"How did you bend the shapes?" I asked.

"The plans are not overly detailed," said Rick. "You can bend using simple wooden forms or bits and pieces to hand."

"It helps that I had some sheet metal experience," he said as he showed me the fuel tank. "Most people use plastic boat tanks." Rick has a sheet metal folder, so bending and soldering the fuel tank was no problem for him.

The engine is a VW, bought from a local wrecker. It has been completley reconditioned, with new cranks, cams and an aircraft mount and prop hub. Originally 1600 cc, Rick reckons it is now about 1800 cc.

"Why a VW?" I asked. "I have an aversion to two strokes," said Rick, the smile spreading over his face. "Most of the US owners have VW's. In hindsight, I would probably buy the engine from Great Plains who now make complete units in the US."

When asked how much power it would produce, Rick estimated about 50 Horsepower. "People claim 70 or 80, but I doubt it," he said.

"The extra weight of the engine will conteract the exra weight of the pilot," said Rick, comparing himself to the slighter Joe Newham.

"In the web videos you can hear it make that distinctive V-dub sound," he said.

The wheel spokes were originally from a BMX bike. The rims are for a motorbike, the tires are 'Postie' tires, built for Australia Post motorbikes. The wheel spokes have been covered over, leaving no room for brakes.

Are we there yet?
Gulliver checks on Dad's progress

Distopian Dream or Brilliant Design?

Detailed view of joins and seating arrangements. Also visible is the foam cushioning around the cockpit lip. The bottom wing will join into the red bracket on the side, just foreward of the seat.

The plane needs balancing before wing placement.

Gulliver checks for visibility. Where are you dad?

Detail of floor of cockpit.

This is the arrangement that Rick discarded. There was a wire around the forward black wheel that led to the elevators. Rick felt this was too slack, and now has taken the elevator wires from where the aileron wires run from, under the seat. This is typical of modifications suggested by sites such as "Dawn Patrol."