A little progress XL H-58

[Chuck in Indiana]

(Snapping suspenders, tamping corncob pipe) Back in the day, a guy had to actually think to lay out a truncated cone. Formulas had to be plugged in to get the dimensions and then lay it out.
Now a days, these children have it too easy. They can just say, "computer.. print out a truncated cone 2.3 inches at the top, 1 inch at the bottom, and 1 1/2 inches long.

I'm tellin ya, these kids have it too easy, and they can just stay off my lawn.
 

Thought I'd have an oil tank, but ran out of argon..

[Chuck in Indiana]

Well, not "beautiful," but it will probably hold oil..

[Kamcoman77]

Looks beautiful to me!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks, Keith.. but a *real* welder would do a better job. Just the same, it's a lot better than when I started this project and couldn't do it at all. After all, "Education and recreation" is why the FAA lets us do this stuff. TIG has certainly been an education.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Getting into the "last 10% that takes 90% of the time." Finished the oil tank, marked locations in the firewall for the wiring and fuel line to come through. Decided where the fuel pump will go. The next time the firewall goes on will be the last time.
After considerable thought, I decided it would be much easier to put gussets on the engine mounts now instead of realizing I should have after the airplane is flying.  Tacked them in.

After they are welded on, the engine mount is ready for bead blast and paint.

[Wayne Munich]

HI 
 With the type of vibration a radial makes, I think the gussets are a good idea. What's the weight difference between the !/2 VW and the the 3 banger. Do you think you will come in under weight for 103?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yeah, I thought long and hard about adding the few ounces of the gussets and finally decided they just might be worth the weight.
The Verner actually weighs a few pounds less than a half VW. (!) However.. the coil pack is pretty heavy, it has a fuel pump, and the starter and ring gear add up, too. Just the same, it's *going* to have a starter.
I'll bet it will weigh right at 254 pounds.  It will certainly meet the spirit of the regulation.
Hope you are doing ok, Wayne..

[Chuck in Indiana]

Mowing day today. Since the next time the Mighty Verner goes on the airplane will be the last time, I made an engine stand so it wouldn't be hanging from the hoist while I'm doing that last 10%.

Another small bite off the elephant.

[Wayne Munich]

I noticed the ailerons weren't covered yet. Have you decided what system you are going to use for for covering? I've used Stits for years but Stewart systems seems nice also because it might not shorten my life quicker than cancer.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I have some of the old Stits 90x (?) extra light weight fabric that hasn't been made for years..and a couple of gallons of poly brush. I was laying in bed last night thinking of Oratex. It's even lighter.. just has that down side of being expensive. 
Need to make that decision soon.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Finish welded the engine mount, took it off and weighed it. 3 1/2 lbs. Not too bad, considering it is also the oil tank mount. I've seen what appear to be fairly heavy Verner mounts.
Continued taking stuff off.  Making progress, now. Almost forgot to weld in the aileron stops. At least I had marked where they need to be when I had the wings on and rigged.

The gear comes off tomorrow. That is the last thing..and the fuselage will be ready to prep and paint.

[okdonn]

Despite having too much polyfiber stuff sitting on the shelves (past the expiration date), I'm going with Oratex due to 1- weight, 2- no spraying, 3- much faster to install. My builds/restorations are taking too long.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I get it. Certainly much faster..but..the last quote I had was $3500 plus fondling  and shipping. I *have* enough Stits stuff that is just going to waste. (shrug)
Still haven't decided.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Continued with disassembly. Turned it all around and touched up a couple of welds.

Parts is parts..

[Chuck in Indiana]

"Bullets" nose art..