Quoted from Seaplane Pirate

Ok, I will check into the Leburg ignition.  I will be very interested to see how the alternator mounts to the back of the motor- keep me posted.  I am looking currently at a Genipod that will have about 4ah, if not I will have to end up with an accessory case etc. etc. and adds about 26lbs.

The accessory case is very heavy and I don't see how it could be added to the minimax. I have considered the Gennipod also. If I cannot make the lightweight alternator work. It will go back on the short list. Another consideration operate without a charging system at all. With new  light weight battery technology this is a viable alternative. It is a work in progress. I imagine all my ideas may not work.
Yes Monte this is a very exciting time. The piper Cub is a bit too snug right now. But I suspect another 20 should do it! I had a nasty cold this week progress on the Max slowed down a bit.
Here is control assembly mounted in the plane. Ailerons to be added soon. Also step added. I decided to make step removable for some access to rudder pedals. I also plan on adding some small panels in the fuse side for access to alternator and rudder pedals. I added a reinforcement strip to fuse side for screws to keep step in place and added plywood reinforcement to bottom of step. Increasing strength and adding about 1/4 depth  to step.
Weight starting to come off 1.2 pounds since last report!

Couple more. Here is step. Notice reinforcement strip on inside!

More interesting pix, as ever. Looking good Brian!

For access to rudder pedals, I have just been removing the floor panel they're attached to. I don't have the cables attached yet, but I'm hoping moving the floor will give me enough room to adjust the rudder (and in my case heel brake) cables later on.

I'm still progressing my pushrod controls. All seem to functioning like they did on paper so far, but I'm still fine tuning.

I'm sure your control circuit will be finished before mine!

Bruce

Accessing rudder pedals by removing floorboard is s great idea! Simple is best! I  just picked up these heel brakes. I picked them up on E-bay. They appear to be made of "drawer slides" looks like they will work very well. More updates to follow. I will be interested in seeing what you come up with Bruce. Like everything else you do, I am sure it will be outstanding!

Canopy plexiglass fitted and installed. Canopy hinge installed. Locking mechanism this week. I have everything in place to build open cockpit. Should be starting that next week

Couple of hinge side before side panels fit.

Hi -

I was wondering if you are a licensed pilot or not?  You comment regarding the Cub training threw me for a loop; are you working on your tail wheel endorsement or would that be the beginning of you flight training?

Like you, I fly R/C with my primary focus being pattern flying (others call it F3A, but I am not up to flying the FAI schedules just yet).  At any rate, I have always been interested in full scale aviation and I look at the MAX series as a way of blending the two.  I am just curious about your approach.

Your quality of you work has been evident throughout the build.  You are doing a great job!

Teo

Quoted from viva_peru

Hi -

I was wondering if you are a licensed pilot or not?  You comment regarding the Cub training threw me for a loop; are you working on your tail wheel endorsement or would that be the beginning of you flight training?

Like you, I fly R/C with my primary focus being pattern flying (others call it F3A, but I am not up to flying the FAI schedules just yet).  At any rate, I have always been interested in full scale aviation and I look at the MAX series as a way of blending the two.  I am just curious about your approach.

Your quality of you work has been evident throughout the build.  You are doing a great job!

Teo

Hi Teo
   I am NOT a licensed pilot. I have always wanted to fly. I have had 3 major obstacles to flying. (1) weight (2) see one (3) see one and two 😄 the Minimax project was started to motivate me to continue loosing weight to achieve my dream of flying! And it had been awesome!  Your modeling skills will be  very helpful when building the Max..... Think of it as a Cadet Senior on steroids! A few pounds more and I begin flight training! This is more to me than a build. It is a realization of a dream! Thanks for the compliment on my build. Hope this answers your question. My advice. Order up your max in the flavor you like best and start building😄👍 let me know if I can be of any help!

