Brake lines finished, fuel lines started.

Finished up the brake lines and vacuum tested them. They passed.

I started on the fuel system.  The fuel pump was installed along with the shutoff valve.  Then began the work on preparing the fuel lines. The first one was a little challenge as the first bend is close to the end of the tube and it was difficult with the nut at the end, but we managed to get it.  I trial fit it in place and it seemed to work.  We will proceed with the other fuel lines next time.

Time: 3.25 hrs

Brake lines isntalled

Brake line vacuum test = PASSED

Fuel Pump Installed

Shutoff valve

Fuel Tube

Brake lines

Finish kit ordered today.  After debating on how much time it would take to finish the fuselage kit, I decided it is about time to get the finish kit ordered.  I had planned to have the fuselage kit done by the end of the year and ordering the finish kit now would allow it to be here by the end of the year so that the project can move forward without having to wait on a kit.  I ordered the interior package and again changed my mind on the interior paint.  Instead of painting the whole interior like I had previously thought, I think at this point I will just paint what is noticeable after the interior kit is in.  Once I get the interior kit I will be able to determine better the areas.  Most of them I know just by looking at other builders photos.

Work continued today on the rudder pedals and brakes.  I first placed the rudder pedals in place and installed the brass elbows to the brake cylinders.  Care must be taken in making sure the right elbow goes in the right location as per plans.  Cross over brake lines were fabricated.  This required warming the ends in boiling water to allow for placement of the connections on the end of the line. The cross over lines were installed.  I have been using Loctite 567 for the pipe thread sealant.  The system blocks were then placed in their location.

Time: 2.5 hrs.

Pedals intalled

Brass elbows installed, left side

Brass elbows installed right side

Cross over brake lines

System blocks in place

River gun repair / rudder pedals

So the parts for the rivet gun arrived today.  I spent 45 minutes replacing that parts, gun didn't work.  I then thought that I needed to recharge the hydraulics, so I went through the steps and it still didn't work.  I have come to the conclusion that I don't know how to repair a rivet gun.  I am sure there is something simple I have to do, but rather then spend more time repairing a gun when I could be building I decided I would send it in for repairs.  It will take 3-4 weeks to get it back, but in the meantime there are other sections I can be working on.  I would rather hold off riveting the sides until I have the gun as it would be a lot faster then by hand.

I worked on the rudder pedals and brakes some more. The other pedals were drilled and the pedal blocks and brake cylinders installed.

I clecoed the rollbar and braces to the fuselage. I then enlarged the hole in the roll bar attach plates for the canopy light wiring.


Time:  3 hrs

Match drilling pedals

Grease used on brake pedals

Pedal blocks

Roll bar and brace riveted

Hole enlarged for Cockpit light wiring

Roll bar paint / start brakes

I painted the second side of the roll bar and braces.  While I am waiting on them to dry real well I started on section 27.  Started off by cutting the rudder pedal blocks.  The then clamped the rudder pedals to the table and placed the brake torque tubes as per plans.  The brake cylinders were installed and the pedals were drilled.  I was able complete on side today.

Time:  1 hr.

Rudder pedal blocks

Rudder pedals clamped

Brake torque tube placed

Brake cylinders temporarily installed

Brake pedals aligned vertically

Brake pedals drilled.