The Fuselage kit has arrived!

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:51 pm

This box is HUGE and heavy!. Totally covered in thick plywood all the way around and no apparent sign of damage. The ABF truck driver was a great help. He wheeled it right up to the garage door and even helped me shove it inside. That's service! Oregon to Texas for $360 bucks, not too bad.

While I was waiting, I started fiberglassing my elevator tips. These dudes will go back into storage and I will finish them later.

Have a goodun!

Brantel · Post by **Brantel** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:54 pm

It is amazing that there is an airplane fuse in that box isn't it?

Sounds like you are one of the few lucky ones in regard to ABF and no damage.

Now put those elevators away and start building bulkheads!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:54 pm

Smitty, that box looks MINT!

...and so does the elevator tip!

ABF treated me well too. I know some others who had some trouble, but that is usually the case.

Have fun building the best part of the project!

CJ

RV9inIowa · Post by **RV9inIowa** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:26 pm

Hi Smitty- that looks awesome! ABF has done great for me too, but I pick them up at the terminal to save $$$$.

In "just a few" hours

you'll turn that box into this:

Also, I'm way scared of fiberglass... make sure you do a great job, and post detailed pics and instructions so I can copy you!

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:04 am

I'm experimenting on this elevator. After I get a feel for the fiberglassing and filling, I'm going to post some stuff on another part to show my adventures.

dons · Post by **dons** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 1:04 pm

Nice new box, and it sure does look in good condition. My wings came ABF and arrived with only minor damage to to boxes, the internals were fine. A new adventure starts.

Lorin Dueck · Post by **Lorin Dueck** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 1:09 pm

Excellent Smitty -
You're coming along great!!

Lorin D

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 1:11 pm

where are the vent holes err uh fork lift holes?....

did you pick it up at vans even before they moved it....

looking good man

chappyd · Post by **chappyd** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:16 pm

Just an FYI. I got my finish kit this week. When I spoke with Van's about a week before it shipped, I asked how much shipping would be. She ( I forget her name) quoted me about $750 with ABF from Oregon to Connecticut. I asked if there was any other way to ship, and she said she'd shop some quotes and get back to me. She called me about 10 minutes later with a quote from Bax Global for $353 Bucks! My kit arrived in about about a week without a scratch. For less than 1/2 what ABF would have charged me!

It also happened to be snowing that day, so I checked the tracking # and it said an "exception" had occured. So I called them and they said that due to weather the delivery would be delayed from Friday till the following Monday. So I ended up leaving work a little early, leaving the COD check in my desk, not bothering to tell anyone it was there. Right after I left the kit was delivered, and they left even though they didn't get paid. Very satisfied customer.

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:53 pm

Nice Smitty! Glad it got there in good condition. Now to rip it open and start the inventory.

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:31 am

When the lady at our local ABF called me about the delivery. I asked her if the truck had a lift on the back end and could the driver help me with unloading the crate. She said the her copy of the shipping order stated that I didn't need any help and instructed the driver to just shove the craft to the end of the truck. Then "I" was supposed to get it off the truck. Then she said if I wanted a truck with a lift, it would $115 bucks more. After a long pause... I said "Well, OK. I guess you've got me. I need a truck with a lift on it". I guess she started feeling guilty and said "hmm, let me see what I can do.". The next day, this really nice driver showed with the truck with the lift and unloaded the crate for me. When I looked at the invoice, it didn't have the extra $115 on it. Phew!! Then the driver saw what I was building, hung around and started asking questions. Another builder is born!

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:58 am

Oh yeah, one other thing. The guys at Van's must be into health food. I found a large dark brown, dried up banana peal in the box. That's OK, I had a good laugh.