More elevator covering

Continued application of perimeter finishing tapes to the right and left elevators.  Getting a little better at it as time goes on.  Hours 2.5

Elevator Fabric Work

We continued our fabric work on the Elevators.  We are working on the perimeter tapes on the sides and trailing edge of the parts.  Hours: 1.0

Elevator and Trim tab covering

This weekend we continued applying perimeter finishing tapes to the elevators.  We also finished up all the covering on the trim tab, including burning through the fabric (with a soldering iron) to create holes in the fabric for the hinge rivets.  Hours: 4.0

Trim tab completed with 8 holes burned for hinge rivets

Trim Tab and Elevator Covering

Trim Tab work applying two perimeter tapes.  Also more elevator work putting on finishing tapes and starting the perimeter tapes.  Hours: 3

More Elevator Covering

Simple entry......We applied more U500 adhesive and finishing tapes.  Hours 2.0

Two Elevators in process

Elevator and trim tab covering

Lines were traced on the elevators to mark glue locations for the finishing tapes.  Michael made a special guide ruler that was the correct width to simplify this task a bit.  Also, fabric was attached to both sides of the trim tab and shrunk.  A small doily was made and attached around the cable attach point. Lastly, a few of the finishing tapes were applied to the trim tab.  Hours: 3.5

Elevator marked, with wood guide ruler resting on elevator

Trim tab with fabric attached

More Elevator Covering

Continued our work on the two elevators.  The pre-shrunk lightweight fabric was removed from the frame.  Two fabric gussets were made from this material.  One for the trim servo mounting fabric plate and the other to cover a plastic grommet where the trim servo cable exits the elevator frame.  These two gussets were installed on the elevator.  Also, trim tab covering was started.  U500 adhesive was added to the trim tab frame and the fabric was attached on one end.  Hours: 1.5

Ed Working on Trim Tab

Elevator fabric cont

We attached a sheet of fabric to the opposite side of the elevators, and then shrunk the fabric in 3 stages at 250, 300, and 350 degrees.  This is the same procedure we used when covering the horizontal stabilizers.  Next step will be to apply doilies and finishing tapes to these pieces.

Michael is shrinking the fabric with an iron

Fabric attached to both sides of elevator

We also found a tip to pre-shrink fabric that is used to make doilies.  We used a lighter weight fabric for this (per recommendations), and simply attached it to a wood frame with staples.  We then shrunk it over the frame with irons.  This pre-shrunk fabric is now available to us for making protective doilies.  Hours: 3

Elevator covering cont.

We are gluing a sheet of fabric on one side of the elevators.   These parts are more complex than the vertical stabilizers, but we are learning what works.  Takes some time as we are trying to avoid bubbles and creases in the glued areas.   Hours 4.5

Attaching fabric to one side of elevators

Michael and Ed working on Elevators

Started Covering on Elevators

We applied two good coats of U500 adhesive around the perimeter of the two elevators.  Adhesive was also applied on the trim servo mounting/fabric plate.  Hours: 1

Ed Adding Adhesive around Elevator Perimeter

Finished Horizontal Stabilizer Fabric Covering

We had previous cut the finishing tape to be installed on the hinge side of the horizontal stabilizer, including cutting the holes for the hinge points.  We then installed the tapes finishing the fabric covering of the horizontal stabilizers.

Next up are the two elevators.  One elevator is straight forward, but the other one has the trim tab servo mount plate and trim tab cut-out to deal with.  We cut four pieces of fabric that we will using in covering the elevators.  The hardest part in cutting the fabric was trying to arrange the parts to minimize the wasted fabric.  Hours: 2.5

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Hinge Side Finishing Tape with Hinge Holes Cut

Completed Horizontal Stabilizers

Cutting Fabric for Elevators