Building the new Bushbaby SAFARI

[Oupa-G]

Boet is doing his thing there is nobody stopping him it looks so nice
To Massimo we are using 7000rpm for take-off and will be using around 5500 for cruise. This has worked fine on the trikes because the difference in cruise speed and take-off is not so big. On the Safari the spread in speed is bigger and the initial flying will be done with a ground adjustable prop but the final product will be an inflight adjustable prop.


Cheers Oupa-G

[Boet]

This afternoon we sanded and sanded, and then we sanded some more. Tonight I can do the perfect crime. I have NO fingermarks left, all have been sanded clean off as well . Hopefully tomorrow we can paint the fabric bits to final white coat as well. Weather prdiction for tomorrow looks OK for rain. K@k for spraypainting. Dang Aaaw ok we have a lot of other things to do as well. The final colour scheme have been decided on as well. Hopefully we can have the spray-job completed next week. Weather permitting.

[Boet]

Weather played the game. Final coat of white on all fabric. Primary trim colour going on Friday.....weather permitting....

[Boet]

Today we could not really do much to the bos-ot. How does one tell paint to bloody hurry-up and DRY? I am satisfied with the finish I got. Hopefully tomorrow the paint will be dry enough, so we can mask the primary trim colours, and maybe spray them. The colours? Wait and see Asked Oupa what colour scheme he would like? Oupa said to make the plane look nice. Go ask Jan. Jan said to make the plane look nice. OK, will give it my best shot.

[Boet]

Today the primary trim colour went on.......

[Oupa-G]

wing pyp and lap aeries must have yellow in them. Boet she is looking stunning can't wait till the weekend to fetch her.All the pipes for the engine mount have been cut and mitred. Now for some serious 4130 welding. The mount will be stress relieved at 600 degrees C before being coated and filled with blue oil. will post some fotos tonight after welding session
cheers Oupa-G

[Oupa-G]

After the last weekend in Loeries I was armed with the correct weight it all went onto the spreadsheet and out came the distance for the engine mount . What was very satisfying that the practical figures were exactly the same as the theoretical calculations taking all components weight at their various datum points. Armed with this the engine mount was made from 4130 tubing and tacked so to-morrow of to my certified welder because it is a critical stress item. After the welding of to the heat treatment and then the painting ready to go to Loeries again to swap the first Safari covered and painted for the second Safari. Some detail welding and engine mount to follow.

Enjoy it Oupa-G

[Oupa-G]

Some engine mount details

Oupa-G

[Oupa-G]

Welding detail on second Safari ser # 141
Oupa-G

[Oupa-G]

ID of Safari #141
Oupa-G

[Boet]

And things did not stand exactly still with no 142 either. Looks nice with yello, BUT must also have a bit of blue added in.

[johnsa]

Boet,

The BB is welded airplane, how do you deal with rust and how does it affect the lifespan of the airplane?

Dankie,

John

[Boet]

We pour raw linseed oil into the pipes that is "open". This is a time-tested and proven method at keeping rust away. The rest depends on you, the owner. Do you "wash" the aeroplane under a garden hose, or do you wash it out of a bucket?? Live near the coast or inland? To answer your other question: The BB is a modern day Piper Cub. Everything is welded. NOT alu pipes bolted and rivited together. This construction method do not age with dignity. Not very rigid, and wears a lot while taxying on the ground. BB ages well. Highest time BB has just under 2000 TRAINING hrs on the clock, and is still in daily use. But, as they say, only time will tell. As far as G-load is concerned, I do mild aero`s with the BB, and so far nothing has broken or fallen off.

[johnsa]

So its a safe plane to fly in to the bush......

What kind of BMW are you fitting in a bb?

What are the arguments of choosing an explorer or an safari?

Are you part of the http://www.saplanes.co.za group?

Regards

John

[Massimo]

Bliksem those colours look good. Nice work Boet and the gang.