I bought what I thought to be a Four Star 120 kit at our tailgate swap meet in 2001. As it turned out, the seller had already framed the plane and hinged the control surfaces. He told me that the canopy and aluminum main gear would need to be purchased to complete the plane.
I took it home, went thru the construction manual, and looked at the plans, to acquaint myself with the plane. I decided that I would use my Enya 120-R for power and a Futaba 4-channel radio for guidance. Once covered and ready for the maiden flight(s), off to the flying field for pics and some stick time.
The engine sat on the shelf long enough that it wouldn't start. Packed it all back into the truck and headed home -- but stopped by another modeler's house on the way. He looked at the plane, and bought it, less the engine and reciever. I had a chance to buy it back this season, as he never flew it, and brought it back to my hangar. I had since rebuilt the Enya, and soon, it was ready for the air again.
Maiden flights were made May 27th. I was pleasantly surprised how well it flew. With some minor trim changes and a few mechanical adjustments, there is now about a half gallon of fuel thru the fresh engine. At five years of age, the new Swap Shop Special is destined to be my daily flyer regardless of the weather.
