Something is just not adding up on my plans...XL F-80. Reading sheet 6 numbers from right to left...and we counted 8 stations in total with number 8 being the tailpost, , on my plans the first bay from station 1 over to 2 is 24 1/4". The next bay from station 2 to 3 is 21 1/4", the next bay from 3 to 4 would be 30.75" ( by subtracting 81 1/2" from 112 1/4" on page 6 ) , then 4 to 5 would be 23", 5 to 6 would be 24", 6 to 7 would be 17" and finally 7 to 8 ( tailpost ) would be 17 1/2". So Dan, what is the length of your third bay, please ? I'm wondering if that bay gets reduced in length to compensate for the second bay being longer than mine. Thanks for your comment too, Frank but most info on the LE and XL states that the fuselage is considerably longer on the XL. My sheet 6 does say overall length of the fuselage steel frame only is 157 3/4" Thanks all.... Dave
Thank you all. I think I've got a grip on it. I'll likely go with 24.5 on both the first and second bays then 109 to the tailpost for a total of 158". While being conscious of what every extra pound can do, I'll likely turn this into a full cabin single seater something like Bodacious and have a cabin width of 26" center to center. Being mindful also of adjusting the geometry of a known product, I'll plan on entering the plane only from the right side but with a modification to the entry area tubing something like a Cub. I like the idea of a V lift strut arrangement and will try to do that with the Carlson streamlined tubing. I weigh about 180 and should be a little less so the extra weight allowance of the XL should allow me some extra tubing and a center section above my head. Another rib today and the aileron end plates. Nose ribs are ready. This weekend I'll get going on the spars. Regards...Dave