Scale RCM 1/3 Scale Champ Build

[TonyHallo]

Finished installing the screws on the bottom on the wing and installed the finish tapes. It does take a little time figuring out what order to install the tapes, the lift strut fittings add to the confusion, I think I got it right. 185 screws were installed, I'm using a slotted pan head type screw since the head profile was lower than the phillips head screw. Need to use a little more caution so the screwdriver doesn't slip and poke the wing.
Flipped the wing over and installed the 1/2" tapes on the ribs, tomorrow more screwing in in store. Heading to beach on Saturday, will need to work between the various chords I need to accomplish tomorrow. The workflow should pickup as the first side was a learning experience using the Steward System product. I'm liking it so far.

 

[TonyHallo]

I sent Balsa USA an email several weeks ago, never heard back. I'm looking for the grommet rings provided with the 1/3 scale Super Cub kit, can't find them on their web site, maybe they do not offer them for sale. Might be a COVID 19 thing, I will call them tomorrow as well. Any other sources out there?

 

[dhal22]

I haven't ordered from them since last winter so unsure of current status.

 

[WMcNabb]

I sent Balsa USA an email several weeks ago, never heard back. I'm looking for the grommet rings provided with the 1/3 scale Super Cub kit, can't find them on their web site, maybe they do not offer them for sale. Might be a COVID 19 thing, I will call them tomorrow as well. Any other sources out there?

I assume these are the type you need. Try the link below and scroll about half way down the page:

https://www.iflytailies.com/store/cockpit-accessories/other-for-exterior/

 

[TonyHallo]

That's great, just ordered 100, these have more detail than the BUSA plywood rings. Wasn't sure how many I needed but are a lot of them on this plane. 100 should cover it with a few to spare.
Thank you!

 

[WMcNabb]

That's great, just ordered 100, these have more detail than the BUSA plywood rings. Wasn't sure how many I needed but are a lot of them on this plane. 100 should cover it with a few to spare.
Thank you!

View attachment 115485

Looks like this one has the metal covers as well. Normally, the rings would not be cut open and the covers added until after the first annual inspection, or if access was needed during installation of the wing or control surfaces.

So, you could technically model either a freshly restored Champ, or one which is a year or two out of restoration.

 

[TonyHallo]

Not sure what way I will go, tending towards not cutting the rings open. Thank you again for pointing this out, I've bought gauges from Ifly in the past. never gave them a thought.

I started the top of the left wing this morning and decided to make the tool below to make the screw turning easier. Why do you need a lathe dhal22? The brass rod is drilled for a sliding fit on the screwdriver shaft and counterbored .050" deep a few thousands better than the head. The screws are started and once turned about a turn I can turn the handle with both thumbs and index finger without the fear of it slipping out of the slot. Yesterday I would pinch the head and screwdriver blade with my left hand and turn the handle with my right, after a half dozen screws I would rest my hand. In 2 hours this morning I laid out the span wise lines, drilled and installed over 50% of the screws. On to the chords now. I'll be back in a hour and do a little more.

 

[dhal22]

I have a mini lathe....... I'll buy a full size soon enough.

 

[TonyHallo]

Made it back from the beach yesterday, between last night and this afternoon when out flying and finished the top of the left wing. All finish tapes are installed. Started covering the aileron. No photos of the wing since it looks the same as the bottom! I worked outside today in the natural light, the Ecobond dries a lot faster in 75F working enviroment, my workshop (Basement) is low 60s in the summer due to the A/C.

AKNick,
Ant trade secrets for cleaning the boogers of Ecobond off after ironing. I did discovered MEK works to limited extent for cleaning the brush since it was drying fast today. I found that Poly Fiber reducer works better for cleaning the brush. Didn't have any lacquer thinner to try. Nothing I tried so far really dissolves the dried Ecobond very well.

 

[TonyHallo]

AKNick,
Another question, do you the spacing of the fabric screws on the aileron? I see that the Cub using the slipstream spacing on the Ailerons?