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Monday 26 December 2016

It all begins with the Rudder...

This blog will serve as both my builders log, and way to show everyone what is going on with the project.

Started the build just before Christmas 2016 (around Dec 20) by repurposing an existing bench to be used as the rudder jig.  The table was levelled, and the back board put in place and levelled for attaching the yoke and forward spar.




The forward and aft spars are placed, along with the root rib and counterweight rib.  Had a bit of an issue getting the counterweight rib and aft spar to line up.  The manual calls to measure from the root rib to counterweight rib along the aft spar, but that only aligns it in that axis.  The problem I had was getting the skin to line up where the counterweight rib meets the forward spar.  Finally just measured the skin, and overlaid that onto the structure.




Skins are hung and clamped into place.  Holes drilled in the skins where the counterweight rib meets the aft spar... now its time for lots and lots of drilling...



Skins are drilled, and forward skin over top of the counterweight rib is marked, fitted, drilled and cleecoed.



Next is fitting the tip rib at the top of the rudder.  There are no alignment holes on this rib or the skin.  I trimmed the top of the forward skin so it is even with the main skins.