Brief Description: Repoured lead counterweights (twice)
This morning I helped Gerry install the wings on his Taylorcraft D model that he is restoring. The wings are not covered with fabric yet and were pretty light, but awkward so it took four of us to handle them and get the bolts (1/4 -20 ?)in place to secure them. He is planning to have this little tail dragger flying by summer. The Taylorcraft is a very nice airplane although not as well recognized to the general public as its competition in the day, the Piper Cub. The two classics from the 30's and 40's fly and look very similar.
I worked on the right elevator skeleton today and had to redo the lead counterweight twice. I thought the holes I drilled in it yesterday were backwards, so I melted some lead fishing weights and poured it in the holes and redrilled them the proper way or so I thought. I actually had the weight in the proper way the first time and had to repour the lead to fill the holes again. This was frustrating and a waste of time, but didn't damage any parts, just a waste of time. I finally had it right and clecoed and match drilled the holes.
Next I clecoed on the skin and match drilled all of those holes including the elevator horn which will move the elevators in flight. Overall I did make some progress today, but not as much as I could have. It was fun helping Gerry with his wings.
