| CHAPTER 16 -
Controls |
| I did chapter 16 out of
sequence (at least the sequence that is in the plans). I decided
that it would be a lot easier to install controls, brake lines, electrical
channels, armrests, and the map pockets while I could roll the fuselage
onto its side. All of these things are attached to the side walls and
would be difficult to install if the fuselage was upright. If one
follows the plans build sequence these items are not installed until after
the structure - including the strakes (fuel tanks) are installed.
This makes in impossible (at least in my two car garage!) to turn the
fuselage onto its side. |
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I started of by identifying all the
tubes, sizes, and part numbers from the plans - there are lots of them.
Then I cut each one to length and labeled it with its part number. Then I
cut the 1/4" birch plywood brackets for the torque tube bearings. I
decided to go ahead an use the phenolic bearings as described in the plans
- so I cut those out and drilled the holes. If at a later time I
decide to change to a different bearing it is fairly easy to replace them
-- especially since I have removable arm rests! |
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Hear is the forward aileron bracket
being glassed into place. Note that because I'm installing removable
arm rests that I've reinforced the bracket with a triangular brace - Thanx to Wayne Hicks for that idea! |
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Aileron torque tubes are temporarily
installed. You can see on the side wall and at the floor-line
that I've built a fiberglass lip that the arm rest will attach to. |
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Another shot of the forward torque
tube assembly, map pocket, and arm rest flanges. |
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Here is where the torque tube goes
through the landing gear bulkheads and firewall. Notice that I'm putting
in the controls before I install the strakes. I did most of the work on
the controls while the fuselage was on its side and without the center
spar installed it's a lot easier to get the holes lined up where the
torque tube goes out the landing gear bulk heads and firewall. |
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This is the bronze bearing for the aileron torque tube at the firewall. |
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I put the electrical channels in while I was doing controls. I wanted to
make sure that everything fit correctly - so the best way to do that is to wait until you have all
the pieces and then place them where you need them - Electrical Channel, Brake Lines, Map Pocket,
Aileron Torque Tubes, and Rudder Cable Tube. |
| Top - Now on to Chapter 21 - Strakes (yep I'm building out of
sequence).
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