[RICHARD PAINE]

My first flight on a new [to me] Peak Model Edge 540 didn't go as planned. After a few uneventful moments trimming the aircraft, the rudder locked over. I tried to land, but it spiraled in. Total destruction !
If it hadn't been the first flight, I would have scrapped it. However, being "frugal " & upset about a first flight crash, I decided to repair it.
It took a month to repair, but the cost was minimal. I needed a new prop, spinner & Life battery that shorted out in the crash. Luckily, the wings had only minor cosmetic damage. I had some matching monocote & paint for the cowl, canopy, & pants. Many pieces were cyno'ed together to make patterns for replacement parts. I did order a new cowl from China, but got impatient & repaired the original. The new one is still on my bench. The repaired model is 4 oz. heavier, mostly due to the reglassed cowl, but it had nose weight anyway, so some was removed, it doesn't appear to make much difference on a 11.5 lb airplane. I have had many flights since the rebuild.
The reasons for my ramblings are that many damaged aircraft are repairable, the main goal is to keep it straight. Don't overbuild, [making it heavier, ] & take your time.

[diss3ntienc]

great job with the rebuild, looks brand new!

[Etobicokeboy23]

Nice job in rebuild. Now I know who to ask advice on rebuilds. I wish I had the patients and expertise to do this

[diss3ntienc]

all it is is just patience. i've rebuilt many crashed planes of my own, not to that extent like richard's but close, haha

[-Rick-]

Nice job!! Sometimes I don't understand why people throw away a crashed plane when I know they can be repaired.