Not a lot going on. It is too cold to heat the garage enough to weld so we have been trying to keep busy with other things.

Untitled by Jon Whee, on Flickr
Started laying out the floorboards.

Untitled by Jon Whee, on Flickr
We ordered a few things from Bearhawk Aircraft. These fuel caps are nice looking. Also got tie down rings and brake master cylinders.

ACS order arrived which included the material to make the floorboards, boot cowl, engine cowl and the flap pulleys. Once we get the firewall built we can start on the cowling and once those are done it should be warmer so I can finish up all the airframe welding.

That's crossed my mind GBFlyer! ha

Umm, Its been a few years since we welded that gusset into the fuselage, I don't remember the thickness off hand. I agree, it was a point of debate for a while if it was a necessity, but we finally took the plunge for peace of mind.

That's great you guys work together well, as do I and my father - I hear you about "keeping yourself in check". ha

Firewall trace coming your way... Looking for a tube/box to ship it in.

I'm scratching my head on the floorboard around the control assembly. I don't want to have to remove the assembly to remove the floorboards there. Prob have to add a flange or use some nut plates or something to get a floorboard with an oversized cutout to mate.

Zzz wrote:Firewall trace coming your way... Looking for a tube/box to ship it in.

I'm scratching my head on the floorboard around the control assembly. I don't want to have to remove the assembly to remove the floorboards there. Prob have to add a flange or use some nut plates or something to get a floorboard with an oversized cutout to mate.

Thanks Z!

I don't want to have to remove the control assembly to get the floorboard out either. The sheet that is under the seat sticks forward of the tube 1" and the sheet that goes under the control assembly will rest on top of it. It will also attach to a couple tabs tabs welded to the tube. The cutout around the control assembly mount is a tight fit so stuff won't fall through a crack. Should be plenty strong.

I'm envious of you guys that work with your Dad's like that.
Looking good Whee!
JH

Not a lot done but it has warmed up some so I can crank up the heat in the garage and get back to welding.


L-track trimmed and temporarily bolted in place. They added a fair amount of weight but I really think they will be worth it.


Covered the pilots seat in heavy Ceconite. I was planning on using a aluminum seat pan and a Ceconite back but I really wanted to try all Ceconite. Now we can sit in the plane and make flying noises easier.

IMHO ceconite bottom and back is a good idea. Plenty syrong enough, and has a little give so should be more comfortable. I have the BAS jumpseats in mine, they are un-upholstered and I have no plans to change that. Plenty comfy for short trips or kids.

Haven't had time to post a proper update so this one will have to be done using my phone so please excuse the errors and such.


Making patterns for the boot cowl. The areas around the door post and the forward gear leg attachment are a little tricky.


Positioning the nose bowl to check the firewall position and to make engine cowl.


I knew it was going to be a tight fit but I had hoped I wouldn't have to modify the boot cowl. I put the throttle body in place and it sits 1/2" too tall. I'll have to figure out something.


Mockup of the rear seat. Still have to adjust the leg height and a few other things but it shows the general forum.

Looking great whee!

Whee,
I tried to post this up on the Bearhawk site....couldn't for some reason? Thought you might be interested? Matthew Schumacher and I are working on a elevator mounted trim servo for our Bearhawks. Comprised of a step servo motor and planetary gear motor. Schu is doing the electronic controls, I'm doing the machine work. Infinitely controllable. Take off trim preset...just push a button. Able to use Ray Allen's control stick grip. Schu will rig a test stand to cycle the trim servo under a load for a week or more. Today's start is the gear motor flange and acme thread shaft thrust mount using PTEF bushing and thrust washers.

Great going Whee, I call MVP on the nose bowl and seat! (Major Visual Progress)

Looks sweet Whee! I like the rear seat adjustability with those rails, good job on your boot cowling patterns!

Thanks HawkRT!

Rolled the plane out of the garage and couldn't resist sitting in it.

Nice!

Did your neighbors look at you funny when you were making airplane noises? Haha! Glad to see you are moving along

Looking good Whee .... you're making great head way

Wow coming along really nice jon...u guys are quite talented.....super!

Don't forget your strap on kneeboard, pencil and Sectional Chart, before you "make" the engine noise. Hell, I would also wear my surpplus Nomex flight suit (discarded from Wheeler Army Airfield) when I first got my 172. Best days of my life. Finally found some flight time with the USCG Aux dudes ($gas).

Carry on man!

Thanks guys! My neighbors are pretty cool and like to see what I have going on. The guy next door built a Kitfox and flew it till he wrecked it. Now he has a 180hp straight tail 172. I keep telling him it would be perfect for a TW conversion.

Making a little progress. Because I'm too busy, maybe lazy, here is a lame video of the current progress. Door formers, control assemblies, brake lines, fuels lines all going on for the last time...maybe.



Also, as a token of my affection for Luscombes I decided to install a Luscombe trim handle on our trim system.