First, I have no idea of the difficulty of the KR-2 to fly.

I know two owners currently, and both profess to really like the aircraft;
with an engine other than VW. Presently, I believe that one is in the final
testing stages with a Corvair conversion. The other had a Subaru conversion
for quite a while, and I believe that he has also changed to Corvair power.
According to all the rules of thumb that I have heard, a VW engine is small
for the airplane at a typical finished weight; and I suspect that most
owners operate the engines with two high a torque load and that some of the
older conversions may have had torsional resonance.

In any case, if you much are taller than about 5'7", the standard KR-2 just
isn't big enough!

Try on the KR-2S for size before you make up your mind; as it supposedly is
faster with the fixed gear than the original was with the wheels retracted.
In addition to being slightly longer, it is supposed to be wider and or
higher.

I am 6'1" and not especially broad shouldered (or anywhere else) and would
want the cabin at least 4" wider and 3" wigher, in addition to having the
turtledeck squared up to improve the headroom. So, it you are my size,
you will need to enlarge the cabin; and a lot of the engineering that went
into the wings and tail may be invalidated as the gross weight increased.

Remember, that the original usefull load was small. With a larger engine
and occupants weighing 175# to 200#, instead of 125# to 130#, the stresses
will be greater...

Peter

P.S.: I still think it is a really neat little plane, and even have a set
of plans. But by the time I could make it fit me, I would probably have to
call it somethng else--like the "Pete's Special".



Ralph Snart wrote:

I'm a student pilot who is always looking to the next project. I am
finishing the resotoration of a 1967 Ford Mustang this winter, so next
spring, I will need a new project (money pit). The Rand Robinson KR-2 has
caught my eye - inexpensive, moderately simple design (as compared to other
kits, like the RV-6), good speed.

Are there any opinions/experiences about this kit?

Thanks