Monthly Archives: August 2014


Flaps 1 (2.0 hrs)

I need a second set of hands to finish up the fuel tanks, so in the mean time I started working on the flaps. I started by pulling out the ribs and spar, and pulling the all the blue plastic off. IMG_5693.JPG

Next I clecoed the ribs and lower skin together.IMG_5694.JPG

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The instructions tell you to check the space between the rear spar and the inner ribs. The left flap pictured here was ok.IMG_5697.JPGThe right flap on the other hand had spaces between each rib and the rear spar. I started fabricating of the shims but didn’t finish for the day. IMG_5696.JPG


Organizing the shop

Not a tremendous amount to report for this post, however I will provide pictures of my shop throughout my organization process.  Its been a much more work intensive endeavor than I anticipated.

Originally I had intended to make the area next to the wings the primary shop area.  But after getting many of my items into the hangar, I realized the tail section of the T would provide more room.  As a result I would have to move the large black fire cabinet.  Its heavy as hell, and doesn’t roll on stones.  Complete PITA.

Hopefully by this weekend, I can return to working on the wings!IMG_5632.JPG

I initially laid the tail feathers down in some blankets until I could arrange a better storage solution. IMG_5631.JPG

A few good pictures of the original mess. IMG_5634.JPG

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I managed to move the black fire cabinet into the wing section of the T-hangar.  I also moved all of the work benches into the new shop area.  I found 3/4″ particle board for $8 a pop at Home Depot.  I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab several sheets for a stable floor. IMG_5647.JPG

I also bought this bad boy.  A 33gal Husky air compressor.  I haven’t had a chance to use it yet, so more to follow. IMG_5648.JPG

More flooring…IMG_5646.JPG

This is the solution I engineered for holding the tail feathers. IMG_5665.JPG

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I still need to secure the vertical stab a little more securely. IMG_5667.JPG

Mandatory American and Marine Corps flags in place.IMG_5668.JPG

Laying the floor boards. IMG_5669.JPG

Everything is arranged properly, and all that remains is some additional tool organization. IMG_5670.JPG

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I ran into Jack Savage at the airport, and he twisted my arm into going for a quick spin in his RV-8.  He wouldn’t take no for an answer so I hopped in the back!  Fun as always.  Jack has a great plane. IMG_5674.JPG

I hung up all the plans that I will currently be using. IMG_5675.JPG

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Moving to the hangar

With the top skins riveted, the wings are now stiff enough to survive transport.  More importantly, I don’t need the wing stand anymore.  Time to move to the hangar!  I enlisted the help of my buddy Rishab on Saturday. Thankfully I was able to obtain a wing cradle already built.  Saved me a ton of time! We got the wings themselves and the main tool cases moved.

On Sunday, I was able to grab a large trailer to move the majority of the remaining items, including work benches, and large fire cabinet.

Here are the wings loaded on the back of my father’s pickup truck.IMG_5603.JPG

Rishab with the wings at the airport.IMG_5604.JPG

Here is a panorama of all the junk shoved in the hangar.  This is before the second day of moving.  I forgot to take a picture on Sunday… but its a mess!IMG_5607.JPG

Here is the trailer with work benches and all. IMG_5616.JPG

I have one more trip to make tomorrow evening to pick up the last few odds and ends, and then a tremendous amount of organizing to do in the hangar.  Something tells me I will not be looking to move hangars anytime soon….