The "engineering mock up fuselage" has been disassembled to some degree. The
damage shown was done during a very successful drop test. |
Finding a level point for the roll axis was the hardest thing to do in this
process. |
I also need to set a datum point. I will use the bulkhead just behind the pilot
seat for now. |
The laser is giving me a plumb line as I mark the fuselage with a vertical line
at my datum point. |
Each point must be drilled to facilitate marking through the fuselage when it is
placed back in the mold. |
The wing center section will now be mounted. |
The skins needed trimming first. |
The left wing center section is hoisted in place and supported from below. |
Same for the right side. |
Attaching the "spar" on the inside of the fuselage. |
A view from the tail area. |
The fit is good. I want to fill the open space between the fuselage and the wing
skin. Then I can put the wing back in its mold and mark the mold so I will have
a trim point already made into each wing part. |
I want to set the angle of incidence and scribe the wing outline into the
fuselage. Again, this mark will be transferred into the mold. |
Perfect. |
Now the left side gets the same. |
The next few pictures show the process of making a mold for the fairing under
the rudder. |
Gel coat is applied. |
The vertical stab has been cut off so its location can be scribed into the mold. |
The new mold. |
The mold is removed from the fuselage. |
A view of the inside of the mold. |
The vertical stabilizer is replaced. An outline is added for its fairing. |
I will now make a mold for the vertical stab. I bent this plastic sheet over the
stab and glued it in place with 3M super 77 spray adhesive. |
A pole goes through the plug to assist the mold making process. |
Here is the vertical stab mold. |
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