Matt's Home Page - Building the ME-1XL (Modified KR-1)

KR-1XL Site Updated 01/29/2007

Hello all... Thought I would give an update since it's been months.

First off, I'm working on revamping the site, so there will be no new news at this location. I should have the new site up and running in the next few weeks and I'll make this one automatically redirect when the time comes. You can check it out here. Beware, it is a work in progress!

Second is the aircraft updates. I haven't been doing much as of late because of other commitments. I did manage to get the entire electrical system installed, as well as most of the cockpit completed. Right now I have a problem with the canopy... The isn't one built. The is the project I'm working on when I get the time however, so updates are soon to follow there.

I hope everyone had/is having a wonderful holiday season.

Updated the counter at the bottom of the site. I guess I need another year.
My computer shit the bed, so this site is the only place I have my builder information left. Convenient I'd say.... Damn technology! Adding some more pics to the site.

I need to do a better job keeping up with this site I suppose. I can make up lots of excuses why I haven't had the time to keep it up to date, but I'll spare you the details... Suffice it to say, I will be doing a better job as the weeks go on.

WEBMASTERS NOTE:
Updated sections will appear in bold now...

Just a little update... I don't have any pics as they are all out at the airport, still on the camera that took them. I'll try to get everything situated this weekend and do one big update to this site.

Goals are good right? Well mine is ticking away as you can see at the bottom of this page...

We all know how expensive this hobby can be... If you feel so inclined to donate a few dollars to this wonderful sport of experimental aviation, please do so using the button below. If not, well then enjoy the site anyway!!!

100% of the proceeds will go towards getting my airplane off the ground in the time alotted.

KRNet Memberlist
Also check out the KRNet Memberlist page. Here you will find people that may be in your area, building or flying a KR.
KR Map - Find out where some of these guys live and see it on a map.

Skylark Association
We need more members in the Skylark Association, so if you have a Geared Cessna single (175, Skylark, P172-D), or experience with one, please join our type club!!!

Powder Coating Services
If you need parts powder coated, drop me an email and we'll work something out. I can do almost any color (there are 100 or so to choose from inlcuding chromes and candies). I'm working on setting up a part-time powder coating operation and a website to go with it, but for now an email will have to do!

Latest News
08/09/2006 - Finally getting around to updating the site again. Starting a new page for keeping track of the hours... Since my HDD crashed, I don't know if I will be able to recover my old builder's log or not so the poor DAR will not have much to go on for the last three years. Oh well.. What can I do?

10/17/2005 - Working on updating the site... Got a little bit done since the last update. Working on getting the stub wings skinned and the belly board installed and operational. Built a new toolbox to hold the overflow of tools that I've been collecting (not really airplane related, but it is workshop related!)

07/01/2005 - Installed a suspended ceiling in the hangar. Now the A/C System can work!!! It's really nice in there now :-) No sweat while sanding. This was the final stage of my shop restoration.

04/06/2005 - Pulled the aft turtledeck part off the plug and getting ready to install it on the fuselage.

02/23/2005 - Almost done with the rudder and getting ready to glass it and the vstab. Check out the VStab page for details...

02/07/2005 - Received the brakes from Tracey O'Brien. Love em! I'll be installing those soon.

01/17/2005 - Almost done with the shop! Time to start on the plane construction again!!!

01/06/2005 - Still rennovating the shop. Click here for details...

10/09/2004 - Powder coating day... All landing gear parts are coated now. See undercarraige page for details.

09/23/2004 - Ordered lots of new stuff for the plane, mainly landing gear supplies. I will be making the gear legs shortly. Also got a powder coating set-up. When I get it and get practiced up, anyone that needs some work done, let me know...

08/18/2004 - Installed the firewall and finished glassing the fwd floor.

08/15/2004 - Inside fwd floor and firewall cut / installed.

6/20/2004 - Got the wing attach fittings water-jet cut... Got them install to the main wing spar.

Statistics
Project Start Date - December 15, 2003
Percent Complete - 62% as of 08/13/2005 (1000 hours tot. est.)
Total invested to date - $5900 (yes, including engine)
Total time to date - 624 hours

01/16/2005 Latest Build Pics
As promised, here is the latest and greatest shot of what I've been working on...

How it Started
Well here we go. I've decided to start the construction of a modified Rand KR-1. Modified meaning modified to fit MY frame. It's pretty much a strap-on pocket rocket anyways, but we want do be as comfortable as possible ya know?

Check out Rand Robinson Engineering and their planes here.

Check out the links to the left to get through the building process...

Here is an idea of what the new design changes will bring in-so-far as the general shape of the aircraft...
Yea, so I cheat :-) Doesn't she look fast though!

01/16/2006 - It should be noted that the airplane will no longer look like this. It will have a bubble canopy and cowl cheeks to clear the corvair engine.

Just some notes to myself...
Rod owes me a new transponder antenna when I get around to needing it...

Optimistic Countdown to First Flight :-)

Visitor Counter (since March 11, 2004)