VincentJ

Robert, you are amazing. The lengths that you are going through to get just what you want is very inspirational...

I'm with Kevin, I too would like to see how a complicated paint scheme like that would take shape. Keep up the great work my friend.

acerc

LOL! Thanks, but no where near that.

acerc

I have covered the bottom, and the reinforcements worked well, no bowing.

acerc

The fuse is covered, again!! Now to start the sewing, the lower rib on the fin is up first as it is the hardest. I have to (both sides simultaneously) place a strip of plastic over the rib, cover with tape, and then sew it up tight. Whoo Hoo!!

acerc

The bottom rib has been stitched. That is all my back will allow for the day.

stevegauth30

Robert, I'd have to agree with vj. Watching you build has really inspired me to take my time and not settle for good enough. whether you want to realize it or not, you have made alot of us better builders. and I thank you for that.

acerc

Thank you very much Steve. Most of the time I don't see it that way, not with all the redo's and change of direction. Most the time I feel like I'm just all over the place like 2 year old in a candy store. And most the time, no matter how hard I try or how many times I remake something I just don't feel like I come anywhere close to those I watch. People like Vincent, Anthony, are aw inspiring. And then throw in someone like Melchizedek and the amazing work he is doing as a newbie, well, just makes me feel inadequate.

Again, thank you, and Vincent, and David, and everyone. I need all the support I can get...

Melchizedek

Wow, Robert

Your transparency is touching. I know perceptions can be reality for the one who holds them.
But it don't make it so if its not.

This is the 2nd build I have followed you on. Will follow you on your next and the next . Why? because there is much to be gleaned.
You are a craftsman sir. A craftsman can often be their worst critic. It comes with the turf.
Rest in the thought that your builds are loved by so many, myself included.

Thank you for the Richness you bring RCU

Kevin

mrdhud

My Feedback: (48)

Robert
Your moving right along looking good. How about we what until your Pitts is finished and we maiden the Pitts and Waco the same day we'll flip a coin to see who goes first LOL

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

Looking good Robert! The airplane will be all the more better for the changes. I hope she is still flying long after we're both gone!

acerc

LOL! Yours will be long maiden before I get done ground testing. You know me, this thing will see the field a lot from the ground before from the air.

acerc

You are right, with this recover there a few changes, and for the better. I am actually happy with the cover so far, where as I was not before. Getting ready to start the rib stitching, wish me luck and mercy.

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

I wish you all the luck and mercy in the world!

Leroy Gardner

Rib stitching, I may have missed something along the way but are you actually sewing this round also, if so you must just love punishment,ha ha. Well thats the way the real guys do it, you must be one of them.

I know it's been a timely project but your's will be twice as good as the rest of them.

Leroy

acerc

Uh, NO! After getting the actual stitching covered in some spray the last go around, all the effects of the real thing disappeared. So, if it can't be seen there is no point in torturing myself. The standard way is rough enough, I just finished one wing half.

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

Goodie! I can't wait to see! On behalf of all of us too lazy/sane to try the "real thing" in stitching we thank you for falling on your sword and answer the question is it worth it?

acerc

The other bottom wing half is done. I also went back to the fin and doubled the number of real stitches in the bottom rib and capped the upper rib with the fake. Next up, but maybe not today, is the top wing.

stevegauth30

Robert, what do you use for the " standard" stitching for thread? And what's your method? If you don't mind me asking.

acerc

Well, fishing line for thread, medical paper tape for the tape. I have a stitching board, I made it several years ago, I weave the board with the fishing line(spaced accordingly), place the tape over the fishing line, mark the width desired, and cut with a wheel cutter. If you really want to know I can do a visual, fixin to make another set, can take pictures.

stevegauth30

I'm following along exactly what your saying, but we always like pics if you feel like taking the time to do it. Is the adhesive on the tape strong enough to hold it? I'm assuming you use another adhesive?

acerc

Like I would mind. First pic is the board. Second is thread applied at 1" increments(thread shows better than fishing line). Third is tape applied and marked in 1/4" widths. Forth is a strip cut out and placed on a piece of aluminum (for a better view).
Depending on the look one wants one can use a light mono, heavy mono, thread, string, dental floss, etc, etc. I chose 6lb mono for this one for I don't want much of a hump in appearance.

stevegauth30

Thank you Robert. I made mine similar to that except I used solartex. I laid a piece down first with the plastic still on it, put the string,( or in my case I used chart tape, ) then peel the plastic off the top piece and lay it over. The trick is to keep the heat barely high enough to activate the adhesive, and hit it quick like. Then cut. Then I just peel the back of the strips and iron them down. The chart tape doesn't try to move either. Stays put. It worked good for me. Thanks for explaining. I figured I'd throw another option out there.

acerc

The technique is basic, the number of variations are endless.

acerc

Please remove your advertisement from my thread or I will have the moderators do it.

acerc

The ele and stab halves, rudder, and ailerons are done. Maybe tomorrow I will get the top wing stitched and then be on to pinking tape.