BigBrix:
I recommend you to paint the instrument panel under the Plexiglas.
On mine I had the airplane color on top of it and I had a problem because of light reflection. It will bother if you plan to film or take pictures to the outside through the front Plexiglas.  I  glued a piece of  flat black cardboard on top of it as seen in the picture, I was to lazy to remove the Plexiglas.

Great hint Ricardo. Do you think it worth putting an anti glare panel forward of the windshield

Hi -

Thank you for your response.  I already have copies of the Mini Max plans as well as those for the Bower Fly Baby (I actually bought them from Pete a couple of years before his passing).  It is always in the back of my mind.

I have taken some flight training, but with one kid in college and the other about to go, it may have to wait for a while.  One last question, once the plane is finished, is your intent to perform the first test flight or are you thinking about having some one else have the honor?

Thanks,

Teo

Quoted from bigbrixx1

Great hint Ricardo. Do you think it worth putting an anti glare panel forward of the windshield

I don't think so, being a curved surface it will not reflect too much on your eyes.
Anyways the paint on my plane doesn't shine at all so I never had any problems.

Quoted from Ricardo

I don't think so, being a curved surface it will not reflect too much on your eyes.
Anyways the paint on my plane doesn't shine at all so I never had any problems.

Thanks for the advice. I will add an anti glare shield behind windshield.
As far a first flights. Since my flight experience will be very limited at the expected time if maiden voyage. I am hoping to find a much more experienced pilot willing to take her up!

I am making the hardware for both canopies. Also started the open canopy. Also drilled and attached rear mounting point for the elevator cables. Spring is here. Got some home improvements starting. I expect progress to slow a bit! But not stop!

Great Job so far! Looking good!

Bret

Almost forgot! The grand kids came by a few weeks ago!  Finally somebody to get in and make airplane noises!

Quoted from BLTFreedom

Great Job so far! Looking good!

Bret

Thank s Bret. On another update guys. Just heard back from BRS guys. I purchased Slowmax ballistic chute. It is being re-packed, new rocket igniter. And should be shipping soon! Thanks for a smooth transaction Slowmax!  

Seems like you beat the boys at TEAM to making a 2 seat Max. Brian!

Bruce

Quoted from beragoobruce

Seems like you beat the boys at TEAM to making a 2 seat Max. Brian!

Bruce

Hahahah guess I did. It goes with my theme.... Make the pilots smaller, not the plane bigger!

Brixx  sure right.  If I was the weight I was as a young man I'd have 83 more pounds useful load, and most people wouldn't think of me as overweight.  Smaller pilots is a good way to go!

Tom

Great progress Brixx. Do you happen to remember where you picked up this drill guide? I can't find one anywhere.

Quoted from Jessie

Great progress Brixx. Do you happen to remember where you picked up this drill guide? I can't find one anywhere.

Yes it is "big gator tools" It is called the v drill guide. purchased mine from amazon!

Thanks Brixx. I just ordered one.

A little more work on open style canopy! Tomorrow I plan on fitting windshield! Weight is not coming off at this time 😞 this weekend wife and I are hiking and biking! Hope to kick  it into higher gear!

Looks like the plane is coming along finest kind. I hope your outdoor activities are productive.

Thanks for the kind support Aeronut. A little break in the weather. Went bicycling. Those bike shorts wouldn't go past my knees last year here is my very understanding wife and I. Let's kick up weight loss with exercise! Up date to follow in a few days. I only weigh in once a week. Back to the max... Open canopy anyone! A true convertible. Soon everything goes to the hanger !

Here is open and enclosed canopy! A true convertible! Question? How are you guys securing the front section of windshield? I am thinking silicone adhesive......

Brixx:
You can get some synthetic rubber channel to fit the lower edge of your windshield from Aircraft Spruce, with two or three simple angled support blocks inside to fasten to that should keep it from vibrating or letting cold air in.

Tom

Good suggestion Tom, I have that rubber channel on my windscreen and it seals the front great. It also makes for a easy replacement of the screen when it gets scratched.

Monte

I just put three homemaid aluminum "clamps" to avoid vibration. Didn't put any rubber because no wind flows under the windshield.