Ian's Savannah Project

[Ian]

Today was Dad's play Meccano day (took a break from the fuselage). Assembled the Flaperon control mount (lifts the aelerons together..).

These are the pieces before:



All Cleco'd up..



Finally all riveted up, note the pile of mandrels ... all 321 of them - thank goodness someone invented a pneumatic riveter !



cheers ian

[Tailspin]

Wow Ian

Really looks cool when you first lay it out and then when it is all together just makes you want to do more This is what makes me tick. Pity i did not get into this sooner would love to make a living from it. would drive the wife totally batty though

[RudiGreyling]

Today was Dad's play Meccano day <SNIP>

cheers ian

Hi Ian, Yeah, dont you jut love these prepunched kits. It works just like a mechano set. Very little a new builder can do wrong. Keep us updated, Rudi

[Griffin]

Ian: Are you still painting one side of all lapping surfaces with primer? I cannot tell from the pictures.

[Ian]

Yep, one side, so its not always visible (also got clever to reduce the bleed through holes by running tape down the one side , when plenty holes are present, rationale is the rivet then pulls hard onto metal reducing the chances of a future loose rivet). I first cleco to check the fit and ID where to paint, so paint is only visible on the third pic. Look on the right hand leg, you can see some.
Cheers ian

[Ian]

So... around 20 build hours later I have the beginnings of a cabin...



Below is from the front showing the firewall, next step the engine mounting..



This pic is a closeup of the top assy where the front wheel strut fits into.
There is still a bearing etc to go on top once the strut is fitted.
The empty holes get bolts later (if I remember... )



Will have to start thinking about painting soon, I plan to paint before any controls / electrics / motor are installed, anyone got any better ideas ?

Also anyone know of a reputable spray painting operation in JHB North ?


Cheers ian

[Smiley]

Also anyone know of a reputable spray painting operation in JHB North ?

Piet's Spraypainters-Brakpan

[DarkHelmet]

ReNewIT in Strijdom Park - I always take my "fleet" there.

[Ian]

ReNewIT in Strijdom Park - I always take my "fleet" there.

Many thanks DH, will go see them soon. Thanks for your reply Smiley but Brakpan is a bit too far for me...

Below is one engine mount fitted together with the front wheel strut complete with elastic band.... A cover still gets fitted to protect the 'spring' from the engine/exhaust heat.



Cheers ian

[Ian]

3 Weeks and quite a few build hours later we have a marriage of the rear fuselage and cabin.



What is very satisfying is dimensions for wings to fit on etc are within half a millimetre !



I hung the dash for this pic, just to see if all my prior work on the panel was accurate, phew... it fits spot on..



Next we'll add some landing gear..

Cheers ian

[IFLYHI]

Looking good :D

[Slick Willy]

Uncle Ian, what can I say
Sonex told me on Saturday that you has started this thread and were keeping everybody updated on your progress.
Well done Mate.

[DarkHelmet]

Awesome to watch all this unfold! Thanks for showing us!

[Ian]

Uncle Ian, what can I say
Sonex told me on Saturday that you has started this thread and were keeping everybody updated on your progress.
Well done Mate.

Hi there Shawney !

Thanks for the compliment, but.... look what I will have next winter ....



I promise I'll carry the coffee and your 10M long lens.. :D

Cheers mate


IFLYHI & DH, thanks for the comments, good to get feedback..

Cheers ian

[Slick Willy]

GGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr