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Build Sequence

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Mike Armstrong

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2006
Messages
206
Location
near San Diego
My project is going to be a radial powered (Rotec R-2800) Spacewalker II. Here is something I posted at the Spacewalker Yahoo Group and I would also like your guys opinion on the subject. Thanks

Part of the fun of building from plans is that unlike assembling a
kit that has a specific build sequence, you have the freedom to start
with building any of the components you choose, ie wings, fuselage,
ect. I have read that many builders begin with the wing components
for two reasons, one, it's gratifying to see a pair of completed
wings in front of you or two, the wings can then be stored above and
out of the way freeing up floor space for construction of the
fuselage. On some plans builders websites I have followed I noticed
that they have started with building the fuselage first. I suspect
it's for at least one of the reasons that others build the wings
first, it's great to see a completed fuselage in front of you.

In my own instance, I had planned to start my project by building the
fuselage first. Partly because I love the look of a completed steel
tube fuselage. The other reason is that I am really looking forward
to changing the finished shape of the fuse, using formers and
longerons, to give it my very own interpretation of how a 1930's
classic radial powered Spacewalker would look to me, including
changing the shape of the tail. However, since this involves
mastering a new skill, TIG welding, it may be considerable time
before I am satisfied (and my welds have been validated by a
qualified person) with the quality of my welds.

I'm not in any hurry to get started other than it's been a dream of
mine to build my own aircraft for as long as I can remember but I'm
starting to think that as I continue to practice welding maybe I
should be building the wings! I like that others here (in the Yahoo Group) are in the
early process of constructing their wings and I can join in and
contribute in some practical way but I also dont want to take too
much time away from welding practice further delaying the building of
the fuselage I've been wanting to see.

Here's a question, are those that are currently building wings or
started their build with the wings in the past doing so for a
specific reason other than those I mentioned above? Is it best to
always start with the wings before the fuselage? Are there advantages
to doing so that I'm unaware of?

My build plans may have to change which is still exciting in it's own
way :)


Mike
 
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