Hi, First, I'm new to this list. I'm still in the throes of decing which plane to build. On my short list are: Sonex, Zodiac XL and the KR-2S. All seem excellent, but the Sonex and Zodiac are aluminum, and the construction seems extremely simple and 'clean'. Their kits arrive with every part required to begin construction. They provide comprehensive lists of tools required as well.
However, the KR-2S seems to offer better performance, lower cost and better looks by far. My problem is that the KR website offers almost no information regarding some key concerns faced by any prospective builder. So I went in search of information on the builder sites. I've browsed to every site listed on krnet, and I'm still confused. Hence my email to this list. In particular, I have been trying to find out answers to the following two questions. (1) What tools will I need to buy in order to build the KR-2S kit? I have none at present. (2) When the spruce and plywood kits arrive, how much fabrication is involved? Do I have to cut out each piece, or are they prefabricated? These are my two major concerns. However, because I'm a bit nervous about beginning this project, I have a few more subjective questions... (3) I have never worked with glass-fibre before - is it difficult? (4) How good/accurate/comprehensive are the plans? (5) Is this a one-man job? Or will I need to recruit help from my wife/friends? And finally, some questions regarding the flying characteristics of the plane itself. (6) How 'docile' is the tail-dragger version? I know that the Sonex is really easy to land and manage on the ground, and the view while taxying isn't too bad. What about the KR-2 (7) The Sonex is capable of 'recreational' aerobatics - which is all I'm really interested in doing. Is the KR-2 similarly capable? (8) Finally, how well does the KR-2 fly 'hands-off'? The Sonex is a real handful, and has to be paid constant attention, since it is extremely pitch-sensitive. What is the KR-2 like? Thanks in advance, Duncan
