Date: June 23, 2008

Not too much work tonight. I managed to drill the mounting holes for the main power switches. First I clamped piece of scrap stock under the fuselage, and drilled an extra hole for a bolt to to hold it in place. (Pictures 1 and 2) I bolted it into place to protect the balsa from blowing out when I drilled through. Next I drilled a small pilot holes, followed by a the apropriate sized larger holes. (Pictures 3 thru 6) Then I removed the scrap and revealed nice clean holes on the bottom. (Picture 7)

Next it was time to test-fit the switches. If you look in the pictures, you'll see there are barely enough threads for the nut to connect. (Pictures 8 and 9) I will need to shave down the surface a little more so I have room for a washer. On future versions I'll put the plywood on as part of the bottom piece, thus making it thinner. Oh well, live and learn...

Picture 1: Screw placed through mounting area. Holding scrap stock in place.
Picture 2: Scrap stock in place, from underneath. Will protect from blow-outs.
Picture 3: Main holes drilled.
Picture 4: Main holes drilled.
Picture 5: Main holes drilled.
Picture 6: Main holes drilled.
Picture 7: Hole cleanly drilled.
Picture 8: Switch test fitted.
Picture 9: Switches test fitted, notice just enough space for threads.