B model progress

[T41pilot]

Just a couple of pictures to show my progress so far. Hope to have it running by the end of summer. Panel is mostly done and pre-wired but not installed. I have some of my own mods incorporated. Leds for flap and trim position. A bargraph for fuel level and my own home brew fuel probe and circuit to run it. Electric elevator trim using a linear actuator instead of the big red knob.

I'm currently working on fitting some Firewall components. I purchased the new model B and C regulator. Appears to be physically robust. The wings are rigged but need to be removed so that aileron push rods can be installed and connectors for lights and pitot system can be installed which brings me to a question. Once the wings are removed, can the forward tunnel be permanently riveted in place? It was helpful to have that out during the initial install but at this point I don't see how I can finish the riveting with the wings still attached to the plane. The entire plane will be done in vinyl. I already have the control surfaces done. Installing the vinyl is frustrating at times and mistakes are costly but looks good when you get it right and still far cheaper than a paint Job. Maybe next year I can start doing some visiting.

[Spaceman]

Once the wings are removed, can the forward tunnel be permanently riveted in place? It was helpful to have that out during the initial install but at this point I don't see how I can finish the riveting with the wings still attached to the plane.

Looks good! Yes, I think you have to do it that way. Don't take my word for it because my plane isn't done either, but I did the initial rigging and drilled the important holes, then took the wings back off for storage and riveted everything related to the spar tunnel and the aft spar carry-through.

[Spaceman]

Also what did you paint/coat your panel with? Looks pretty cool.

[T41pilot]

Chris

I painted the panel with some primer and then just used 2 coats of rattle can Rustoleum. Then used a label maker for the lettering. Then a couple coats of clear over that. Cheap and easy. I admit the black lettering may not show up well at night, so I plan to mount a couple Led spotlights on the forward Turtledeck former above head level to shine down on the panel if necessary. Did you choose a location for your headphone and Mic jacks yet? I'd like to keep the wires out of the way somehow when using the headsets.

[Spaceman]

Nice. I haven't done any wiring yet but I tentatively plan on putting the jacks on the underside of the #1 turtledeck former.

Here's an example from Ryan Roth's blogL http://www.rynoth.com/wordpress/waiex/2 ... -wiring-2/

It's like 3/4 of the way down the page. I'll probably do something like that to keep the headset cords behind me.