Stubborn meets Patience

Sometimes the project slows to a crawl, often because of a single task that is just plain stubborn. Case in point, the front of the glider needs a metal cross brace removed so the instructor can sit where the engine used to reside. 

Diagonal cross brace in the very front of the fuselage.

So, this should not be a very difficult job . . . just take a hack saw and cut it out, right? Okay, but first let's remind ourselves that we need to remove the cross brace, and not anything else. There lies the problem. look carefully at the picture below.

Cross brace, upper left end. 

Both ends of the cross brace have been welded in place with a large washer on top.

Vertical cut.

Horizontal cut.

Now cut the other end.

Horizontal and vertical cuts on the other end.

A little more needs to be cut, and then it will be free. Then the hard part starts. Stay tuned.

Please, don't use a hammer to make this fit.

Dick is filing the hole for the main spar.

Dick is filing the gusset just a bit so that the "extra" is removed, and it blends into the rest of the rib structure, but how much is enough?

Leo made this tool. What does it do?

Leo's tool simulates the spar that must fit through the hole in the rib that Dick is filing. when the tool fits, Dick stops filing. Simple.

Here is how the tool is used.

When the tool is laid upon the hole, it should drop in without assistance.  In other words, DON'T USE A HAMMER! In all fairness, I watched Dick patiently use an assortment of files to trim the opening. If you zoom in your browser, you should be able to see that the tool almost fits, one end is starting to just drop in, the other end doesn't.

Tool for the rear spar.

This hole, for the rear spar, hasn't been filed yet, and as you can see if you zoom in, it has a lot of filing that needs to be done. Dick has not started on the rear spar holes yet.

Maybe next week Dick will have the holes opened up so the tools drop in without the assistance of a hammer :-)

Big Picture Update

I was talking to John Kraft (President of EAA chapter 143) Saturday, and he brought me up to speed on the big picture, so I thought I would pass these items on to you.

First, really big news.  The Martin Museum has signed a 5 year contract with Middle River Aviation to extend their use of the facilities for another 5 years.  This is important because there are a mechanical and electrical upgrades that are needed, and they require a financial investment that would not happen without the 5 year agreement.  Likewise, we (EAA 143) can plan on having a nice home for the next 5 years, and thus plan long term projects.  Thank you MRA!

Second, we only have two more ribs to fabricate.  Then we will be ready to start the final assembly of the main wing.  We will need to order spars, fabric, etc., but nonetheless we are closing the gap on a major milestone.  A special thanks goes out to Leo for the many hours he has put in on the wing.

Fuselage, the tail needs mods to make it larger.  This requires cutting and welding tubing, then covering with fabric, and painting.

The Black Duck is a flying seaplane that is going to be moved into the Learning Center.  Currently the Grey Duck, a concept prototype, is in the learning center.  Below are photos:

Wheels, but it floats too.

Notice the small water rudder on the bottom rear.

Yes, it is a canard, which is what Canadians call a Duck

Finally, John had a great idea.  If you want, I can add your name to our EAA 143 mailing list.  That way you will have monthly update on all the events happening at the local EAA group, and if you live in the area you will be notified when and where we are having a meeting.  All you have to do is email me at agilmore@mail.com

More Inspiration

Hi.  Since the crew is on Christmas holiday, I thought I would show you another inspiring display at the Martin Museum Learning Center.  I don't know what the make or model number of this jet is, so if you do, please leave a comment.  It is for a single person (no, I am not referring to marital status) and has twins (jet engines).  It probably has gobs of power.  Reminds me of the aircraft saying that goes, "Enough power is not nearly enough, lots of power is getting close, and way too much power is just about right."

Hopefully, next week the work will resume on the glider and these updates will be back on topic.  

The view as you approach the entrance to the Martin Museum Learning Center.

I wish my name was Maj. Phelps Digger

Jet intake.

Wing with leading edge flaps.

I couldn't resist.  I pushed one of the release buttons, and it popped out.  After I took the picture, I pushed it again, and it stayed in.  Wonder how it works?

Nice view of the jet exhaust.  Engines were removed (no, I didn't steal them).

This is where the engines reside.  I wanted to crawl inside and look at the cool workmanship, but my claustophobia said NO! 

Close up of the hinge point for the all-flying stabilizer.