Kraken - BUILD

by FliteTest | June 11, 2014 | (51) Posted in How To

FTScratchBuild-Advanced

The day is here! We finally have the plans available for the Kraken.

FREE PLANS

SUPPLEMENTAL VIDEOS

This kit is so big that it wouldn't even fit in one screenshot. The Speed Build Kit will be available sometime early August.

Also, keep your eyes open for tons of cool accessories incoming!

Measurements for landing gear wire

18" long x 1/8" thick (45cm long x 3.18mm thick)

Bends are 2" (5cm) and 6" (16cm)

Links for tires incoming!

A big ol' wing needs a big ol' battery!

We've been using this 6000MAh made by Gens ace. This can get you close to a half-hour of flight time and is impressively light for its size.

RECOMMENDED ELECTRONICS

Motor: 2x Suppo 2217/7 1250kv Brushless Outrunner
ESC: 2x Suppo 30A Brushless ESC
Servo: 2x GS-9025MG Micro Analog 11g Metal-Gear
Prop: 2x APC 10x4.7 Slow-Fly
Battery: 2200 - 6000 mAH 3s
4x 12" Servo Extensions

FREE PLANS

Hope you all have as much fun with this plane as we do! Go crazy! See what kind of trouble you can get this monster into. Post some photos or videos on the forum page!

COMMENTS

Rainy Day RC on June 12, 2014

I have been anticipating this day literally since the Kraken was first shown a year ago.... THANK YOU FLITETEST!!
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Kurt0326 on June 12, 2014

About time! Ha-ray!
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Now we need it in the store... ha ha!
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harrymc on June 12, 2014

At last!!! I can't wait to get started! Look out Hobby Lobby, I hope they have plenty of foam board!
Thanks a bunch guys!
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Michael9865 on June 12, 2014

Awesome!!!! Thank you!!!!
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jrvalentin62 on June 12, 2014

Really, 81.81x65.11. You guys used to put your PDF out in 20x30 format even if it means a few sheets. Easer for store printing. 64 pages on a home printer is hard on the equipment. Just a thought. But thanks for the plans.
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Dude, it's THE Kraken. Big is an understatement. I was just thinking, "Oh, it's only 64 pages". Now think of the hanger space in your house...
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nerdnic on June 12, 2014

This might help!

Got it down to 35 pages and added grid lines to help make everyone's build go smoother. I also removed the duplicate pieces so you'll need to flip some of the templates over for the second piece.

Condensed plans:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/g2e4tqxbrbs9t3e/Kraken.pdf

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Gopherdave on June 12, 2014

Thanks for the condensed plans, please excuse a dumb question but when I open the PDF its one page not the 35 as mentioned. I'm trying to do this with an android phone and a WiFi printer. Thank you flitetest!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!

Dave
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I am not sure about doing this from a phone but I would suggest using a computer with Adobe Reader.

1. Open the PDF you want to print using Adobe Reader X.
2. Click the Print icon.
3. In the Print dialog box, click Poster.
4. Set Tile Scale to 100%.
5. Set Overlap to 0.005in.
6. Click Print.
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Thanks, I'll give it a try.
Dave
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91shadowrider on June 12, 2014

I took the condensed plans to a print shop today and they split it down the middle to make it printable but the scaling changed and the the two pages they printed would not line up. Is there any way you could simplify the plans to fit on a couple pages instead of one large photo. I'm looking for something like the way you did the spitfire plans. It was on a couple of pages.
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Oh by the way folks, I took the non condensed plans to the print shop today and they just laughed. " You want what?" Good luck on finding a printer that can do that. I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say we would like to see a set of plans that we can take to the print shop and have them printed painlessly. I am definitely discouraged. Help !!!
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Kendrick57 on June 13, 2014

Hi
Check my post further down I have converted the plans to 8 pages of A1, no change in size or shape no sheet joining required.
Just have to work out how to upload the plans.
Kendrick
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nerdnic on June 13, 2014

For you shadowrider, yes. I'll do it.
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91shadowrider on June 13, 2014

Thanks nerdnic, looking forward to it.
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Here you go!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e4cq4qt1fgh4qai/AABkxBUj3UPngkcveUunBRLwa

