Sport JTEC RADIOWAVE 26% Pitts Model 12

[Wacobipe]

I don't recall the tail wheel support piece...but I didn't build mine that way. I used a piece of 1/4" ply and nestled it in between the ply fuse sides...it runs from the rear tip of the fuse up to the last former.

 

[stangflyer]

I don't recall the tail wheel support piece...but I didn't build mine that way. I used a piece of 1/4" ply and nestled it in between the ply fuse sides...it runs from the rear tip of the fuse up to the last former.

Thanks Brett. I did look at your build thread on the other site. I have considered doing mine similar. But after cutting out the correct size piece and laying it in for fit, it'll work. But dang, more weight to the tail I do not want. Considering the weight these things are coming in, I am trying to keep the weight down. With what I've done with the belly of the plane, even that minimal weight is more than I want.

I am very close to sheeting the fuse. Photos to come very soon.

 

[stangflyer]

Photos from yesterday. Started with extending the belly stringers to allow structure for the intended belly sheeting.

Landing gear plate doublers.

First section of belly sheeting in place.

Rough cut outs of the fuse belly formers.

Building the bulkhead for the dowel retention plate.

Belly hatch hold down dowels.

Framing up the removable belly hatch.

Doublers epoxied in, angle braces in place.

F1 former addition.

Now ready for the landing gear plate.

Pretty much what I had accomplished up to this morning. More photos on the way.

 

[stangflyer]

Todays progress was much more fruitful. I got quite a bit done and am now pretty much ready for sheeting on the remaining portion of the fuse. I have done a "LOT" of scratch building on this Pitts. Mainly because there were certain things that I just didn't like. Other things because I wanted it to look nice. Both on the ground and in the air. I still don't feel I have done this plane justice. There is "SO" much a person can do to it, but at the risk of weight for the size, it just isn't practical.

Today I started with getting the landing gear plate epoxied into position and clamped down. Then started measuring, cutting and placing formers for the belly sheeting. I tried to stay as minimal and as light as possible. I would have added more stringers but really don't feel they will be necessary. All total, the weight I added from the formers and belly sheeting will probably not go over 6 ounces. Not really a lot but not much I could really do from the way the fuse is designed. I just really didn't want a big open gaping cavity in the bottom of the fuse.

I may start sheeting the fuse tomorrow. I am so close to having this built now, I just don't want to stop. My eyes are crossing tonight, so I am calling it good. It's getting closer now. Won't be too much longer before I am ready to start covering. Other than the servo rails for the wings, they are completely done and ready to be covered.

At one point in designing the removable hatch and hold downs, I was concerned if I would have enough room to get the lower wing rear bolts in. After a quick check of angle, I discovered I will have plenty of room so no worries. The rest of the photos are pretty much self explanatory.

I am actually pretty excited of how the belly turned out. I think it will really add to the appearance of the plane and my even enhance the flying characteristics over just having an open gaping hole in the bottom of the fuse as originally designed.

Will post more photos as I make my way through the final stages of this build. Stay tuned everyone.

 

[Wacobipe]

Nice work!

 

[jtec/radiowave]

Nice mod on the bottom. Not sure why Bob always left the bottom open on all the designs like that except for the access to lower wing bolts.

Plane looks great

 

[stangflyer]

Nice work!

Nice mod on the bottom. Not sure why Bob always left the bottom open on all the designs like that except for the access to lower wing bolts.

Plane looks great

Thanks guys. I am super excited to be so close to covering. I can't wait to see this 2 winged 3dub packin' beast done.

Unfortunately I could not work on it today. My daughters transmission went on a totally bogus journey so I've been doing a swap for her. Perhaps I will have some time tomorrow after work.

 

[Bipeguy03]

Man you're kickin' butt!! Looks great!

 

[stangflyer]

Man you're kickin' butt!! Looks great!

Thanks, but I think my butt has been kicked real good the last couple of days. Pretty sad when a guy comes home from work at 7 in the evening and the first thing he wants to do is hit the sack. I seriously need to retire again...and stay that way. LOL.

So here is the plan for the Pitts. Tonight...going back to bed. Hee hee. Tomorrow after work, I am going to get at least one side of the fuse sheeted. Then hopefully the opposite side on Wednesday. That will leave basic final sanding and prep work for....yup, covering this weekend? I really enjoy covering. This one should prove to be very interesting.

 

[stangflyer]

Tuesday night and I've been able to get the right side of the fuse sheeted. It actually went much quicker and way easier than I thought it would. About three hours total from the time I edge glued the right fuse skin, glued it to the fuse, and then a quick sanding to knock off the rough edges. If I'd known it would have been this easy, I'd not have put it off. It turned out pretty good and only a little more minor sanding and it should be ready to cover.

Tomorrow I'll knock out the left side sheeting. Then final sand and do one more final test fit before I start covering this weekend.