Sunset 2026 Builds

[Red]

Time to think about my favorite trip of the year. I try to build at least one or two new planes for the event; this year is no exception. Feel free to add your builds here too.

First up is the MicroSR by Mark Grand. The Bob Martin SR-7 is a classic slope machine that I always loved. A couple of years ago, I built a MiniSR 45" span from a Sky King kit. Mark Grand shrunk it down again to 30" span, and the MicroSR was born. Some of you may remember Ted Torpin flying one a year or two back. Anyway, I wanted to build this one super light, so Mark made me a thin fuse version.

My goal is sub 10 oz. ready to fly. I dug out my 6lb AAA 1/32 contest balsa and option to only partially sheet the wings to save a few grams. I used spray adhesive to save a bit of weight too. I need to frame up the tail still, but with all the radio gear I plan to use, it sits a little over 6 oz. I may opt for some lighter non-metal case servos.

The next on the list is a JM Glascraft Songbird. I actually started this before the 2025 C&F, but didn't get it finished in time. It is all built and glassed, ready for finishing now.

We'll see what else catches my eye.

Red

 

[Hawaii Sloper]

I fell in love with the Bob Martin SR-7 when I was young. I had only flown gas powered planes and didn’t really know what slope soaring was but knew that plane was gorgeous. Used to see it in RC Modeler.

 

[Wayne]

Love it, that will be a really nice model to start the days off at Sunset.

I need to get started on my "silly" build. If it works it will be the most ambitious silly build I have attempted.

 

[Red]

Love it, that will be a really nice model to start the days off at Sunset.

I need to get started on my "silly" build. If it works it will be the most ambitious silly build I have attempted.

Can't wait to see what that is!

 

[Red]

(this was written yesterday)

I had hoped to get a little further along today than I did, but I guess that is how it goes.

I sanded the fuse, canopy, and belly pan and shot them with primer. I find that pinholes are easier to fill when they are all opaque. I final sanded the wing; it is now ready to cover. I have no idea what color scheme I am going with, however. I dug out all my paint and covering colors to see what my options are, I still need to figure that out. I drew up the tailfeathers in CAD to be laser cut, and that's where I got hung up. I recently upgraded the controller and software for my laser cutter, but it still isn't working to my satisfaction yet, so that's where I stopped.

I have one more day off tomorrow, so I hope to get the tail cut and get some covering on it.

 

[Wayne]

Worse comes to worse, send us the cut files and we can get them cut and shipped quick.

 

[Red]

Worse comes to worse, send us the cut files and we can get them cut and shipped quick.

Thank you, I was able to get them cut this morning.

 

[Red]

I managed to get the fuselage sprayed blue metallic and clear-coated today. I think I will do the wing and horizontal silver, then come up with some sort of other accent colors and graphics. I also managed to get my laser cutter working well enough to get the tail cut and built. They just need a final sand and then be covered. Looks like I may be able to get it finished up this weekend.

 

[Yotaman1985]

Looks great!

 

[jure]

2m Minimoa , recent addition to the fleet. hopefully I will be in shape for Sunset '26 !

 

[thenated0g]

I managed to get the fuselage sprayed blue metallic and clear-coated today. I think I will do the wing and horizontal silver, then come up with some sort of other accent colors and graphics. I also managed to get my laser cutter working well enough to get the tail cut and built. They just need a final sand and then be covered. Looks like I may be able to get it finished up this weekend.

looks awesome. dont think i have seen that kind of covering before

 

[Red]

I'm in the home stretch now. All the covering is complete. I built an internal elevator control torque rod complete with my favorite Tomas Liu CNC clevis and carbon pushrod. There isn't much room back there! I painted the belly pan and canopy this morning, so I'm just down to final gear install. Should have it wrapped up soon and on to the next one.

Red

 

[Red]

All done. Came out at an incredible 7.8oz RTF. I’m really happy with that. Should make a fantastic light lift machine

On to the next one

Red

 

[Yotaman1985]

Looks awesome Red, nice job!

 

[GeoC]

That is a great build!
What is the wing span?
That is very light but looks stout in the right places.

Light plane envy,
George

 

[Red]

That is a great build!
What is the wing span?
That is very light but looks stout in the right places.

Light plane envy,
George

Thank you, 30” span.

 

[Red]

Now that the MicroSR is done, I'm back working on the Songbird which I was working on before the last event.

The wing is potted on now, and the whole thing is final sanded (except ailerons), ready for primer. The ailerons need hinge facing, then fiberglass—time to start thinking about colors.

 

[Wayne]

Refresh my memory, what is the span?

 

[Red]

Refresh my memory, what is the span?

I built this one at 2M. It had a 100' span option as well.

 

[Red]

Tail feathers are all hinged, but it’s too cold and wet for primer. I went ahead and got the control horns and push roads installed. I dug out some of my vintage pattern MK aluminum control horns for the elevators, and a carbon horn for the rudder. I used Tomas Liu Studio clevis and carbon pushrods.

Hopefully the rain will quit and I can get some primer sprayed. I’m using an automotive urethane, so I can’t spray that indoors.

Red