Have started working on "TFBFH" from the bottom up...

After test fitting the Rubbermaid 1.25 and 1.0 gallon clear "cells", have decided to use a 1/2 gallon Great Planes fuel jug as the fuel cell....

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJ810&P=7

It's opaque white, but I am thinking about how to install some kind of fuel level gage - maybe a cork and wire thru the cap ala the Piper J3 - I like the simplicity, just gotta keep it from leaking!...

The Rubbermaid 1.25 gal tank fit pretty well, but it ate up a lot of space with its formed handle and its inability to go all the way to the bottom of the box due to interference with the front wheel (Guess I could heat it up and "form" it to the wheel, but still eats up a lot of space (If heat forming is required, would use hot (just below boiling) water, about 1/2 - 2/3 full and press the tank into place... think that would work fine to custom fit the tank... If I get bigger airplanes, that may be necessary ).

The 1/2 gallon GP jug will likely be enough fuel for a day's flying with my .40 - .60 powered airplanes. (will keep an extra gallon in the back of the car, just in case ). More imporantly, it leaves a LOT of room in the bottom compartment for the battery, a roll of paper towels, airplane cleaner and gloves and some rags. I like the clear Rubbermaid, but the space gained with the GP jug is too important to ignore.

Using the smaller tank also allows the front of the box to be used for the electrical panels and fueling ports. I didn't want to use the back side of the cart - seemed more prone to damage for some reason, so am happy to be using the "front". Think I will install a hinged clear lexan or acrylic cover over the electrical panels to protect them from "trunk gremlins"... Hinge at the bottom, secure at the top - gravity will keep it opened when in use?

I will be using Hobbico's MicroPanel Plus, Quick Field Charger and Top Fueler pump. Since the MicroPanel doesn't have a fuel pump switch, I will have to wire up a separate switch for the pump, both fill and drain - want a closed circuit (pressure and return), which means two lines out of the box to the airplane - still figuring out how that will happen both mechanically and electrically.

Am using a sealed battery, and am thinking about using a simple bus bar for power distribution, since three separate items need to be powered from the battery.. (fuel pump, power panel and charger) and one spade terminal may become a bit crowded with three common wires...

Have to work over the weekend, so will get back to it on Monday...

Cheers!

Jim