Latest photo of progress on the hinge blocks.
Latest photo of progress on the hinge blocks.
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17
I received the hinges from my dad.
In case you are wondering, they weigh about 8.5 ounces each.
The hole in the cutout will be threaded for a bolt that will be run through the rear spar.
Dale
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17
First wing pretty much done with exception of root rib and leading edge sheet:
(now it won't fit in my rigging jig)
Second lower wing coming along:
Dale
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17
Forming spar end for tip bow
Getting help from Rosie the Riveter
Both lower wings framed up pending leading edge sheeting
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17
Modifications were required to the rigging frames after trailing edges were added:
After several hours fiddling, the first of 6 leading edge sheets is attached.
Dale
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17
I see you went with the kit sheets of 6161-T6....and I am humbled by your work.
I made a complete mess of them and just bit the bullet and bought some T6 leading edge material....and thankfully my covering job concealed most of my buggering it up.
The opinions and statements of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.
I have to admit that when I actually worked for a living, I installed air conditioning so I have a fair bit of experience with sheet metal. However, that was steel and did not usually require the finesse the thin aluminum does.
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17
Due to problems forming the sheet around the leading edge, and not being pleased with the sheet anyway, I scrapped that plan and started with false ribs.
My son Rob was in for a few days and helped out forming, drilling and riveting.
We got most of the false ribs on one lower wing.
Unfortunately, due to drilling 20 holes in the leading edge of the other lower wing, I have to change out that leading edge tube. A major rebuild of the wing structure.
Dale
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17
Ooooh, she's starting to really come together!
The opinions and statements of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.
I made the trip to Aircraft Spruce to pick up the 11' tube for the replacement leading edge, then removed the one I drilled full of holes.
I needed to match the angle of the root cut for dihedral and sweep, so I made a pattern of the old tube.
After marking the new tube, I cut it with an angle grinder with cut off wheel.
With the root end at the correct angle, I carefully measured the location for the compression strut bolt holes and rivet locations for the rib attach plates.
All fit together with clecos.
I took it apart, primed the areas where parts connect then reassembled and riveted it together. This evening I reattached the internal cables.
Now I am officially where I was with this wing a month ago.
Time to start forming false ribs.
Dale
Dale Cavin
Florida Panhandle
Current Project: Airdrome Aeroplanes Full Size Nieuport 17