It's been a while (Almost 3 months) since I've updated my progress. It seems I have fallen into the same trap as others having large gaps in updating their build logs while still progressing on their project in the background. I think a large contributing factor for this is that when you are working on a section that is very tedious, it can take many sessions just to complete one step. Wash, rinse, repeat, and before you know it there is major progress. I return to this site and look at my last entry and say to myself, "Wow that seems like ages ago, I need to update the site." So here I am.....
The exterior of the aft fuselage or tailcone is made up of 6 separate parts: Bottom, Left/Right lower, Left/Right upper, and top skins. Prepping all of these parts takes some time, and assembling/riveting them all together takes even longer.
Below the first couple of pieces are coming together that form two bellcrank ribs.
The exterior of the aft fuselage or tailcone is made up of 6 separate parts: Bottom, Left/Right lower, Left/Right upper, and top skins. Prepping all of these parts takes some time, and assembling/riveting them all together takes even longer.
Below the first couple of pieces are coming together that form two bellcrank ribs.
Next the above assembly gets attached to the bottom skin. I shot the rivets from underneath while Tiffany bucked them.
The next step was to countersink the longerons to accept the dimples from the skins as well as the nut plates. I try and keep paper on the work bench top so that metal bits don't get "ground" into the surface.
One of the features that sold me on this kit was the pre-planned wiring and complete harnesses. The instructions are so well thought out that wiring is installed before things get riveted together.
Here she is starting to come together