Brief Description: Began right elevator construction - all matched dr
2/16 Continued: I began the right elevator construction which begins with drilling to size the 610/611 reinforcing plates to the elevator spar, along with the plate nuts for the hinge bearings. Then it was time to flute the two ribs that go at the outboard end of the elevator. Did I say how much I hate fluting? Well in this case you have to get it done well because the rib webs lay against each other, and then the 713 counter weight skin gets attached to the ribs. If the ribs do not lay flat against each other then you will have trouble getting the holes to line up. It took a little coaxing but it turned out well.
Then you drill the lead counter weight attach holes to #12. This was a pain, I was using copious amount of drilling lube but the bit would bind up and then I would have to back out and start again. Even with the trouble the holes turned out great, thanks to a drill with a level bubble. The next big thing is to match drill the control horn to the structure. I have read where some have had issues with the parts matching up properly. I must be lucky because mine were dead on.
Finally I got to attach the skin and match drill all of the holes. That is where I left off today; the next thing will be to deburr, dimple and prime. I figure I will get the elevators done up to bending the leading edge and then I will just have to wait until March when I have two working arms. I will have to bend the leading edge on the rudder and both elevators. Not sure what I will work on while waiting for the arm. I will be basically done with the tail feathers, so the wing is the next step. Since I can’t move them around very well I may just to something on the fuselage. I am happy to say that today went very smoothly I was really on my game I guess, it is about time!
Counter weight just before I drilled out two holes in the end.
