Plans: 1. Install the bungee cables. Status: Complete. I finally have the aircraft on its legs--including the suspension. I would have added the wheel covers etc. but for running out of paint. That will have to wait another week. So I continued working on the bungees today. I needed to modify the process somewhat to simplify the task. To gain some additional length I eliminated the Clove Hitch. I simply used a cable tie to temporarily secure an end to the axel at the start. I also shortened each axle bushing by an inch. This had the effect of adding a few inches overall when stretched. I also didn't bother with the square knot at the end. I simply tied the loose ends together using safety wire. I appears there really is not that much tendency to slip loose. The wire alone seems to hold easily. I will check it over time a see if it ever loosens. I think I will double tie it for some additional insurance.
Regarding the technique: I was wrapping one leg at a time with the axle temporarily held in place. In doing so the axle wants to self-locate longitudinally. It moved off center. That left little space to wrap the opposite end. I corrected for this by adding a temporary spacing block to prevent the axle from sliding. Of course when I removed the block, sure enough, the axle moved right over. To correct for that I also used a ratchet clamp to hold the axle in position while tying the other leg. That worked. Both legs are wrapped and under tension. So I will say one thing about the tension. It is very stiff. I don’t expect it to droop much once fully loaded. Sam Buchanan said that I would need to wait for some ground testing to determine the best tension. But for now I will go with this.
