Zodiac 601 XL Project

[Tailspin]

DUDE

Put on a Shirt Man EISH

Plane is starting to take shape. Keep at it

[Scotsman]

Another update. Took the undercarriage parts to Kitty Hawk to Philip at Bundu Aviation to assist with some of the customisation of the rear leaf sprung undercarriage.

It doesn't look like much work for a whole day but grinding down the undercarriage to be able to accept the Grove calipers was a fair job. Anyway the fitting is now completed and I hope to get the aircraft on its gear by the end of April. Incidentally, in May the Zenith crowd from the States will be over to attempt to build their new 750 bush STOL aircraft in seven days with the local distributor (Philip). If you are interested in popping round to see the construction methods and what the aircraft is like drop me a pm and I will provide further details.

[Scotsman]

At last the aircraft is trial fitted onto its gear!

[Scotsman]

Not really on the subject but for motivation Marco offered me a flight in his Velocity earlier this week...an awesome experience and tempting for the next homebuilt project!

[Scotsman]

Back to the build...I have a rolling chassis at last!

[Scotsman]

Attached the rear fuselage skin over last weekend, looks good. Also finished the fabrication of one armrest on the pilot's side and started fabricating the other side.

Ordered instruments yesterday

[Tailspin]

Looking good Dude.
Will push your button when i take my Baby to Barra, Going to need some hands to assemble if you don't mind.

[Scotsman]

When are you planning to move to airfield? Count me in.

[Scotsman]

Been working a bit on the kit recently. The skin covering the upper bulkheads on the rear fuselage is now finished with a cut out to mimic the leading edge of the stabiliser. Horizontal stabiliser mounted on the weekend and looking good (thanks for the help Rod and Nick).

Waiting for the upgraded 650 canopy to arrive from the States. Attached a photo of a finished example of a Zodiac (650) with the upgraded canopy and rudder. Looks much better in my opinion.

[Scotsman]

A couple of updates started fitting the new 650 canopy instead of the XL one. I think it looks better.

[Scotsman]

Doesn't seem to be a lot of interest here in the build so to avoid posting replies to myself I have posted a photo of the latest progress and a link for those who are interested to my Kit Log Page if you want to follow the build.

http://www.mykitlog.com/scotsman

[Big Mac]

Hi Scotsman
I am interested in your project so do not stop posting on this forum.
As this inspires other would be and current builders
What engine is going into this aero?
When do you expect to complete the project?
Big Mac

[Scotsman]

Hi Big Mac, I'll post a couple of updates shortly.

I am aiming for the Jabi 3300 as the Rotax option is grossly overpriced but I still need to scrape a lot of pennies together to even buy this (somewhere around R170 000 including firewall forward kit). The Rotax is lighter but the Jabi has a couple more horses and appears to be more bang for your buck. The more traditional engines are a bit heavy for this aircraft giving forward CoG issues.

Probably about two years to run on this one realistically...recent addition to the family (read time and noise) and money are the limiting factor at the minute.

Will need to find a corner of hangar space in the next six months to house the fuselage while working on the wings (and pending the arrival/the bank lending money for the engine).

[Tailspin]

Scotsman

I may have a small space for you at my Hangar.
If you do not com right let me know.

[Scotsman]

Do you think it would take the fuse as you have seen the size of it?