Let's build a [Harmon] Rocket

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Z06_Mir

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Radna
After a lot of conversations between us (@bijanmaleki and myself) and our good friends, we decided to build an airplane. Most of the discussions went like this (among all parties)

"Let's just build what we want and be done with it"
"No we can't build an airplane we don't time. It will never get done"
"You're right we can't build an airplane"
"Hey do you think we should build an airplane?"
"No it'll never get finished"
"Fair enough."

So obviously, we compromised and are building an airplane. We found a kit that had very few pieces done in California, flew over to see it, and bought it. We've spent the last two weeks driving, unpacking, counting, organizing and generally thinking "what have we done" with our "airplane". It is myself and my husband and another couple embarking on this adventure.

Here are some photos of the first few weeks. There isn't much to see yet, but after the organization is done we can practice riveting some more..... I know I need lots of practice.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Qwm7a4pGZKxvpSfh7

Wish us luck, we're gonna need it.
 
One of the baddest looking airplanes on any ramp. Nice choice!
 
An RV-4 on steroids. Cool!
One of my pilot friends at my home airport used to race his heavily modified Harmon in the Sport Class at Reno.
Enjoy the build, and look forward to regular progress reports and more pictures!
 
GRG55 said:
An RV-4 on steroids. Cool!
One of my pilot friends at my home airport used to race his heavily modified Harmon in the Sport Class at Reno.
Enjoy the build, and look forward to regular progress reports and more pictures!
Click to expand...

My ultimate goal is to race at Reno, and hopefully ride the firetruck

We look forward to Reno so much we named our dog Reno because why not. And she loves airplane rides.
 
“Better is the enemy of good enough.” There are going to be times when you want to redo something and it isn’t the best choice. I’m excited to see the kit come together. I’m spoiled by the RV-14 and I sometimes wonder what it would be like to build a more self-guided kit.
 
Enjoy the process! I love the labels on the boxes.. I can almost hear the arguments over how to proceed already..

"Lift!"

"No.... PUSH!!"

"No, that's not right.. it means LIFT, do NOT push!"

"Well, if that's what they meant, they would have written that. THEY changed their MIND...as in, LIFT... no, wait... .PUSH!!!"

Just think how much fun it'll be arguing like that over every unclear step with four people involved. I hate and never watch reality TV.. but this one, I'd watch... ;)
 
iamtheari said:
“Better is the enemy of good enough.” There are going to be times when you want to redo something and it isn’t the best choice. I’m excited to see the kit come together. I’m spoiled by the RV-14 and I sometimes wonder what it would be like to build a more self-guided kit.
Click to expand...
I had my first experience with prepunch when I built a new aileron for my -4. Now I hate you guys. ;)

Nauga,
guided by voices
 
iamtheari said:
“Better is the enemy of good enough.” There are going to be times when you want to redo something and it isn’t the best choice. I’m excited to see the kit come together. I’m spoiled by the RV-14 and I sometimes wonder what it would be like to build a more self-guided kit.
Click to expand...

You’ll probably get to see it! And then you’ll go “oh boy I’m glad I didn’t do that”
 
Z06_Mir said:
You’ll probably get to see it! And then you’ll go “oh boy I’m glad I didn’t do that”
Click to expand...
I need more "I'm glad I didn't do that" in my life. Not all the "that looks like fun" that I normally fall victim to.
 
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One of a few very interesting experimental aircraft. Never thought I would be wowed by a Mazda.
 
Z06_Mir said:
My ultimate goal is to race at Reno, and hopefully ride the firetruck

We look forward to Reno so much we named our dog Reno because why not. And she loves airplane rides.
Click to expand...
Riding the fire truck is a bucket item. One of my greatest Reno memories is the year we got to ride it.
 
kyleb said:
Can you 'splain why? I'm sure the Reno guys understand. But I don't.
Click to expand...

Google "Andy Warhol 15 minutes of fame" :D

More seriously, Reno has to be the biggest continuous party atmosphere of any annual aviation event I've ever attended. The antique fire truck showcases the race pilots, team members and others that make that event what it is. It's become one way for the audience to connect with these folks and show our appreciation for what they do to make that whole annual spectacle happen.

Reno_14.jpg


Reno_6.jpg
 
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You get to ride in the truck down the flight line in front of the crowd after a win. Adding what grg55 said makes it even better. If you get to do it on Sunday, it’s even better. Some teams have been running Reno for years and have never gotten the ride.
 
What is it with fire trucks? I had a ‘29 LaFrance I used to bomb around Oshkosh, the town and the air show, EVERY ONE loved it. I mean old guys giggled like school girls on it.

I’d pull up to the show, blast the siren, in I went. “Only special authorized” areas of the show, blast the siren, no questions. NO VEHICLES ALLOWED, a big grin and wave and off we went, picking people up, dropping them off... just a hoot.

Just something about it.... back to your regularly scheduled thread...
 
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