Earthstar Forums

I am almost ready for a go/no go decision on buying an eGull kit. My homework is done regarding suitability for my building and flying needs and capabilities.I have no questions regarding the design and construction of the eGull or the technical excellence of Mark B.



What is still an unknown for me is what is it like to deal with Earthstar as a company. Perhaps one good indicator is how close Earthstar comes to meeting projected delivery dates. I am less concerned with accuracy of a forecast then what scaling factor to apply to it to match reality. For example if someone consistently off by a factor of 2, then I know what to expect, so can plan accordingly. If projections are all over the map, that is harder for my personality to handle.


I thought this would be a good place to come to find those with relevant recent experiences.


I really want to take the plunge. I just need a sanity check to make sure I have realistic expectations.


Any thoughts?


Thanks.
--Ray

My experience with Mark’s timeliness is mixed, but he and his crew can really crank when they want to.

Business is slow since the Great Recession began, so I’d suggest a sit-down with Mark, and with Mike and with Donny, to emphasize the need to proceed as scheduled.



Sent from my iPad

Good enough for me.

Thanks for responding, James. I was getting concerned that there no responses at all. That could really leave a negative first impression for someone who happened onto the site with no background.

I was about to send a message to ask the moderator to remove the thread to avoid any possible misconceptions.

I also thought some builders might have responded with anecdotes saying when they had made a serious construction blunder, Mark was able to find a quick solution. I have already seen a few of those.



The main reason for my specific concern about delivery dates is I need to build a temporary extension to my garage to handle a 28 foot wing. I don't want to build that ugly extension before necessary. But what would be worse would be if the spar arrived before I could house it.


There are pros and cons to anything. Regardless, I can adapt to some schedule uncertainty... I come from a software background .


Thanks,
--ray

I hasten to add that Mark is incredibly helpful, responsive, and generous with his time. You will have many questions, which he will spend as much time as needed to answer.

I forgot that you are kit building, so the real time constraints are on you.. It’d be different if Mark and his crew were building for you.

Sent from my iPhone

guess Mark delivers most of the kits himself, on top of an suv with a modified roof or the sports car with a trailer. likes to travel, saves cost too. did see one odyssey build log near the great lakes, delivered before fall.
r

I've always been on a flexible schedule, so I don't have any hard info for
you.

Ray, I've worked with Mark multiple times. The only problems that have
arisen is when we didn't have a written agreement and thus differing ideas
about how to proceed could occur. This can occur with good faith and good
intentions on both sides. When he was helping my friend Darren (who I
don't think is on this group) build his Odyssey, Mark went out of his way
to make sure that was a successful build. Have things in writing and get
things figured out before you buy. Standard precautions. Mark's business is
very small and he doesn't create a lot of kits. You would have to talk to
him and see about how firmly he feels he can meet your schedule. None of us
can answer this since so much depends on the present circumstances at
Earthstar, what he has in stock, and what you need (eg, how much
customization you want).

-Alan







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I'd say one more thing about working with Mark...and that is listen to him.
Mark's knowledge of airplanes and how to build things is just...incredible.
I can't tell you the number of times I came up with a solution for a
problem, and Mark came up with a solution 10x better. If he tells you
something you're doing in your build is a bad idea or not optimal....listen
to him. He's probably right. Mark also struggles with dyslexia which is why
unless he has a lot of time to get it right, his off the cuff writings can
have misspellings etc.

The Gull is a great airplane and fun to build. Enjoy. Keep your build
light! ;)

-Alan

I am taking the plunge.


I appreciate everyone's comments and advice and will take them to heart.






--Ray

You will be happy. Best bang for the buck out there.