April 29 Update - odds and ends including flap position sensor.

I installed the flap position sensor today.  I replaced the micro-molex connectors with Deutsch DTM connectors.   Also used DTM connectors for the power wires.  Nice

I ordered a bunch of these and will be using them where it makes sense. 

I've started deburring parts for the rollover structure and painting parts that will be part of that section.

Also fitting control sticks (I ordered Tosten sticks from Vans) to the bases, preparing to install sticks and stick connecting rod.

April 23 Update - close to wrapping up fuselage

Since last post I've completed several tasks including:

• Installed baggage side covers
• Touched up paint in baggage area
• Installed flap actuation system
• Installed fuselage wiring harnesses
• Installed elevator pushrods
• Installed pitch and yaw servos in tailcone (still need to attach to the rudder cables - will wait until I have empennage mounted 

I still need to install control stick bases, stick link pushrod, aft-most elevator pushrod and then test range of elevator movement.

The only incomplete section on the fuselage is now the rollover structure - hopefully the completion of this will coincide with arrival of finishing kit.

April 16 Update - Baggage area

Before installing the baggage area floors, I decided to install conduits between fuselage sides and the tunnel: there is provision for snap bushings in this space for the fuse harness, but I'll be running extra wires plus the 1/4 tubing for pitot/AOA.  The conduit (made of 3/4" PEX as in the wings) will make it easier to route these into the tunnel, with less risk of chafing.  I mounted low to avoid any interference with rudder cables.

Installed both baggage floors - only step left is to rivet the floors to aft bulkheads.   Floors are strong as rock - nice to be able to sit back there on a stable surface for working inside fuselage.

April 12 Update - completed aft fuselage attachment

With help from VAF member Doug Geib, completed aft fuselage attachment.  The only clecos left are for future work.

April 10 Update - moving forward on fuselage, mounting location for oxygen cylinder

Since the last post, I've done as many rivets as possible without a partner: mostly the upper parts of the baggage bulkheads and lower baggage ribs to bulkheads.  Also riveted in the seat belt harness lugs.

While waiting for a time I can get a partner to finish riveting the join-up areas, I worked on the place I'll be mounting my oxygen cylinder.  Since this will have some weight I wanted a strong mounting point: the weight will rest on the baggage foor, but could put a lot of stress on mounting points during maneuvers/turbulence.

So I determined the mounting location (right side of baggage area, just behind copilot seat) and made a couple of doublers to back up the skin in this area, as well as installing nutplates (1/4") to secure the mounting hardware for the oxygen cylinder.  One big advantage of this location is that I can reach the regulator from the pilot's seat (I checked this in Van's RV-14A demonstrator).

This was fun - measuring, using rivet fan to locate rivets, drilling/match-drilling, and dimpling.  And of course riveting.  Now ready for paint.

April 7, 2018 Update: THE BiG JOIN....

Today was the day:  joined up fuselage and tailcone.  I could not have done this without help.  My new friend Galin Hernandez (fellow pilot and Vans Air Force member) came over and helped me maneuver these two large pieces together, and then we "clecoed it up" after installing the bulkheads - getting those holes to align was a bit tricky but we got it done.

I also have been working on various parts including baggage floor skins which I got primed/painted today.

Looking at photos below, noticed a missed dimple.  Easy to fix with my main squeeze.

This sucker has gotten very big all of a sudden.  It will be challenging from now on to move it around.   Things will get better when it's up on wheels.

All in all a great day - thanks Galin!

April 6 2018 Update - getting ready to join fuselage and tailcone

I've been prepping a bunch of parts to prepare for joining up the tailcone and fuselage.  Also doing some initial fitting of the yaw servo bracket - it's easier to drill the holes for this before joining up the tail and fuse. 

Make up the three pushrods that will actuate the elevator.  All ready to go.  Also trial fitted the baggage bulkheads.  A little bit of fluting needed to make everything fit OK.

April 1st Update: QB wings in storage, back to fuselage/empennage

Since last post, I've moved wings into storage and moved tailcone and empennage back to main shop.  Getting ready for the "big join up" - looking for a rivet partner to help with this task.  In the meantime I've been prepping a bunch of parts and painting some of them like the baggage compartment bulkheads.  Today I made up the hinges that will attach seatbacks.

I've also ordered and received a bunch of parts that will be going in soon like yaw and pitch servos (and associated parts/kits).  I found I was missing one flange bearing that will go into the elevator bellcrank assembly, so I ordered this part from Vans.