[mwavesdave]

lol I've got some muscle when needed for moving stuff. I had a helper last year for the odd evening, but it's a pretty detailed process, most of which is in my head, or I make up as I go along. I built a Pietenpol Aircamper, out on the West Coast, as well as a Santa Anna, which was an amazing wood/composite 2 seater tandem, along the lines of the Europa. The Santa Anna especially helped prep me for the Hurricane project. Next on the list, if the museum can find the space, and I'm stationed here past 2016, is a Sea Fury. I want to do a Spit, sigh, but no takers yet!

[machzx]

Dave builds the odd model or ten along the way too

[mwavesdave]

Back from Wright Patterson AFB. The USAF Museum there is stunning, to say the least! I was able to get up close with their Hurricane, really gives me a boost to see what will be. The Left wing assembly is now flat on tables, just finishing off all the sanding and shaping, prior to commencing the sheeting. Pics to follow.

[mwavesdave]

As promised, some shots of the latest progress. Tons of sanding, checking, sanding some more, to ensure the wing is as fair as possible. After that, I cut and test fit the first sheet. When everything looked good, I marked the location of all the spars and ribs, and then applied a healthy dose of glue, and laid the sheet in place. 3/4"finishing nails were used every 1 inch, along all the ribs and spars. This is the first large sheet to go down, the outermost section I can do in one sheet, the inner section will most likely require two pieces. There is still a good chunk of leading edge to go on. I'll cut and fit those parts soon, but the rounded portion of the leading edge won't go on until the entire wing is assembled, and checked. Once all the top sheeting is done, the wing will have to be put back on edge, and I'll use thickened epoxy (mixed with the tons of sawdust I keep emptying out of my sanders into coffee containers) along all the inner seams. Where the ribs join the spars, a thick fillet of epoxy will go in, followed by fibreglass tape. I expect the Hurricane to outlive me, so it's got to be strong. Prior to putting the bottom sheeting on, the spar brace pockets will have to go in, for joining the wings, and all of the inside will get a couple of coats of sanding sealer. Bottom sheeting will get a thinned coat of epoxy inside for sealer, then the thickened epoxy will go over the spars and ribs. I'll of course be cutting the hatches for the guns, as well as any stock access hatches, panels, etc.

[mwavesdave]

Second sheet is on! Progressing nicely. Lots of sanding to do prior to installing the tip sheet, and I'm going to wait to install the final section at the root, until I've double checked the wing center section, for spar alignment, and building up of the spar joiners.

[mwavesdave]

Another sheet installed, and now I'm working on the leading edge. It consists of the ribs, of course, a pair of 3/4 in square stringers, and 1/8th ply web. Once all that is assembled, the stringers get tapered, and the last of the sheeting goes on. After that, the leading edge itself. Still thinking on how I'll do that part, not as easy as an RC model, slap on some balsa, and sand to shape. As for the ribs, cutting them a pair at a time, so I'll have a full set for both wings.

[mwavesdave]

Thanks to the storm, stuck at home, so progressing the leading edge of the wing!

[-Rick-]

Originally Posted by mwavesdave

Thanks to the storm, stuck at home, so progressing the leading edge of the wing!

My bother in law out there said you guys got buried!! 50 plus cm. wow!!

[mwavesdave]

We didn't get that much in Halifax/Dartmouth, but we got a pile of snow, followed by torrential rain, and freezing rain, then a bit more snow. Total disaster in the streets! On the good side, progressing fast! All of the leading edge that I can do for now is done. Wing tips are next!

[mwavesdave]

Wing tip all framed up, and drying. Some edgework and sanding to go, then sheeting. That will be it for the top of the Left Wing!!!!