Smoke tank

10/10/2011

I've added some gussets and mount tabs for the rear smoke tank brackets. The gussets were tricky to weld because of the thin steel used and the lap welds. There were a couple blow outs on the first side, but the second side went more smoothly. Tonight I got back out to the hangar and added the tabs for the rear mount. They are welded to both the cross tube at the top and the gussets underneath. It all worked out well and the tank sits nice and flat across the two rear tabs and the front cross tube. Next step is to add the bushings through the front cross tube and drill the brackets and rear mount tabs for the bolts. Almost done.

This last week I set to gluing the second skin on the first aileron. It all seemed to go well, until I couldn't get any clamps to hold around the leading edge. The angles were all wrong and they kept slipping or popping off. My daughter was very amused when about 20 clamps decided to all turn loose at once and shoot across the garage. I was less amused. Instead of going into full retreat, I changed tactics and just glued the ply to the leading edge. The next day I put clamps on the rear of the ply and pulled it down towards the aileron spar. I sprayed some water on it and let it sit. I've done this a couple times over a few days and now it almost lays down by itself. It should be easy to finish gluing the ply the next time I have a chance to work in the garage.


rear smoke tank mount detail


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