Topp Comet II

I've always liked the looks of the Topp Comet II. Ever since I saw the pictures in the catalog in the mid eighties, I was fond of its elegant lines.

I recently had the opportunity to buy a second hand kit. Because it was not complete, I first contacted Topp Rippin to buy the 4 missing parts: clear canopy, cockpit deck, engine cowling and belly pan.I got a friendly reply it was no problem to buy these parts, so I decided to buy the second hand kit. As it turned out, the abachi veneered foam wings were of the long type intended for the twin version. Apparantly, many Comets were delivered with these long wings. I quickly decided to make new built up wings, not only to make them the correct span, but also in an effort to save weight. And I must admit, I like designing and making my own version of a kit (as I had already done with the Aramis, the Sundancer and the Wild 7*90)

I didn't have any plan, just a poor photo of the plan found somewhere on the internet, but after all, it was not really necessary...

This build is scheduled after the completion of the Citabria and Wild 7*90 builds.

Comet II as it appeared in the Topp catalog from the mid eighties

the second hand kit as I acquired it

the missing parts which I bought from Topp Rippin directly

the longer wings which came with the kit were intended for the Twin Comet (note the engine nacelles which are very close to the fuselage making this model somewhat less elegant than the Duellist in my opinion)

this poor photograph was all I found in terms of drawings...

my newly made kit with all new CAD designed and CNC cut wood parts

new CAD plan for the wings and stabs

the Comet really needs this typical spinner (I was lucky to find a German modeller who is willing to sell it to me)

this is probably the colour scheme I will choose with thanks to the gentleman who finished his Comet in this attractive scheme (photograph on top found in an advert on the internet)

homepage