Brief Description: Vertical Stabilizer Final Shape
Today I got quite a bit done on the vertical stab. In order to make the top rib, I was able to use the form block I made for the elevator end rib where the counterweights go. Lucky break that I didn't have to make another form block! It does have a bit wider chord, so to form the folded over edge to the proper height I had to add some shims under the form block to get the proper height. After I bent the basic rib in the brake I finished laying over the edge using a hammer and the form block. I came out great.
I used a flat piece of 7/16ths thick oak as the spacer between the rudder and the stab so I had the proper distance. Once that was all fit, I aligned the front stab spar with the tail post. It was really hard to make out whether I was on or slightly off when sighting from the front. So I backlit the wall behind the tail post and added some green masking tape to the tail post for contrast. Looking from the front of the fuselage I could see the alignment, or lack thereof, with no problem. It worked beautifully and I tacked everything in place.
Once that was done, I welded and trimmed the rudder hinge supports to the tail post. While welding, I had the fuselage turned on its side and I got a BFO (blinding flash of the obvious). I had laid out the elevators, horizontal stabs and the rudder horizontal, so why not the tail? It makes it much easier and that is on tap for tomorrow.