I broke down the pieces into their own sheets of 20x30in or less so each section will fit on one sheet of DTFB. I also removed the duplicate pieces so you'll need to flip some of the templates over for the second piece.
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O.K. special thanks to nerdnic for the help simplifying the plans so they could be printed with a 36 inch wide printer. It was quick and painless. I did notice however when I tried to assemble each of the 4 halves of the wing, they are about a 1/4 inch off. I tried to fix it by aligning the leading edge on each of the 4 halves and then retracing the lines for the wing fold score marks. I figure I would true up the 1/4 inch difference on the trailing edge later. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and somewhat of a whiner so the problem with the wing is all I would change with this one that I can see now. Also is it only me or do some plans have different size power pods? If this is so these planes are hardly swappable. What I mean is the spacing of the alignment tabs is different on a couple of my planes.
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palanthas on June 14, 2014

If I remember right they mentioned in the video that the power pod for the Kraken is larger. (I haven't watched the Kraken videos for a couple days so I could be wrong...) Otherwise the other planes should all be swappable. Everyone in the swappable series that is ;)
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91shadowrider on June 18, 2014

nerdnic, I have had alignment problems with my build using the plans you made up for me. Now, before I point any fingers I would like to say it could be the print place I took it to also. Here is what I have had problems with. Each upper pannel has 2 pieces , a smaller and a larger one per side.The leading edge and trailing edge do not line up and neither do the score marks for the folds. This is also a problem for the bottom pannels. the other issues are the box spar is about a 1/4 inch too short where it tabs in place. I'm not sure if the problem there is wing or box spar. Lastly the elevons are too short maybe a 1/2" to 1" Have you had this problem? I have been able to deal with these problems, it is just irritating and I would hate for anyone else to have to go through the same issues.
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nerdnic on June 18, 2014

I checked my plans and the alignment is good in the digital copy. It must be the printer, sorry to hear that man.
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91shadowrider on June 19, 2014

Thanks for the info. I will try a new print shop.
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Almaadin on December 11, 2016

I was able to fit the Kraken on 8 30x20 pages (barely) enjoy! https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B167gMpGWX98WlZYcVJkRTEweUE
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brinco on June 12, 2014

I see a swappable top wing trainer in the background!!!
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soyo on June 12, 2014

Are the thickness % for tip and root the same? I want to normalize the airfoil for performance calculations, can you take some high-res photos of the airfoil section?
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Also the wing span, leading edge sweep angle and tip and root chords will help too =)
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Chad on June 12, 2014

Great job guys!!
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Sharky on June 12, 2014

Thanks guys 4 all your hard work getting this out so fast Can't wait 2 get this 1 started, Outstanding job!
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Bryonheath on June 12, 2014

I'm newer to fpv but I see in one of the pics josh and josh flying there futaba controller has a Lrs I have the t10j and wanted to put lrs system on it is it possible ?
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I built the versa now time for the kraken fpv
Thanks guys
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Nathan_116 on June 12, 2014

This is great!!! I'm glad to see that Josh Scott finally got in on a buil video. Sadly, this will have to go on my future build list as the budget is getting pretty tight, bein a 16 year old.

Also, is the recommended motor the same one as in the "BEEF" setup?
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nasaguy86 on June 12, 2014

Josh's son interrupts and he walks off set in the middle of the shoot. TV directors and producers everywhere are freaking out! Don't you dare change a thing gentlemen, family always comes first!
Well done!
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+1
I agree, I just wish Josh Scott could be around in Flite Test more often. But, he is a busy man...
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So I'm thinking "Blunt Nose Kraken"?
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Shouldn't be hard. The Kraken is already essentially a scaled up version of the Versa so adding a blunt nose should be pretty straight forward. Correct me if I'm wrong...
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Willsonman on June 12, 2014

Can you please re-format the full-size plans to make them more friendly to large format printers? Even with my 44" wide printer I cannot print in a single shot. 36" wide would be perfect.
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I agree totally 36" would be awesome
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Hi
I have been using my desktop publisher to alter the layout of the plans to fit smaller sheets of paper without joining any sheets together.
As I am in the UK I used the A size sheet, I have done a version that fits on 8 A1 sheets each sheet is slightly bigger than 20x30 inches the size of dollar tree foam board, I had a printout made and it works, I still have to tweak a few lines so they join but the size and shape work as is. I can alter the page size to find to print out but slightly bigger than the foam board seamed like the best size to choose.
Anyone interested in a copy of my resized plans.

