thrust line will necessitate the reporting of the formers from behind the rear cockpit to the firewall to provide a smooth transition.

Nothing else was particularly troublesome and the entire endeavor has been rewarding and continues to provide a teat sense of accomplishment. I suspect everyone flying their own creation feels the same and that feeling is awaiting you.

John

[stearmoth]

Hi Hatz friends,
We also agree to Doug's comment about Rotec Engineering. We also had some doubts, however they are gone!!! We trust in Rotec's professionality since both John Kerr's and Martin Hone's R-3600 have both almost 100 smooth running hours. We have now defintely ordered our engine for delivery to next spring!

Hans & Sam, H.C. #78, Switzerland

[anthonyh]

I have finally ordered my plans, evaluation drawings and the photo CD.
A buddy at work is also thinking abvout building a Hatz so we may get a dual build going with any luck. I will spend some time pouring over the drawings and hopefully build the rib jigs bewteen the holidays. Can't wait to see what my plans # is.
Later!!
Anthony

[anthonyh]

After alot of digging and scrounging I have come up with a list for my 1st wood order.
(1) 1/16"x4'x8' Mahogany ply(gussets)
(1) 1/4"x4'x8' Birch ply(nose ribs,tail pieces, center section bottom)
(1) 1/4"x4'x4' Birch ply(nose ribs,tail pieces, center section bottom)

(500ft) 1/4sq spruce cap stips for building the ribs.

I have a feeling I may be a little light on the 1/4" ply, any thoughts here? Should I order 2 full sheets?

Later!!
Anthony

[JBMoore]

Great Anthony! Putting together your first order puts you on the way to completion. I started with ribs also.. lots of fun and progress is quick.
I didn't see where this is your first ever project or if you have experience.. so I'll throw in a few comments.
Remember the larger the sheet of plywood the larger the delivery truck and the larger the bill. If you have a means to pick it up great. I chose to buy my plywood in the largest sheets UPS would deliver even though the material cost per sq. ft. was cheaper if you buy a complete sheet.
On the cap strips, there are ten or twelve ribs per panel with a top and bottom cap strip. I made a note on the order that I needed "X" amount of pieces at least a certain length for these. I didn't want them to send a bunch of four foot pieces and have to reorder.
Good luck and have fun!
Jeff Moore