Building the XL: Why is the inboard diagonal bolted to the rear spar instead of being glued to it like the other three? This requires a compound angle cut on the forward end and causes the diagonal to protrude into the space where a fuel tank would go. (The LE would be even worse because the wing attach fittings were at the top of the spar unlike the XL, which are located a couple of inches lower)
Any insight here is appreciated, as it seems to me that not using the metal bracket is lighter and not having to determine and cut a compound angle on the forward end would be nice.
Thanks! Rick
Rick, you almost answered your question. Please observe this overhead view and picture the diagonal if it were exactly like the other three. THEN- You would have LESS room for the tank. Presently it does not protrude into the space for the fuel tank, but gives you MORE space as shown on your plans.
The tank you see was just an example and is 4.5 gal. You can see you could easily get 5 gal without needing to worry about the diagonal. This is based on the fuel tank top being the same profile as the top of the wing, like Franks excellent example.
Hope this helps.
Scott
ps... I am not saying this is why it was done, just showing what it gives you if you do it.
By the way, to cut the second cut or "compound angle cut" as you called it may take 30 seconds more. Often this can be sanded into shape for the perfect fit. I would take the time to install all the little extra "tight" fill blocks as they tie the wing together very nicely.
