T-Bolt progress (PHOTO'S)

LAST EDITED ON Dec-06-04 AT 01:01 AM (CST)
 
The wing is almost complete. In the bottom shot you see the leading edge molded and ready to install. Wing tip detail and general shot. I am going to try to complete the wing tonight so the test fits of the wing to fuselage can be done tomorrow.

Stabilizer and elevators are complete and rudder is finished. So molded parts are all that remain. So guys get to work and catch up! Just kidding...

I will be continuing to post building shots. I didn't think it was doing any good till last night I went over to a friends house to fix his computer. While working on it I glanced over and saw a complete book of my building photo's I was amazed to say the least. So I figured that if one of my friends is doing it there must be someone else doing it too. I wouldn't want to let them down you know.

EDIT: Time is 1:00 on the 6th and the wing frame work is done. Tomorrow I will install BC and horns. Wingtips done and leadout slider in place,weight box. I weighed all the parts to wing. It is an unbelievable 7.5 oz. I'M A HAPPY CAMPER! In the morning I will set up for test fits.

First pic below is starting photo Check the dates
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What I'm getting at in 10 days I will have a complete airframe. If anyone has been watching I said I was going to give it to myself for X-Mas and it looks like I'll make it. KOOL HUH?

I am already setting up for the next plane. I have a PA40 lite thats dying to have a full size plane built for it. So I have done some thought on the plane (and yes Bill) It will be a Junar with the other wing. (you know)

Looks like the LE Buck could also do the Razorback shell? This is really nice, and quick, but you ARE single, living alone, huh? Us still (barely/semi) married guys could never get away with this! Steve

LAST EDITED ON Dec-06-04 AT 08:07 AM (CST)
 
Hi Steve,
After 34 years of marraige, my wife actually LIKES for me to build. Keeps me home, but "out of her hair"! hahahaha
She knows EXACTLY where I am........... in the basement, which is otherwise reffered to as the "Fortress of Solitude" or dungeon depending on who is talking.
Bill <><

Bill,

>>which is otherwise reffered to as the "Fortress of Solitude" or dungeon depending on who is talking<<

I know what you mean. My wife actually likes it when I'm out in my shop. And for the same reasons. But I call my shop "Mocker's Rest"

Long story, that.

Robert, I'm not much of a builder OR a flyer just yet, but I have dreams. Being able to reference progress photos from someone like you is both an inspiration and an education. I'm coming to this hobby comparitively late... I did a little bit of modeling in Jr. High, but nothing at all between then and a few years ago, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Each year, I learn a lot, and I make a lot of mistakes. Lots of folks here have watched me "grow up" online... I posted quite a bit on the old FlightLines forum when I was just starting out, and I've posted quite a few building photos myself, even though my projects and my methods are still quite primitive.

But I'm learning, and growing. And while I do, it is invaluable to me to be able to "look over your shoulder". Please do keep posting. You'll never hear of me at all as a competitor, and I'm certain there's no hall of fame spot waiting for me, but please know you have added considerably to my enjoyment of this hobby, and never doubt whether your posts are doing any good...

Tim

LAST EDITED ON Dec-05-04 AT 05:10 PM (CST)
 
Robert

I have a couple of questions about the Lost foam method. I haven't seen it before but I have cut a lot of foam wings for RC aerobatic models and competition gliders. I wondered the following:-

It looks as though the foam used is the normal light white foam - would it be better to use blue or pink foam for the better durability of the jig or is there a reason why the white is used?

How are the ribs made? are templates made from the core -= I seem to remember some strange angled blocks on an early picture mabye not one of yours. Would you show us the templates.

The ribs look very white, are they balsa? they also look like there is quite a bit of marking out for the cutouts.

I am learning so much from your efforts to show us the work as it progresses Thanks seem inadaquate

Regards

Mike

LAST EDITED ON Dec-05-04 AT 05:23 PM (CST)
 
>How are the ribs made?

"Here are the templates each rib is pinned to it and sanded to shape."

are templates made from the core -= "YES"

>I seem to remember some strange angled blocks on an early
>picture mabye not one of yours. Would you show us the
>templates.

"Here are the templates."
>
>The ribs look very white, are they balsa? "YES " You will find the lighter the color the lighter the balsa.

It also looks like there is quite a bit of marking out for the cutouts. "Alot of work but worth it in the end."

Robert,
Do you make a template from the root rib to use to cut the ribs out?
Bob told me to make a 1/16th ply root template which really cuts down the sanding of the ribs. Just slide it around and cut dead on the line.
Bill <><

LAST EDITED ON Dec-05-04 AT 08:25 PM (CST)
 
>Robert,
>Do you make a template from the root rib to use to cut the
>ribs out?
>Bob told me to make a 1/16th ply root template which really
>cuts down the sanding of the ribs. Just slide it around and
>cut dead on the line.
>Bill <><
>
>When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his
>friends.
>Japanese Proverb

No I sand each one to the template. I think it more accurate that way.

By the way am I not fast enough? Do I need to speed things up a notch?? LOL Just kidding Bill

Hi Robert,

I sand them, too. Just don't have to do a lot, and it reduces wear on the foam parts.

Yeah, you are like me...... when we get started on a project, it goes together real fast. Mainly because we just keep working on it.

I have two buddies that build great airplanes. But they create problems out of nothing, and work slower than whale dookie.

So far, two different guys have come down for the weekend (Friday night 'til Sunday afternoon) and left with USA-1s framed up. Wing, control system, and basic fuse done with engine mounts drilled, etc..
Longest part is cutting all those ribs, and waiting on epoxy to dry!

I have had recurring bouts of pneumonia snd sinus infections over the last 6-8 weeks which has really taken the wind out of my sails. A different antibiotic is now seeming to get the job done, and our football season is over.

Will start trying to post some pics on one I am doing now, and on an I-beamer I am doing. Actually one of two for a client. If I can get a program downloaded to shrink my pics, and anyone wants to see them.

Keep on keeping on, I love it!
Bill <><

Bill

I would love to see your pics and if you are having trouble shrinking them just email them to me and I will do it for you

Regards

Mike

Robert,
Tim and I are in the same boat so to speak.
I check the boards each day looking to learn something. Your post are always worth finding.
Keep'm coming.

Merry Christmas
Paul

>Robert,
>Tim and I are in the same boat so to speak.
>I check the boards each day looking to learn something. Your
>post are always worth finding.
>Keep'm coming.
>
>
>
>Merry Christmas
>Paul
>
>I am a retread, - I did C/L in my youth and did not know
>what I was doing then other then having fun. And not much
>has changed.

Did your boy build the model I sent him for his birthday?