At this time I also decided to fit the rear cockpit tub. It looked like it might be a tight fit since it was so close to the tanks but it worked out fitting just perfect. You have to cut out a little bit of the bottom/ front tub area. Nothing really major the cutt off wheel can't handle. After I set in in there I test fit the canopy and it held it in real nice and snug.

Clean and simple, Easily removes for access to maintence tray.

While everything is drying I was able to get my hands on the ventral fins. This fit real nice and wouldn't you know it the paint trim lines actually matched up perfect.

Traced the outline of where they touched the fuse. Went back and lightly sanded both sides so the Zap a Gap Goo would have a better hold. I've had pretty good luck attaching these ventrals using flexible glue. I sometimes hit the ones on my F16 and they still stay strong. There is way more clearance in the Viperjet than the 16 so I don't think I'll be hitting these as much, or ever, but I still like gluing them on this way.

I added some pieces of thin ply for better hold onto the fuse.

Billy,

Looking good. One down side when you have the rear cockpit that far back is that when the front cockpit is in place, the front cockpit instrument shroud comes up about 3"-4" short of the canopy opening meaning you can see straight onto the fuselage through the front windshield. Looks crap. [:'(]

Cheers,
Mark

I figured that Mark. Seemed like the front dash was about 5" too short.

So needless to say the next little project was to fix and tiddy up the front dash.

Here's a picture of the gap.

I bought a pack of black ABS plastic sheets a while back for just this purpose. Seems to have that "aircraft interior "color and sheen too. I have to modify other decks as well .

Cut a piece 12" long, extending the dash by about 5"

I then laid the stock dash on top of the plastic to mark the locations where the bends where. Then took a straight edge and bent over the plastic to create a angle.

Next took the dash and glued the plastic to one end.

Now here where a little luck helps out. The edges of the new plastic piece seem to locl up on top of the front former of the nose gear. A couple little pieces of scrape ply and she's in there good.

Here's a pic of the finished dash. I think it turned out sweet, and no gaps. I'll take it. Plus after the cockpit slides in, in locks it in even better.

Billy,

Nice! Pretty much how I intended to fix mine so glad to see it works well!!

M

Since the front cockpit has a lot going on and may not be the most convenient to remove all the time, I will lock that in place with some small screws and just remove the rear cockpit to access the maintenance board. The rear one come out real nice and easy. I have thought about making access panels in the side of the fuse but since the rear cockpit comes out so well I don't think it will be a pain to take the canopy off then pull out the tub to fuel/charge/ turn the plane on-off etc.

These cockpits are really nice. I think I will put two Blue box pilots in there, even though they might have to be on a booster seat.

The mod for the dash took only a coulpe minutes and was real easy to do. Nice thing about it, if you mess it up, just tear it off and make another. The stock dash is just used for support.

Thanks Mark, now that this part is done I can finally go to sleep[&:]

Nice work Billy. [sm=thumbup.gif]

Really nice Billy. Looking good


Ron

I agree, good job Billy. Joe C!!

Billy,
What was the original servo positions?
Scott

Not sure if the photos I saw were either prototype locations or intended, but I saw the elevator servos mounted in the root of the stab on the fuse side. Which seemed like that would work fine, you just have to disconnect the pushrod to the elevator if you take the stabs off. I think the same applied to the vertical. Either way would be fine.

Billy

Nice Billy!! Can't wait to see her in the air!!!

Spence

Hi Billy,

Yes it was the prototype. The latest manual show the servos installed as you did. Good job on cockpit.

Regards

Morne

Any motor install pics?


Ron

In case your forgotten the BIG PICTURE.... RR's Viper in action. You guys need DRIVERS
Semper Fi
Joe

Billy,

flew my viper today 3 flights Man I am going to get spoiled this plane flys so good. Hope yours is going to gether as expected. By the way push that old Willies aside and lets go fly.


Ron

Nice pictures Joe!