Brief Description: Aft Deck, Side Rails, Gussets....
Today I finished cleaning up the shop and began to work on some final assembly. I began with the aft deck. I noticed I needed to set a couple of rivets on the bottom skin that I didn't do before. I next used my electronic level to make sure the fuselage was level on both axis. I've already done this and drilled the holes in the deck, but I wanted to make sure everything was level. After I clecoed the deck on, I checked the levels one more time and began to rivet. Next I clecoed on the side rails and F-757 gussets. I needed to countersink the longerons under the front deck and enlarged a couple of hole for the gussets. I will finish riveting the side rails tomorrow. I next riveted on the F-695 forward fuselage gussets. These look great and the rivets are perfect.
I studied the plans and re-read the manual several times on each of these tasks, because this is Final assembly on these parts. I need to make sure I am using the correct size and types of rivets, making sure not to rivet the wrong holes and trying not to ding up the skins while I work.......
I LOVE IT!! There is a deep sense of satifaction and accomplishment when things are assembled for the final time. I think everyone should build a plane.......
