Fuselage

[Chuck in Indiana]

You'll wish you had that brake a long time ago.

[Brock]

Perhaps but not yet.
I was laying awake last night trying to figure out how I was going to bend the firewall four sides with the brake.  All I can figure is that the sides are very small and the top/bottom angles not 90deg.  Kinda would like a pan brake option.  Making such a mod would be more than I care for at the moment.

[Brock]

Today I managed to build the firewall and bend it w/o a pan-break.  Used .016 321SS. It is a bit softer than I expected but that made bending the sides easier.

[Brock]

Finished these seat belt anchor points today.  Now, to find a belt I like.

[Brock]

Yesterday it was declaired that the airframe is (seems) done and is ready for paint.  I'll take it to a powder-coater today.  But wait there is more to do, so I just discovered.

After reinstalling the landing gear one last time for a look-over and check I discovered the lower end of the shock struts are not reinforced.  I was/(am?) going to drill out to 3/8" and weld in a 3/8 x 1/4"id tube.

So what is your collective oppinion.  Is the strut end strong enough the way it is or should I hold off on paint until I can reinforce the end?  Btw - the top end does have the 3/8x1/4" bushing welded in.  Tubing wall is .049" thick.

Oh, by the way here is a picture of some color choices.  The 'yellow'ish is called Antique and that is the oratex fabric roll you are looking at.  The others are just items I found around the hangar to compare and see what color to paint the airframe.  What is your favorite?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Well, we both know that bushed would be better.  I kinda doubt it's necessary, though. I think painting the fuse the same color as the Oratex would be kool. Second choice would be green. First choice is what you like..

[Brock]

Well, the shock-struts didn't get bushed as I was anxious to get everything to the powder coater.  But I could always do it later.  Today I got in plenty of practice putting in tube bushing as I finished all 8 of the strut ends.  These I'll rattle-can.

For moving the air (vehical) frame I first started laying it down in my short bed pickup.  Nope, not happening.  So plan "B" was to place it all on top.  I was not only able to transport it this way but managed to get some wind-tunnel/road testing.  Yup, it creates the expected amount of drag.

Once at the powder-coater I had to pic a color.  This pic of their sample does not show it well.  It actually has hints of green and metal flake.  Looks nice in the sunlight.

[Brock]

Back from the powder-coater.  They did a nice job and the color looks great!  Especially in the sunlight.  Now the fun of permanent assembly begins.  Will finally be able to plumb and wire everything.  The wings should be done by the coldest wettest part of winter. ;-)

[Kamcoman77]

Your work and choice of color for your fuselage look great! Can't wait to see it all rigged up.

[Chuck in Indiana]

This is where the fun begins. I love putting one together for the last time.