CYBERTOM'S FLAIR TIGER MOTH UPDATE

Well I finally got back to working on this Tiger Moth kit. I am hoping to keep the pressure on and get it finished before June. So far I have created the main spars and am waiting for a cross slide vice to show up so I can drill accurate holes for the Robart hinges I plan to use. While I was waiting to build the main wings I decided to knock out the stabilizer and rudder assemblies.

About The Stock Hinges
I don't really care for the stock hinges made of metal stampings with a small cotter pin linking them together. The Robart hinges (with hinge pockets) will be lighter and not have the mechanical play of the stock hinges. I'm using Robart hinge pockets so that I can disassemble the rudder, stabilizer, and ailerons from the airplane.

Other Modifications
Another item I am planning to change is the cabane struts. They are BIG heavy solid steel rods bent to shape. I plan to replace these with lighter hardwood struts strengthened with fiberglass. I plan on attaching metal brackets at the ends. These cabane struts will be removable unlike the stock configuration. I had hard landing with my Stearman a few years back and bent the aluminum cabanes. It was a real PAIN to fix because they couldn't be removed.

My goal is a very reliable low maintenance airplane that is lighter and stronger than the stock configuration and can be easily serviced if necessary.