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Looks great

Scott,
Good to see you moving forward again.

Thanks Bryan! I've gotten back into warp drive mode on my build! Engine is done (mostly) and now it's time to crank out the forward fuselage!

The angles are pilot drilled to the foreword fuselage skin.

The right side is now deburred and a few first passes of polishing on the skin. Bryan has me wondering how he gets it so shiny...I'm not using Nuvite so that may be the trick? I am using Granitize products, titanium is the first level I'm using with a wool pad.

I'm basically ready to rivet this side now.

Cool Scott! I'm right on your tail! Except for the wings, forward fuselage, and engine that is. I told the group my secret - trick photography!

Successfully completed the right side forward fuselage panel. The left should go quicker (2nd time always does). I like to build one side through completion then do the opposite side. I guess it's the way my brain works (analytical). If I catch a mistake on one side I have a chance to fix it before repeating it on the other. Plus it helps with the use of my work space (promised my wife I would only take one bay of the garage)...

Outside of right panel:


Inside of same panel:

Wasting no time today, cleaned off the work table and laid out the left side panel. Began applying the angles, pilot drilling and clecoing them to the table. Didn't take long to have them all installed.



Took a lunch break then right back at it with completing the pilot drilling of the gusset plates. It's all there now and ready to updrill!

Trying to do my best with the polisher...four passes tonight, good enough for now before riveting.





Left side is ready to rivet:

Last build progress post for a few weeks. Leaving for a vacation on Friday, won't be back on the project until 2nd week of July.

Completed bolting up the engine mounts tonight to the left panel, cut the NACA vent opening out for the right side...and HAD to attach the sides to the Aft Fuselage!







Even convinced my son and his friend to take the first flight...or just make airplane noises...



I'm excited to get back on the project and tackle the forward cross tie angles, firewall and spar tunnel!

Like I said to Mike, I'm getting closer everyday to having to make up my mind on Tri-Gear or Taildragger...plan to do an hour or two of dual in the Champ at KMRT when I return, see if I like it.

Talk to you all soon...maybe I'll check in from the Mediterranean next week while we are on vacation!