RivetBangers.com

Seems like the forums have been a bit slow this winter, which is sort of expected with all the other "fun" stuff going on around us. There have been several project updates in other threads, but I thought it'd be cool to see a pic or two of everyone's progress, or the last time you touched your project before putting it away for the winter, or whatever the reason.

Sort of a motivator for Spring!!

My panel is coming together-



I started finalizing my wiring plans-



And I started wiring last night!





So what have YOU been doing, or where did you leave off?



PS...Weez...this is a special shout out to you!! Get ready to finish and fly that thing!!!

As always, I have about 10 things I am working on concurrently.

I have spent a ton of time coming up with the design of my electrical system. I started with the AeroElectric basic Z diagrams and went from there. After all my changes I ended up with 5 (yes 5!) buses -- Main Bus, Battery Bus, E-Bus, Avionics Bus and Auxiliary Battery Bus! The design is pretty bulletproof, giving me about 45 minutes of juice to power my EFIS's and Garmin 430W in case the main battery and alternator go out.

Of course with the electrical system design complete, I spend countless hours coming up with all the orders from B&C, Mouser, Stein, Avery, Spruce, McMaster, Ebay, etc.. for everything. That's all done and ordered. Man this project is a money pit!!

I don't have any good pictures of my overall panel progress, but it pretty much just has the cutouts for the EFIS's, radio stack and map box. I have started the mounting of the Grand Rapids engine monitor. I am also looking for someone local with an instrument punch. I am not going to blow $150 for a punch I need for 4 holes. Also I am waiting to get the switches to see how my layout will be. The last thing I did to my instrument panel was install the SteinAir large vents. I am pretty happy with how they ended up.




Finally, I have been struggling with the plenum. I think last night it all clicked to what I need to do to get it right. It's very iterative, just like the cowl, but much smaller and easier to deal with. \



All in all, I have really slowed down since the cold hit. It's just not enjoyable to be in the cold garage.

I'm down to my last couple of days working on the right wing before starting on the left, I've got both flaps and ailerons built, AP servo installed and aileron hung for the right wing. I'm working on centering the aileron pushrods and running conduit/wire for the right wing now. I'll leave the bottom skins until after my second tech inspection for both wings.

I intend to order the fuse in about 2 months, it should arrive just in time for when I'm done with the left wing. I've been at it for just over a year, my log says I'm averaging 8.3 hours per week, so I guess I'm doing OK!

I've got the wings skinned, and aileron ready to rivet together. 381.1 hours total so far......

I would post a picture of me waiting for my kit to show up but it's too pathetic.

Temporary attachment of empennage. Fun time.

[img][img]http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt35 ... 040821.jpg[/img]

Over the Christmas holiday, my son Daniel was home from college and helped me rivet the aft fuse together.





So now I'm working on the center section of my fuselage.

On a side note, I taped up the cracks and gaps in my garage door to keep the snow from blowing in, and put a portable electric oil-filled radiator style heater in my shop. It brings the temp up to mid-50's or even above 60. Nice and comfy for working, even when the bitter cold wind is howling just outside the door. Not bad for a $20 heater!

Here's a shot of MY FIRST PASSENGER... my little granddaughter, Maya, age 3. She came to visit a few days ago and hung out in the shop with "Grampie" for a while. She's the first one to sit in what will be my cabin. Besides being very curious, inquisitive, talkative, and just downright cute, she's such a poser. You can tell she knows her way around a camera.



She decided she loves "Grampie's airplane" and wants to go for a ride. (Shhhhhhh! Don't tell her mom...)