[Pietdriver]

Started an old project I got here some years ago, Ziroli plans, with a glass fuselage and a wing kit from the aeroplane works. The plans call to move rib W-3, (centre section ), to accommodate retracts. The problem is its the innermost rib that holds the phenolic wing tube and the tube is too short to accommodate this. The wing tubes came with the wing kit. Has anyone encountered this problem before or have any suggestions? Why does the rib have to move? I do not yet have the retracts to be able to see why.

[cf100]

Hi, Tex & I built the Ziroli Harvard a couple of years ago, I'll have to dig out my plans and have a look, in the mean time a link to his build photos that may help http://www.upaero.com/AT6.html

Mine will start it's second summer of flying, Tex lost his when the outer wind panel joining strap let go and the right wing panel slid off the tube, Tex is a master builder, just got bit this time. secure your outer wing panels well.


cheers - ken

[cf100]

I think I see the issue you are having, I see Tex had added a ply ring to lenghten the phenolic sleeve, I don't think it's a problem if the aluminum tube is long enough to go past W3 - photo sketch attached.

I don't recall what I did, I probably moved W3 so that the phenolic sleeve entered W3.


A short video of my 2nd or third flight

You Tube

You Tube

and the history behind it http://www.upaero.com/harvard.html

[Pietdriver]

Thanks CF-100, I kind of figured I would have to make some sort of accommodation with W3. I think I'll make a partial rib of sufficient thickness to bridge the gap and attach to W3 and spar. Thanks for info on strap that holds wing in place. For this one ill be duplicating the bolt system that is on my 1/1 BD-5. Uses a blind nut inside the spar tube and a block on the receiver tube and bolts through both. Does Tex still have his retracts, or is he going to build another Harvard?

[cf100]

Hi, we need to see some pics on that BD-5, what engine are you using, a guy in Altona Manitoba has one but I have only seen pics of it.
I went with the bolt thru the aluminum tube route.
Tex sold his retracts, buddies, Frank is building a Harvard and Jeff has the kit with the fiberglass fuselage.
cheers - ken

[Pietdriver]

I'll try to post some photos when I figure out how. Don't know what engine yet. I have it about 35-40% done. It came with the original Hirth, but I would never use it. I'm researching a rotax out of a watercraft and a couple out of motorcycles. Lots of time before I need it. Who builds the best retracts these days? I see electrics are an option, I like that idea versus leaking air. What about engine options, everybody uses the tried and true G-62, I'd like to try something else. Maybe a twin or radial.Ive been away from the hobby for a few years so not up to date on everything.

[Pietdriver]

Ok, so I have the centre section framed up and partially sheeted, all went well, working on the outer wings and am trying to figure out how the ribs sit on the plans/workbench. They don't appear to sit flat. They seam to bias more on the centre of the rib. When I set it up this way, the trailing edge of the wing inboard lifts off the table, creating what appears to be wash-in! Not good. The plans don't have much in the way of information, as a matter of fact they appear to be copies and I fear there may be some parts missing. They were cut up when I got them. Should there be an assembly sheet with these plans?

[cf100]

Hi, have you put down the 1/4 x 1/2" rib shim for the outer wing panel, the rib shim runs along he back of the rear spar. Hope the photos help.