Frank's XL

[leshoman]

That sounds like a lot of oil.  Is an oil cooler required also?

[PropMan]

Verner recommends a tank that has a 5 Liter total capacity, 3 for oil and 2 for air. This tank is a prototype for the three small engines 3VW, 5VW, 5Si. It's a bit large for the 3VW but doesn't look over-sized. We'll see on the oil cooler, my hope is with the aluminium tank and good airflow over it, like an A65 Continental, no oil cooler is needed.

[PropMan]

Finished the battery tray. It will mount on the firewall on the inside. It was bent and riveted to fit this particular battery. I repurposed a dog collar for the strap. Weight is .43lbs

[PropMan]

More done everyday! Even made a punch list cuz I think I'm that close (-:

[s johnson]

Frank,
That looks .....FANTASTIC....... That is going to be a lot of fun. Can't wait to hear it come to life....
Nice Job.

Scott J.

[Tom H]

Nice, Frank.  I like the alum transition from the firewall/sides to the windscreen.

Keep the progress going, and get it to flight testing.  We thought we would be flying our Radial Legal Eagle by now, but as I said before, because of too much empty weight, we are getting registration as EAB to be legal.  We have the N number, and have sent in the registration application papers, but aren't optimistic about getting these returned for another month or so, then we need a DAR inspection.

So, if you keep pushing, you can tell us how good the Verner flies!

[PropMan]

Thanks fellas. I am certainly looking forward to hearing this thing run. Teaching myself to weld aluminum this week, so I can get the oil tank done and mounted. That's the last item on my list to fabricate.  Then it prime, paint, cover, and reassemble.

Tom, if you are close to a FSDO office, you can get FAA out for the inspection for no fee, out tax dollars at work. Good luck

[Tom H]

Frank, we have a FSDO here, but they are not staffed to do inspections.  I have heard of guys locating from Ky to Indiana, just across the river, and they can get the Indianapolis office to do the inspection.  Not practical for us.

Good luck on the alum welding.  Thick stuff is easy, thin takes some finesse.  You can do it.

[PropMan]

Well, after 4-6 hours of learning how to adjust the gas and prep the aluminum i was able to weld a flange of 3003 .040 together that looked ok. This helped me realize how much more effort it will take to weld a complete tank!!!
Called a friend, an he was very nice to help me out. Gotta tank on the way.  
So rolled the LE out for some photos before I disassemble,  prime, paint and cover.

[Poorman2]

How sweet it is!!! Frank, that is awsome. It want be long now. Can't waite to see it fly.

[scottiniowa]

Well, after 4-6 hours of learning how to adjust the gas and prep the aluminum i was able to weld a flange of 3003 .040 together that looked ok. This helped me realize how much more effort it will take to weld a complete tank!!!
Called a friend, an he was very nice to help me out. Gotta tank on the way.  

 Excellent Frank,
   Just a thought on future welding, by watching and following the "tin man" ways, you should be able to tackle welding of 3003 alum    Another thought is to bend up your tank parts and have a good "tig" man do them.  As most know the labor is in the making of the parts, the gravy time falls on the actual welding process.

Sounds like you really come along well Frank.  Good going!

[Richfroh]

Looks really good Frank! I can't wait to hear it run and see it fly.

[PropMan]

Received my new oil tank earlier this week,  welded attach points on last night and totally disassembled the Eagle. 
Got parts everywhere,  sure hope I can figure out how it goes back together. 
Started prepping for primer, should have priming done in a couple nights

[PropMan]

Looks really good Frank! I can't wait to hear it run and see it fly.

Thanks Rich, going to be fun for sure

[PropMan]

Final Assembly is underway!!!