Big Stick Forward Wing Hardpoint Failure

It was frosty, 26 degrees, zero to 8 mph winds, but sunny. The snow was frozen on top but I thought I would still get out with the 10cc Stick on skis. I installed the large Du-Bro skis up front and a single Du-Bro park flier ski in back. Easy install, work fine. And slippery...

But the repaired forward wing hard point failed, fortunately on the ground. I need to come up with a way to firmly attach something to the wing to act as the cantilevered forward attachment to the fuse.

Hung the camera from my neck strap.

So disappointed that after getting my gear out to the field to not get to fly. At least this came off before lift off. That would have ended poorly. Trying to think of ways to fix this problem. I don't have much space under the wing, none in fact forward, as the fuel tank is right there. This limits bringing a long piece back aft for better leverage.

Slushy Fields

Too slushy... gone or frozen over would let me fly. The Du-Bro skis for the Stick and Cubby are on their way.

The slush really outlines the serious clumpiness at Joppa Hill Fields. Surely this affects the kids play as much as the landing gear on my planes?

RCGF 10cc Cylinder Head Changed Out

I ordered a new cylinder head from RCGF-USA for the 10cc engine whose spark threads had stripped. It arrived today and I installed it, and started the engine.

It oddly did not come with a new gasket, which would have been nice, so I took care removing the old one. After removing the old cylinder head, I oiled down the new one with WD40, slid the piston in (the piston ring passed easily this time. Bolted it in place, reinstalled the muffler/header, took her out and started her up. After she burned off the WD40 she ran just fine. There is some 4-cycling, but she is a new cylinder head. I put a Master Airscrew Scimitar 14x8 on her for the break in, then I may or may not put the 4-blade prop on. Who am I kidding? Of course I will eventually put the 4-blade prop back on...

I also learned a couple of things I can do to save the other head. I can try re-threading the 1/4-32 plug (of course my 40 piece tap and die set doesn't have that one so I had to order one from China).  I can also drill and sleeve the threads with a kit. I want to see if I can make the repair to the threads so I have a new skill and a working extra 10cc cylinder head. 

Ran half a tank at various speeds, tuned her a touch. I am off Saturday, so if weather permits I will fly her and continue the break in.