Dave's XL F-71

[ArcticDave]

Got a chance to peck away at the little bird today. Center section, cabane struts all in and tacked. What a PITA to get all that square...but its good now. Did a small victory jig after removing the wood jigging.

[Dave Stroud]

Looking nice, Dave. I sure like the wider cabin top. Our rules allow us to stretch things a bit more and mine will look like an 82% Velie model 70 Monocoupe.

[PropMan]

Looking good Dave, I too like the way your center section is working out. 

[ArcticDave]

Thank you both ☺
The wider top just made more sense for my mission. I didn't want to drain fuel everytime I wanted to fly. Just hook it to the tow bar and tow it it to the airstrip a mile away, unfold the wings and fly. Ease of use will have me flying more often I hope.

[ArcticDave]

Looking nice, Dave. I sure like the wider cabin top. Our rules allow us to stretch things a bit more and mine will look like an 82% Velie model 70 Monocoupe.

That would be a cool little bird Dave. 
When are you going to start building? 

[Dave Stroud]

I'm building now. All ribs and spars done, wing hardware done and 1st wing final assembly next week. I'm working with the weather seasons up here in Canada. Need to get wings assembled before Spring really hits, then weld up the fuselage in the garage as time allows. I did get the vert. stab and rudder done too but will re-do those in a shape more in keeping with the 70.

[ArcticDave]

I'm building now. All ribs and spars done, wing hardware done and 1st wing final assembly next week. I'm working with the weather seasons up here in Canada. Need to get wings assembled before Spring really hits, then weld up the fuselage in the garage as time allows. I did get the vert. stab and rudder done too but will re-do those in a shape more in keeping with the 70.

Nice! Look forward to seeing some pics. The Monocoupe was a great looking aircraft. It'll be unique...and I like that. 
I have been considering rounding the tail a bit too, maybe similar to a Cub tail. Still in the thinking stage on that. 

[Dave Stroud]

Darren Compton did a real nice job on a new shape for his tail feathers. More or less Cub like. He's got a builder's blog somewhere but I can't find a link to it. 

But, Hey....I just looked thru some photos here and I see Bill Utt is building a Sky Pup. I built and flew one back in the '80's. Very easy plane to build and fly....
where'd the time go, eh ?

[Dan_]

Darren Compton did a real nice job on a new shape for his tail feathers. More or less Cub like. He's got a builder's blog somewhere but I can't find a link to it.

That would be here: http://www.mykitlog.com/users/category.php?user=ontherun&project=2554&category=11536

Navigation is on the right...

[Darren C]

Hi Dave.

Here's a link that shows the final shape of the tail. 

Have been happy with the result.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_log.php?user=ontherun&project=2554&category=0&log=236693&row=22

Darren 

[ArcticDave]

Darren, that is an extremely helpful build log. Looks like you'll be airborne soon!
I really like the way you did the tailfeathers. Very nice. 
How many yards of the Oratex did you end up using?

[Darren C]

The people at Oratex were great and gave me some extra meters as it was on the roll anyway.

Looking back the Oratex techs estimated 25 meters total however I am unsure of the final number of meters used.  The wings were 7 meters each.

Am somewhat held up as the company who is painting the fuselage have a bit of work on but it shouldn't be too long.

Still need to do the final assembly and have it inspected.  In the mean time I have getting some flying under my belt in a Jabiru and sorting out the TW endorsement.

Cheers
Darren 

[ArcticDave]

Thanks Darren! 

I got the tailboom all tacked up yesterday. I have the little 1/2" tubes to support the lower seat bar to fit today and then it's off the bench for a good photo I hope.

[ArcticDave]

All tacked up and 33 lbs

[Dave Stroud]

Nice one, Dave. Your weight will give me some good numbers to compare to. I should get going on my fuselage next week or so.