I started to work on the stab today.
At first I was like what the hell am I going to do with this as I do not like the method of how the stab is assembled. The parts are difficult to discern haw they go. In all the other P-47s I have built the stab is equal top and bottom, no difference. All my drawings show the same but the parts are not the same at the point they are attached to the TE.
So I just went for it and will adjust once I have something to work with.
I glued the ribs in as best as I could figure out and will adjust later. They are uneven as once you get them in and they are plumb, the LE is all wavy.
Once I sheet the sab I will sand the LE strait that should do it.
I much prefer the tab method of framing as I can lay the stab flat and true it up.
So a strait aluminum angle is used to get the TE strait and plumb.
A center line is drawn to keep it strait in elevation.
Then I glued tabs to the ribs to equal it out and keep it flat and level.
Control lines are on the board to keep it all square and aligned.
Some blocks to keep it firm for sanding and when I sheet the top.
Now I can sand it and get it ready for hinges and sheeting.
I want to sheet the top to hold it all in place.
I am starting to layout the control torque rod and the hinges next.
The torque rod is solid 1/4" aluminum and will get cut into two halves.
The inner hinge is what takes all the stress from the control arm so this has two sealed baring's per mount. T
he arm will be next to this on the inside. They are 1/4" x 1" aluminum arms from Dream works.
The inside bearing is held with a set screw and the outer will get a sleeve to hold it in.
They are 3/8" OD and 1/4" ID, they fit tight.
I will do the same at the lower hinge for the rudder as there will be a lot of tension from the pull-pull.
I will tap in two post to the bottom for mounting this to the stab.
These are the pins for the hinges I will be making out of G-10. that will be next.
TB