Starting firewall forward! Hope to have engine running by Halloween!

Starting firewall forward! Hoping to have her running by Halloween!

Its a four banger, right? So send us a video!

Quoted from Ricardo

Its a four banger, right? So send us a video!

It is! 60 hp Hummel version ..... And I sure will !!!!

WOW looking finistkind. Your weight and balance will be interesting.

Quoted from aeronut

WOW looking finistkind. Your weight and balance will be interesting.

Thank you! Here are a couple more pictures of enclosed canopy installed...a true convertible!

Very nice Brian...

monte

Hey, looking good Brian!

I too will be interested in your W&B results. I suspect you are likely to err on the forward cg with your engine, where mine was tail heavy.

So you have a simple fix in being able to fit a small sealed lead acid battery as far aft as it needs to go. You may have to cut a section from the underside of the fuse fabric to make up some structure to install it, but I'm sure that won't be difficult for you!

That way you have a useful electrical supply instead of a useless lump of ballast. And if you fit external terminals, you can just charge it in the hangar & not bother with all the charging stuff on the engine.

But I'm prolly stating the obvious & you've already thought of all this.

Bruce

Thanks Monte. Just saw your thread on you loss of minimax. Glad your ok! I always thought I could "break" my way out in the event of a wheels wrong side up landing. Now you have me thinking of an escape option! I am down to 258 18 pounds to minimax flying weight!!!! But far from your 140! Hate to bring it up. But if you any interest in selling the streamline strut material shoot me a PM!

Great advice Bruce. I expect her to be a bit nose heavy. The Vmax nose is much shorter than the other models, but I added a starter option up front. But ballistic chute behind me. Should be close. I did make great access on the bottom so I can move batteries back. And if really necessary I can add additional battery packs in the tail. Is she is tail heavy then adding useful nose weight will be tough! Time will tell. Getting closer! Later today I will post pics of my access hatch on the bottom!
Keep the great ideas coming folks!
B-👍😀

Brian the strut covers are cracked in many places and are not useable. you can get them at uflyit.com.

monte

Thats exactly what I am building!! I just hope that mine turns out half as nice!!! I can't wait for the first engine run video!!!!

Question for you, what is your plan for a cowl?

Quoted from texasbuzzard

Brian the strut covers are cracked in many places and are not useable. you can get them at uflyit.com.

monte

Thanks Monte. Just thought I would check. My samples just arrived from them!


Steffens pilot I plan on using the cowl from TEAM. It's really a nice piece, keep us updated on your progress

Yesterday I had another visit from the EAA technical inspector. We brainstormed a couple minor questions I had. He had a couple minor suggestions and changes! Moving forward! As I incorporate some of the changes I will share them! Getting very close to engine run up time!😀

Brian, on your fuselage sides, did you use one continuous 53 1/2" piece of ply, or did you add a joint in there, and if you did, how did you do it?

Quoted from streffpilot

Brian, on your fuselage sides, did you use one continuous 53 1/2" piece of ply, or did you add a joint in there, and if you did, how did you do it?

I used one piece, no joints on that piece of plywood. If you need to join 2 pieces you would need a scarf joint there if I think at least 9-1. I have seen photos of jigs made using drum sanders for that purpose. If you have to do that let me know. I can go thru a couple books I have. Hopefully find the picture and can post it!

There are drawings of a drum sander scarphing jig in one of Tony Bingelis's four books.  You can get a good deal on all four from Aircraft Spruce or EAA.  Also the Aircraft Spruce catalog has a kit for a drum sander scarphing jig.  You can buy a scarphing jig that works on thin plywood using a circular saw from any WEST System(tm) dealer.  See http://www.westsystem.com

Tom

Here you go. Nice simple way to scarf plywood. Picture is pretty self explanatory

Nicest, simplest one I've seen yet.

Tom

Firewall completed. Fire protection as follows. FAA wants 2000 degree protection for 15 minutes. I really don't think the MINIMAX  would survive that no matter what I do to firewall! As a matter of fact I suspect that the only thing left would be the firewall 😱😜But here is what we got. 2 layers Fiberfrax rated 2300 degrees . Single layer 6061-T-6. Rated 1300 degrees. The real protection is the Fiberfrax. 6061 keeps it neat and clean! also you see my duel ignition mounted. Engine mount (wood) painted and sealed! You see opening in middle if I ever need to use magnito (hoping not. Going duel electronic saves 5 pounds over mag/ electronic combo) . All openings (will be)  sealed with 3m 2300 degree caulk. Opening for electrical wire travel thru electrical conduct and will be sealed with firesleeve!

Brake install completes. Used TEAMS band style brakes. Modified them with activation up Top to avoid them locking up if landing with flat tire or hitting a pothole. Also note "heel style brakes. Front view on top. Close up of bend in bracket. Bottom picture, view from behind. When drilling hole for bracket mount...make sure it if high enough so that cable is not dragging on brake drum.... I know this because I had to make 3 🙃

Brakes...front view

Brakes again. Here you see pedal heels to top position . I am counting on natural rebound in band brake to return pedal to that position. If it doesn't over time I will add a return spring! Also note I doubled up 1/4 plywood rudder pedals. Much better feel (IMHO) I really did not feel  comfortable with the flex in the 1/4 ply as called out in plans. My wife called me a " bull in China shop" and tells me I am hard on everything.....so a little stronger makes me feel better!

Final brake photo

Wings are on! Wow three years and 76 pounds this month! Getting close! I have to admit I am very pleased with my progress and the results do far!

One more

Just amazing Brian, thumbs up!

I can visualize it doing a 20' high pass, straight down the runway at cruise speed! Did anyone else see it? Thing of beauty....right?

Lynn

Man you have come a long way.Your documentation is supper. Oh ya the plane looks great. Best wishes for that first flight.

Thanks guys! Getting very excited now!

Ok Brian we want to hear the engine run....please

Monte