@@AustinManke Funny you should ask...I was just working on that section when the TH-cam email came in. I was going to and back rivet that whole bottom skin including that section. However, I can't reliably get the fuselage to sit safely on the back rivet plate (I made my own and it's big). Overall, it's a two-person job. I also have a couple of bulkhead flanges that are no longer flush with the bottom skin. I need some help to hold them down while it's riveted.
Kinda surprised that the factory tooling isn't set up to make that tailcone bulkhead more rounded to match the radius needed for the outer skin. I say that because it's not hard to get that kind of match with modern CAD tools and CNC machining.
I sanded down the corners of each of those pieces that were supposed to be curved (right at each of the relief cuts). Basically just rounded down the points that contacted the skin before the rest. Hard to explain over text, but it appears the part is supposed to be round to match the profile of the skin, but instead the curve is made up of several flat sections with abrupt angles. The sanding/light bending made those abrupt angles more round to let the bulkhead sit flush against the curved skin.
Not sure if that response answered your question, but yes it in turn makes those sections slightly smaller (without going too far and making a harsh knife edge)
Austin, I an curious how you are scheduling your build in lieu of the production and shipping delays for kits. Have you created a time line? Are you ordering all kits/engine in advance or have you predicted completion times and are staggering the orders. Also, what sequence have you decided upon? Fuselage then Wings or Vice versa? Great videos!
Thank you so much Alan! Great questions! The delays have definitely changed any of my early attempts to come up with a timeline plan. I am really just hoping to complete a kit a year at this point, knowing that each kit will take a year to get in. I’m planning on ordering the fuselage kit soon, since I should be receiving my wing kit in the next couple of months. I’m doing wings, then fuselage. I think you can’t go wrong either way though!
@@AustinManke I am much older than you and just getting back into GA after 23 years out. I hate to admit it, but given all the logistical issues and given the time to build, I am now considering a certified aircraft. I am retired so a 75 knot reduction in travel speed doesn’t impact us that much. The only thing I cringe over is the cost of everything being 3 times what is was in 1999! I will follow your build and would love to see the finished product one day in person!
@@alangarrett1181 that’s exciting! Glad to hear you’re getting back into it. Whatever you choose, it’ll be a great decision. I have been very tempted to go certified as well. Do whatever will bring you the most joy. Thanks for following along, and I hope to meet you and show you the finished product someday!
I had a helluva time with the aft 2 bulkheads and lower tail one piece. You’re not alone
Those were quite the challenge!
@@AustinManke Riveting that section was NOT fun
@@JimDorn good to know! I guess my figure self will thank me for making the parts line up a bit better. Is that a two-person bucking job?
@@AustinManke Funny you should ask...I was just working on that section when the TH-cam email came in. I was going to and back rivet that whole bottom skin including that section. However, I can't reliably get the fuselage to sit safely on the back rivet plate (I made my own and it's big). Overall, it's a two-person job. I also have a couple of bulkhead flanges that are no longer flush with the bottom skin. I need some help to hold them down while it's riveted.
Kinda surprised that the factory tooling isn't set up to make that tailcone bulkhead more rounded to match the radius needed for the outer skin. I say that because it's not hard to get that kind of match with modern CAD tools and CNC machining.
Yeah there are a few parts I’ve come across that could be formed better. It was definitely quite the fight to get that bulkhead to match up
What do mean hit it with the scotch bright wheel? are u sanding the flat sections making them smaller so the sit closer to the outer skin?
I sanded down the corners of each of those pieces that were supposed to be curved (right at each of the relief cuts). Basically just rounded down the points that contacted the skin before the rest. Hard to explain over text, but it appears the part is supposed to be round to match the profile of the skin, but instead the curve is made up of several flat sections with abrupt angles. The sanding/light bending made those abrupt angles more round to let the bulkhead sit flush against the curved skin.
Not sure if that response answered your question, but yes it in turn makes those sections slightly smaller (without going too far and making a harsh knife edge)
Yelp it did, I would imagine once rivets are added everything will pull together
Austin, I an curious how you are scheduling your build in lieu of the production and shipping delays for kits. Have you created a time line? Are you ordering all kits/engine in advance or have you predicted completion times and are staggering the orders. Also, what sequence have you decided upon? Fuselage then Wings or Vice versa? Great videos!
Thank you so much Alan! Great questions! The delays have definitely changed any of my early attempts to come up with a timeline plan. I am really just hoping to complete a kit a year at this point, knowing that each kit will take a year to get in. I’m planning on ordering the fuselage kit soon, since I should be receiving my wing kit in the next couple of months. I’m doing wings, then fuselage. I think you can’t go wrong either way though!
@@AustinManke I am much older than you and just getting back into GA after 23 years out. I hate to admit it, but given all the logistical issues and given the time to build, I am now considering a certified aircraft. I am retired so a 75 knot reduction in travel speed doesn’t impact us that much. The only thing I cringe over is the cost of everything being 3 times what is was in 1999! I will follow your build and would love to see the finished product one day in person!
@@alangarrett1181 that’s exciting! Glad to hear you’re getting back into it. Whatever you choose, it’ll be a great decision. I have been very tempted to go certified as well. Do whatever will bring you the most joy. Thanks for following along, and I hope to meet you and show you the finished product someday!
@@AustinManke same here. Maybe Oshkosh or Sun-n-fun….