More Tracing Today

Today I spent another four hours tracing and cutting out the patterns for the lower portions of bulkhead B, C, and all of D. Part of the challenge is modifying the patterns for the bulkheads.

I am fairly wide at the shoulders and I don't really like the way the airplane "fits" when done according to the plans. I am widening the cockpit out to about 23" from roughly 21" as it is on the plans. This will allow the side rails of the cockpit to still touch my arms near my shoulders. The fit won't be uncomfortable but will give me that feeling of being part of the machine!

Widening the cockpit dimensions was something sanctioned by the designer of the airplane, Mr. Calvin Parker. It isn't difficult but I had to adjust the widths of bulkhead B, the instrument panel, and bulkhead D, nearly midway down the fuselage. The modification will give my airplane a flatter appearance on top I suspect.

My next step is to cut some 3/4" plywood to serve as forms for the ribs and bulkheads. There are metal tabs that protrude from each rib and bulkhead that must be bent over. The aluminum sheet skin of the airplane is then riveted to these tabs.

Baby steps...