RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
Saturday (1st weekend day) Update:
Today is been mostly slow going. Not running into problems, just in one of those parts of the build where time is what is needed. I have completed the top wing LE sheeting on the wing bottom, added the cap strips, and removed the wing from the building board for the first time. I am proceeding to the opposite side and needed to reverse the wing on the board. There is just a slight bow in the wing when I look down the Leading Edge, but I think that is from the lack of sheeting and the top wing braces that were yet to be put in.
After removing the wing, I made sure to go over every single joint between the ribs, web shears, cap strips and any bracing to ensure that all joints are well attached. I am a little disappointed on my sheeting, but nothing that is of a major concern. The sheeting didn't lay right down on the front of the rib, but rather joined about 1/4-3/8'' back from where the LE and the sheeting meet up. (You can see in my vertical shot below where the ribs don't quite meet the sheeting on the outer end of the wing. I have made sure to fill in with medium CA so there is support.) I had this happen on my Somethin Extra, but with most of the rib attached I do not see any major problem. From the outside of the sheeting you can not see any problem with the curve, so appearance will not suffer and with the medium CA used to fill in, the ribs are supported.
I have reattached the wing to the building board to ensure that it was straight when I added the Leading Edge Center Block and the Top Wing Support Plates. You can see them in one of the pictures with 'crossed' straight pins holding the plates in place as the epoxy dries. I figure that will be pretty much for today as the temp is 36 degrees with a 17mph gusting wind. The wind chill is about 26, so the kerosene heater is able to keep the garage fairly comfortable, but that will become harder as the sun begins to set. Tomorrow will be the LE sheeting for the top of the wing, and then it will be on to the bottom two halves. I am pleased with the progress, and for now, it looks like everything is going together pretty well. I am glad that I have built another kit prior to this one as the instructions are not quite as detailed as they were on the Somethin Extra. No complaint, it's just that you need to think ahead to make sure you do not get off track. For example: Although the instructions do not say it, the Center Wing block needs to be glued in place 'before' you place the front mounting plate in place, or you cant get it in afterwards. Small detail, but easily missed.
Here are some of the latest pics: