Monday, July 7, 2014

Section 17 Complete Build Time: 554 hrs

Finally - the wings are done. I took the spars out of the box about a year ago. I've been staring at this section for way too long. Spent 38 hours in four days for the final push to finish the right wing. This included the lights. By weight the rivet count for this push was 1225. It wasn't difficult since I've been in this section for a long time and thought through much of it while assembling the left wing. I'm so glad to have wings. Once the flaperons are done I can pull down the fuselage and start the last big piece. Flying the -12 at Sun River was the inspiration needed to make the push.
The landing light seemed like a challenge until I dug in. It worked out well though.  I kept thinking how would anyone do this post assemble but I'm sure it's been done.

Was hoping for a better fit at the leading edge. If I push it up tight it fits perfect but once screwed it there's a small gap.

Found myself using LP4-4 in places where four or five skins came together. The rivet on the spar is a 4-4 and the shop head is smaller than the 4-3 in the next hole. I started paying attention to this while assembling the rear sub spar.
The 4-3's that go through the doubler were just too short so I drilled them out and dug up some 4-4's from the kit. I've since ordered a hundred or so from Vans just to use them where it seems to work better.

Down to the close out.

Finished at last. Keeping the plastic on until complete really helps to keep everything shiny.

Finish up the nav light and put it away.

This is the new home for the wings. I'm sure they'll be here for at least a year.

Section 17 complete!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Page 17-05 Build Time: 516 hrs

Big push to finish the right wing this weekend. A little over 40 hours since the last post spent debuting, finishing and priming all the parts needed for assembly. At this point I have the bottom skins on but I'm actually past the landing light install. Today I'll trim the plexiglass and begin on the top skins. I'd like to finish that today. The Cessna needs a day of attention so if I can make good progress perhaps I'll have time this weekend to work on it.
The beginning of a long day of riveting.

About 550 rivet day count by weight.

Done with the bottom. It was still daylight but I was too tired to continue.