Here is the link to the photos on Picasa. Hopefully these will turn out better than the ones on Imageshack.
http://picasaweb.google.com/JimCone1941/RV12ConstructionPhotos
I will update the pictures as I go so you can follow along. I will be happy to answer questions as I have time.
I can see them!
Thanks for doing this Jim. I know that doing the "web thing" can get in the way of the build. I am sure that we ALL appreciate the extra effort.
Regards,
Anthony
No primer?
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the high res pictures.
Now I noticed the wave on the rib flanges between the holes...Looks like Vans has gone the extra mile to save weight there too. I was talking to a aircraft designer a couple of weeks back and he told me about that and other things they do to save weight. Nowadays that everything is CNC cut it take a little longer to cut that wavey path, but once set up it can easily be redone AND the weight savings all add up in the end.
Cool, keep them comming.
Kind Regards
Rudi
The web thing will not get in the way. I am a technical counselor and teach metal working, riveting, welding, and composite work because I enjoy helping others. I will share my experiences and hope that they help other builders end up with a good plane and enjoy the experience.
Here is the link to the photos on Picasa.
My guess is that those wavy flanges reduce the need for fluting as well since deformation will be reduced in the press. Very cool.
Yes, those are tables from Costco. I think that you still need a work bench. Mine is 3 feet by 6 feet. I have two drawers for the tools that I use most often. I assembled the wing frame on the bench and then took it out to my hangar and put it on the table because it is a little lower than my bench and it is easier to reach the rivets in the center of the wing.Jim ... are those (Sam's Club) long white hollow white plastic tables you are building your wings on? If so, what length table are they? Might I be able to forgo building a wooden work bench or do you think I'll need a large wooden work bench for the fuselage?
As per Van's, my kit (#0003) will probably be shipped the week of 5/5/08. Just trying to get ready.
It took me 40 and a half hours to complete both wing structures and complete one wing except for the tip, which is installer later. I am up to about 65 hours and I have completed skinning the bottom of the right wing as well.Jim - How many hours would you guess have been spent on the two wings?
I got my kit the first day of Sun-N-Fun, early in the morning. I drove home and inventoried the kit that night. I started the next day.Jim, for context, when did you get started?
As per Van's, my kit (#0003) will probably be shipped the week of 5/5/08. Just trying to get ready.
I also ordered an RV12 at SNF on tuesday morning, probably an hour after you did.
How did you get the 5/5 ship date. I have not heard much from Vans on my order.
If you are 003 I should be 007
How did you find out you are 003?
Ok Jim, its been a couple of days, need more pics. Thanks to you and Jerry for the updates.
Alan ... When I called the factory and asked for a shipping date, they told me the week of 5/5/08 (said the spars were out being plated?) & then they told me I was #0003
Ok Jim, its been a couple of days, need more pics. Thanks to you and Jerry for the updates.
Jim, Having not built a homebuilt before I have a question about inspections. At what point during the wing building process did you have your work inspected?
Thanks
(By the way, you make it look and sound too easy for us beginners. Wish I was closer to take to your training class.)
Frank
Jim Cone,
Are all the parts in the wing kit pre-made? Have you had to do anything other than trimming, drilling, deburring, etc?
Thank you for posting the pictures.
I think we are all enjoying and encouraged by seeing the rapid progress you are making.
Jim ... When the wing crate arrives will the driver and I be able to get it off the truck and into my garage? Will I need additional manpower to unload?
Congratulations on finishing your wings so quickly! If you can do it in two weeks (99 hours) then I certainly can do it in ... ... ... four to six weeks (300 hours) I hope!
Jim, Thanks for the great photos. I'm following along in with the Wing Plans in hand and it is absolutly great.
Two request for you next set of pictures:
1) A photo of the dimpled flush leading edge rivets (CS4-4) near the wing roots. The plans say to dimple two holes, but use many many more flush rivets. I assume that the other holes are already dimpled.
2) A photo of the wing tip trailing edge insert from below.
A question: How do you plan to get access to the the wires for the wing tip lights after riveting the wing tips up?
Thanks in advance, Dave
I'm almost sad that you're finishing up with the wings. Now I need to find somebody else's life to live vicariously while I wait for Van's to work out their remaining production issues...
But, seriously, great work! And thanks so much for sharing your experience and photos with us. I can only hope that they'll get the empennage kit out soon or you may get rusty waiting for the next 100hrs of work.