Kendrick
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RevJim1952 on June 13, 2014

Heck ya!!!!!
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Hi
I'll work on getting rid of the gaps in the lines that I found when I printed my version out.
Then I'll have to work out a way to post it.
Kendrick
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Old Cobra Pilot on June 12, 2014

The little guy was, for me, a great touch. Even though it wasn't planned (apparently) I'm thankful the editors didn't edit it out. It is just proof that you guys are real and not some "hollyweird phoneys". I've already watched the build video twice and going to again. I'm looking very forward to Flitefest also. See you guys in July!!!
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Snowb1 on June 12, 2014

I agree with the above post, Josh shows the patience of a good father and takes time out for the important things in life, like the little man's spilled drink :) Two thumbs up guys.Great Video.
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wv_plane_crasher on June 13, 2014

Going have to clean out the basement to build this monster!!
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kenc3dan on June 13, 2014

Josh Scott was super useful in this video. He slows down Josh Bixler a little bit with a few questions exactly when he needs to. Perfect balance gentlemen! After failure on my first wing I'm psyched to give the Versa a try again after seeing this.
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vegaj02 on June 13, 2014

Thanks for the great work you do. I know the engine recommendations, but I was wondering what specific engines were used on this build.
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LetsFlyRC on June 13, 2014

I have a laser cutter, and have to optimize the FliteTest files all the time to fit on the dollar foam board. I have attached a link to the 30x20 size, optimized files. Hope they help. There are 9 sheets of foam board needed, like josh said. This may not be optimized for print out on 8x11 paper, though, and will probably equate to more sheets.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qgrwlwbqlezhclk/AABEHAEpi5dxGK-k7VdPbLrFa
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When you make yours, let us know if there were any alignment issues with any of the wing pieces please. I'm having a little problem with mine and I want to know if it is the plans or the print shop I went to . Thanks.
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COCHISE99 on April 21, 2019

Thank you very much for this effort.
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Paulobrasil on June 14, 2014

what for that green ring on RC cable?

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pittboss84 on June 14, 2014

I can fore see a blunt noise kraken being built in my future.
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91shadowrider on June 14, 2014

My Kraken is finally ready to assemble. After making templates first and then cutting out the final product, I can easily make a lot of these. The only problem is I am too exhausted after all the work now to build it today.
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PropSpinner on June 15, 2014

MY FIRST POST!
Long time RCer. First time FliteTester.
Josh B. Said that he was using an Art Tech glue gun. Did he mean Ad Tech?
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I should also say I enjoyed Josh S. son's interruption. My kids would wonder if aliens had taken over my body if I were that patient with them. Good man Josh S.! Keep up the good work at home and on Flite Test!
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Big fan 92 on June 20, 2014

Please do speed build kit
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You guys are awsome
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superchamp123 on June 27, 2014

I spy a FT trainer. 26:26
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vegaj02 on July 4, 2014

Thankyou Flitetest for all your hard work and the enjoyment you bring to me and the my kids. Here is the maiden of my Kraken. Sorry about bad video but I was flying and trying not to crash. Unfortunately my radio does not allow for differential throttles so they are not there. http://youtu.be/CMl6XIHQsIM
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SmilingDevil on December 30, 2015

You could probably get your Radio to fly the plane a bit like a Tank-Driving stick... put one throttle on each stick. Makes me wonder though why you can't do that, since the other steering will require programming a mixer anyway.. what should be the difference between a Servo mix and an ESC Mix
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Kelsoe on July 22, 2014

Here IT Is.

You waited Years. You thought You'd NEVER see IT. BUT Science has Bought IT to You Now...

We NOW Give YOU The (drum roll)............ D FOLD!!!

The ONE and ONLY Flite Test FOLD that uses a DOULBE Wide RELIEF to create a Paper Protected and Glue Reinforced DOULBE THICK FOLD (echo)...

IT's STRONGER. IT's TOUGHER. IT's LIGHTER. IT's BRIGHTER. IT's WHITER than ever BEFORE.

Get YOURS Today!
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Maingear on July 23, 2014

First foam scratch built, huge success! I can fly it really slow, going to be a great trainer for my 11 year old son.

Caution - Never set the glue gun down on it's side! Hot glue will move to the side and jam the glue stick. ( happened when I was gluing the leading edge of the top and bottom skins on one side. The wing's curvature is slightly different if you look closely, flys great)
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...looking forward to re enter Model Aircraft with this and will build it with my son too.. hope this will be a cool experience.

Axel
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quickpix on September 1, 2014

Where is the CG please?
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Macgiver11 on April 14, 2016

The answer is at 1:05,20 in the video! very easy and simple to find!!!
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Deanwvu on October 7, 2014

It would be great if there were a place here (maybe there is and I do not know where it is) where we can get the basics of doing a build like this. I am looking to do a first build with foam like this one, however, as a total noob, there are things I do not know...

