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**JimD** · 09-03-2018, 10:18 PM

With the left side of the fuselage covered, giving strength to the structure, there are several things to do before covering the other side.

Wing bolt holes need to be drilled and blind nuts installed. Fuselage was blocked in place and the wing center section panels installed in the wing saddle. after careful measurements to assure the wing alignment, the bolt holes were drilled and then the holes in the fuselage wing mounting plate were enlarged for the blind nut insertion. Base of blind nuts were then epoxied in place.

The rudder was mounted in place using dowel pins so rudder can't deflect from side-to-side.

Rudder horns were separated from the G10 parts sheet and glued together and put in place.

Receiver and satellites were mounted and wires routed. Rudder servo was centered and double rudder horn attached along with the DuBro 2-56 hardware for the pull-pull rudder cables. Cables were routed back through the fuselage and clevis connections made to the rudder horns.

Elevator servo extension cables were routed down the top of the aft fuselage cross members and fastened in place with small zip ties.

We like to use these rubber grommets where cables pass through bulkheads.

**JimD** · 09-03-2018, 11:04 PM

Once you are satisfied that all interior items (that will be difficult to get to later) are completed, time to add the upper right side sheeting.

Go panel by panel sanding slightly as needed to get a good fit.

**JimD** · 09-03-2018, 11:10 PM

Last step is to add the bottom sheeting and keel parts. We started on the left side and worked our way around.

Then the nose blocks were glued together, the front edge of all the sheeting pieces was trimmed and sanded flush with the front of F1, and the nose blocks were glued to F1.

**JimD** · 09-04-2018, 02:35 AM

Masking tape was applied around the motor to keep dust out, then a sanding block with 80# sandpaper was used to shape the nose blocks.

**ARUP** · 09-04-2018, 11:55 PM

Jim, you sure are moving along. The electronics install is very nice!

**JimD** · 09-05-2018, 02:18 AM

The front nose block needs to be recessed on the inside to clear the front of the motor. We used two sizes of drill bits for this task. The the block was glued in place and sanded to shape.

**JimD** · 09-05-2018, 02:25 AM

Last couple of details.

Note the recess for the tow release in the bottom of the nose blocks.

Both ends of the keel were capped with small pieces of scrap 1/32" plywood.

Rear bottom of the fuselage was capped with 1/32" plywood around the tail skid mount area.

Drop away launch dolly parts were assembled.

**JimD** · 09-11-2018, 02:44 PM

Now back to the wings...

The center wing panels are permanently glued together with the center laminated rib in the middle. This joint is then reinforced with a wrap of fiberglass and epoxy.

The ailerons get the top skins glued on and the outer wing panel construction begins.

**JimD** · 09-25-2018, 01:16 PM

Outer wing panels

Setting the first three ribs and shear webs between them is important because they form the spar joiner box and set the polyhedral angle. Take your time, check and recheck alignment, and brace until glue sets.