Started today checking the engine offset. It is preset by the engine mount, but just to be sure, a string line was drawn from the top of the fin to the centre of the prop flange. The rear of the engine (400mm from the prop flange) is 8mm to the right - this is just under 2 degrees. The range is 2 to 3 degrees so it is OK.
Read the manual carefully but then decided to modify the main gear alignment technique. The manual calls for a centre line beneath the aircraft and a right angle line between the 2 axles - then a mark on the centre line 57 1/2" forward of the axles which is right where the nose wheel is. After thinking it through, I worked simplly from the front and rear vertical plumb lines. Using a laser level against each brake disk, I shot a reading foward and measured it back the the front plumb line, then shot a site back and measured in to the rear plumb line. After a few test runs I was able to repeat measrements within 1/8" so I knew I had the accuracy.
Both Dennis and Peter T have set their toe-in at zero degrees - the manulke says 1 degree toe-in. 1 degree is 55mm toe-in (from the axle line to the front line). I set the gear at 6mm toe-in on the lefthand side and 12mm on the right - very close to zero but erring on the slight toe-in side.
Then drilled the gear (through the spar box gear tubes) and bolted in place. With the main gear aligned and bolted, the nose gear aligned and bolted and the engine on - the plane is mobile for the first time.
