Before starting the component compartment and hatch I sheeted much of the bottom including the 1”strips on the leading and trailing edge. The hatch area has no predefined height but will be determined by the fuel tank and servos. There was plenty of room for an 8 oz. Tank but I am going with a 6-oz slant tank. Servo rails have been installed so a minimum compartment height could be determined.

At that point I took two sheets of 3/32” balsa and glued the ends together so I could work on them as a unit. I rested them on the spar on the outside of the #1 rib so I could mark the rib contour, servo rails and bulkheads. I also marked the height needed to clear the components inside. The balsa ahead of the firewall was left intact so it could be later pulled into the nose ring and glued. Any cutting in this area was kept square with building a full engine cowl in mind. The engine will be partially cowled just by design.

After forming the balsa I separated the two sheets. I then glued the two matched pieces to the inside of each #1 rib. I then glued tri stock so the hatch would have a resting place and room to round by sanding.

I really hate to add weight to balance a plane so I left access to the area behind the spar for the battery if tail weight is needed.