The elevator trim bracket and related parts are nearly complete and almost ready for primer.
Tag: empennage
Test Fitting RH Trim Tab
I spent 1.5 hours on the RH trim tab the other day and test fitted it on the elevator. Now I have to re-do the LH trim tab spar and then I can prime and final assemble both.
Total time so far 23.5 hours.
Completed Riveting Tailcone Bottom Skin
This evening I completed riveting the tailcone bottom skin F-1078 to the side skins F1073-L&R. I used the back riveting technique that others have used with success. My stainless back riveting plate allows 11 rivets to be done simultaneously. I may make a longer back rivet plate if it becomes an issue.
Also riveted F-1055-L&R to the side skins.
I had two rivets that needed to be drilled out and replaced. One required an “oops” rivet.
Time today 3:03. Total time 19:30.
Left Elevator Trim Tab Construction
A time lapse video up to and including drilling and dimpling. I had an issue at the end with the microstop countersink slipping and I am waiting on some “oops rivets” to arrive to finish it. I’ll start on the right tab tonight.
[stream flv=x:/www.brunbergs.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/lefttrimtab1.240p.flv img=x:/www.brunbergs.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/TrimTabShot1-300×169.jpg mp4=x:/www.brunbergs.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/lefttrimtab1.mp4 embed=false share=false width=640 height=360 dock=true controlbar=over bandwidth=high autostart=false responsive=16:9 /]
Empennage Parts
As noted before, I purchased a partially complete empennage from a fine upstanding denizen of Van’s Airforce. After driving out to Illinois and carefully packing it in a U-Haul trailer with Larry’s help, it is now in its new home in PA.
The elevators and rudder:
The vertical stabilizer:
The tail cone:
And the horizontal stabilizer:
Tools
Coincidentally with finding a great deal on an empennage kit, someone posted a PlaneTools RV tool kit on Van’s Airforce at a decent discount with some great add-ons. Sign me up!
So now, I have: One partially complete empennage kit, a set of tools in the mail, and a workshop in deperate need of workbenches and shelves. The only problem: it is REALLY cold out right now, and I know the barn (more on the barn workshop later) is bound to be quite uncomfortable. That means that before next fall, I need to get the workshop area properly enclosed and insulated, with some means of heating.
RV-10 Beginnings
This past weekend I acquired a partially built RV-10 tail kit from a builder in Illinois. The quality looks good and we got it back home with no damage.
Of course, I hadn’t been planning on starting this project for a few months, but this turned out to be quite a deal. Next moves: get some tools, build up the workshop, and have an experienced advisor look it over.