Last item tonight is the rudder linkage. Because of the extreme angle and where the control horn has to go, I used a horn that reaches forward. It also has a ball jpoint, which you will see is useful. Here's photos of how it works. Remember, if I used a regular horn there, it would have caused severe differential from left to right.

Just a couple questions, love your build. what type of glue did you use to tack the canopy with and i may of missed it, but is the clear coat klascote as well? Thanks

To tack the canopy I used tube type plastic cement. It holds well enough until the RTV is cured.

Yes, the clear coat is KlassCoat eopxy as well.

Tonight I sprayed the last of the clear on the left wing half. Yes, I put an American flag on first, and will put the N.USA on the left half as well. I thought about putting either my SPA or VR/CS numbers there, but it just didn't seem right. Hope to maiden flight Sunday AM - We'll see. Then I have to at least practice the Class III maneuvers once or twice before the Oxford PA meet on Oct 11th.

You could use press-ons for your numbers in a style and color representative of the original. Is your SPA number shorter than the AMA number, go shorter!
Model looks great, BTW.
Chris...

So now we are down to the final assembly steps. Unfortunately, I had to drill through the nose to get the tiny ball driver into position for the nosewheel. Just another bummer. Here's a shot of the ball driver in the hole, and then the black RTV sealer of the hole

Some things actually do go smoothly. Like the mains and the aileron servos.

Looking good Nic! Are you still shooting for tomorrow? If so, let me know and I'll come down and take pics.

FB

Unfortunately, Sunday is a family day, since Saturday plans got moved because of the rain. Sorry FB, but I appreciate the offer. I think Tuesday after work I will go to the field and run the engine in, maybe take a taxi around the field (and maybe take off?)

As of right now, the only thing left to do is put the right aileron onto the wing, then the linkage from the servo to it. Left side is complete. Fuselage is finished, hanging up and charging.

She's finished! Photos to follow as soon as the camera is charged. Final weight, 5 pounds 1 oz. That will change, since the CG is about 3/4" too far back. I thought about flying her that way, full tank and all, but when I did the calc's the CG is at 43% of the wing, and should be at 35%. That's too much to screw around with. Off to the hardware store for some sheet lead under the tank. I figure 4 ounces will do the trick (damn!) Still, anything under 5 1/2 pounds is OK for almost 600 square inches. Should fly fine.


Yes, the battery is already under the tank.

Photos as promised

Pretty airplane, you've done a great job on that model.
Chris...

I’ve been following your build from the beginning and it's great to see it on its wheels. Very nice work and looking forward to the flight report.

WEDJ:

Being a Senior Pattern Guy hasn't tarnished your building & finishing a bit. Looks just like the beauties you used to bring to Rocky Hill.

Best of Luck and many years of good flights to you. Have fun at Octoberfest; wish I could make it.

Peace


Mark O

to FreeBird and Mark-O - regarding first flight.

Tuesday is a no-go. I'm shooting for Wednesday around 5.30 (Salem field), as long as it doesn't rain.

Wednesday not looking so good either.....

So I noticed. I'll still bring it to work tomorrow, just in case the rain blows out quicker than expected. Just got sheet lead today to do the balancing.

That’s one of those hindsight things! If you’d known it was going to be tail heavy you could have used a larger and heavier engine and get a benefit for the weight.

*sigh*

OK, 4 ounces of sheet lead under the tank and the balance is perfect.

Final weight - 5 pounds 5 ounces

Nic, that is one great looking Perigee! I really like the contrast from top to bottom, waiting for flight report. Pete

Screw this weather. I'm going to wait until Saturday afternoon. Hopefully can coerce someone into first flight photos, too.

I wish I could be there, but i have to go to a wedding on Saturday. What a bummer!

FB

Yes, real bummer. You'll see it soon enough, I'm sure.

As far as the initial control set-up, I have the rudder at about 40 degrees, the elevator at about 20 (plans say 15) and a bit more for the ailerons. Radio is set up for 70% dual rate, so if it is twitchy I can easily calm it down. I would much rather have to be gentle on the sticks than to run out of elevator on landing.

Also the elevator is set up with differential favoring the "down" because of the semi-symmetrical airfoil. Ailerons hava a touch of differential, too. I'm sure that will have to be adjusted.

Initial lateral balance on the fingertips looks OK, maybe I'll do the thread hanging thingie before Saturday as well