The first step is to create
molds that will be used to lay fiberglass cloth upon. Step one is to
create an outline of the part.
It's important that it fits
around all the parts. Once made, it can't be adjusted.
Once I was satisfied with the
fit, I cut a left and right panel out of Maxxion board.
These were test fit on both
sides.
Since the fuselage is curved,
the forms must be curved as well to match the fuselage.
Two braces per side were cut and
reinforced.
The bases are now ready for the
foam shape of the desired side panels.
I initially laid out the shape
of the ribs in the fuselage. The finished side pieces must fit around
these ribs.
Here is the finished side panel
mold for the right side.
I laid up two plys of 9 oz.
cloth over the molds.
The parts were removed from the
mold and trimmed up. It took many, many fittings to the fuselage to
get all the right trims put in place.
Here is the panel test fit to
the side.
The panels were embroidered and
attached to the panels.
Installed in the cockpit.
These are just pressed into place.
Right and...
Left.
That completes the finish kit.
I do not plan to install the engine cowling until after the engine is
installed to ensure a perfect match with the spinner. Next step is the
installation of the avionics kit. That work can be found on the next
page.
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