1. What are the materials in this build, and the other foam builds? What is this foam? Where do I buy it? What is the thin wood that they use? How about the piano wire? (where do we get these materials)????

2. How do we use the plans as a template to cut the foam pieces? Tape it on the board and then cut/score? If so, what is the best way to print out the template? 64 pages of 8.5x11 paper that we tape together? Take it to a print shop on a larger sheet??

Since a lot of their plans use these materials and these methods, I'd love to find a central place to have questions like this answered!

Thank you, all.
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The Groundhog on October 9, 2014

Flite Test Forum!!
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When is the Speed Build Kit coming?? Will there be a review?

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bikerman124 on November 20, 2014

When does the kraken come to the store. I want to build it!!!
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Planeguy18 on November 27, 2014

I live in Australia where the foam board is expensive. I wanted to know how many sheets of a3 foam board so I can look for a good deal.
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Can you build this with Depron foam board or does it have to have paper on it.

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sammyben on November 28, 2014

Anyone used one of these with this? Review? http://www.amazon.co.uk/SUNNYSKY-1250KV-Four-axis-Outrunner-Brushless/dp/B00ID51AN0/
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Bill236 on February 23, 2015

I hope someone from FT reads this, as I got ready to build the landing gear, wire included in the kit and following the video, the wire is 4.25 inches short, a 15 inch wire won't complete a 18.25 inch run. I would include a picture, but I can't find a way to upload one. Thanks, great video.
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Navet97 on March 1, 2015

Let's get Kraken!!! I just had to say it! LOL!

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Kammo on April 23, 2015

Can you guys put pictures of the speed build kits up like you use to? It helps a lot when I try to get the best positioning on the foam and keep the waste down to a minimum because you guys are awesome at placement.
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kennyptho on July 19, 2015

What would also look awesome cool is a fuselage with a ruddered tail
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phiggs54 on August 12, 2015

Josh B said this is a great father/son project. He is right! I am 61 and my dad is 89. We are halfway through the Kraken build and having fun. We used to fly control line airplanes when I was in Jr High. My dad wants to know if Josh B can talk faster.
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marvinlange on November 21, 2015

Loving the Build I have an extra 22.2 5000 Mah not being used is thier a motor combo that you would recommend using that Battery ?

Some Build Photos

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sos0oygdhq81fr4/AADnkYqviDBTtTClRn0V6bm-a?dl=0

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marvinlange on December 27, 2015

Rudder in front of Pusher ?

Question I decided to make My Kraken a Pusher with twin rear wheel steering a Carbon fiber arrow going vertically down about 4 inches in front of motor I left the shaft long enough that it sticks up about 4 inches above top of plane in front of prop. would a Rudder in front of a pusher have any effect during flight ?
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Hey Guys, glad I made it in time for once, usually I find these kind of things on you tube when all the goodies are gone.. just placed my Order for a Kraken to be shipped overseas.. looking forward to this. I'll make a slight modification though, the WIng is too big to transport ans Store conveniently, so I will attempt to make that detatchable in the Middle adding a wing Root and two wooden ribs there. Hope this will not add too much weight.
One question though: you guys mention in the build Video to make Sure the Servos have a Metal Gear. Since you recommended that, I'm assuming the Option "Power Pack C (Fixed Wing Large)" I just added feature those, right? Can't really tell by the description of the content.

I'd have ordered the Lighting strips too if they were available through your shop, maybe you guys should talk to hobbyking about that. That Look of the lit wing is what I'm after.. whish me luck.

If that plane flies as smooth as the Videos make me think, this will be an awesome Product to keep..

Axel.
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jackweed on April 1, 2016

LOL
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Kaspars on August 16, 2016

The size of the 10x4,7 propeller need - CW or CCW?

The sizeof the 2x 2217/7 1250kv motor need - CW or CCW?
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Kaspars123 on February 4, 2017

Kraken plane APC 10x4.7 is L or R size? And motor need CW or CCW?
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sp on July 4, 2018

I downloaded the tiled plans and printed out the 64 pages. Having done the same for the FT Scout, I expected no problems and started taping tiles together according to the diagram. They don't match up when you do it by the numbers. Looks like I'm in for a large 64 piece puzzle. Only printer I have access to is a cheapie that only prints standard letter size computer paper, so the condensed plans mentioned earlier won't work for me.
Has anyone else encountered this problem? Found an easier method of sorting and joining the 64 tiles?
sp
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clinton.harris on October 24, 2018

uniondelta on October 25, 2018

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