Update from the Bearcave

[Yadama]

Bearhawkers

A short update from the Perth Bearcave.

• All parts semi inventoried (missing wing struts and for sure some other items, need to talk to Mark G)
• Torque wrenches sent out for calibration
• First wing table finished. Constructed from wing crate with legs welded to the base and particle board screwed to the top. Shelving has been placed below for storage of wing tanks etc
• Fuselage to be moved to the hangar this weekend to make more space in the Bearcave
• Second wing table to be made up in the next week or so.
• Meeting with my technical counsellor (SAAA build advisor) tomorrow morning http://www.saaa.com/

The plan is to set up both wings on the wing tables and work on them together, limited space in the Bearcave but it should be possible.

More to follow as it happens...........

[Yadama]

Today's progress from the Bearcave

• First wing unpacked and placed on table
• Wing cleaned and vacuum completed
• Skins peeled back using pine struts, initially tried duct tape, but I wasnt happy with the shape and potential for kinking the skin
• Technical counsellor came to visit, very impressed by the quality and capability of the Bearhawk

Next step is to torque the bolts, it seems like a long reach into some of the places, any tips???

[DRLPatrol]

Cool, keep it coming.

Doug

[Yadama]

Bearhawkers

I have some questions regarding the flap actuation system installation and the associated builders assistance manual that I’m hoping you may be able to help me with:

• The manual talks of sanding off the paint on the torque tube around the bushings, what have other builders done? Is corrosion issue an issue after removing the paint?
• Looking through some photos I see that some plans builders are putting grease nipples on the flap torque tube bushings, however this isn’t detailed on the QB kit, what are QB builders doing with regard to lubrication?
• With regard to the actuating arms that attach to the flap pushrod (photo 1), am I correct in understanding that these are to be drilled through the torque tube only when the wings are attached to the fuselage, due to the inboard (wing root) actuating arm having to be centred between the wing to fuselage. (this is my understanding of the builders manual and is sounds difficult) Russ’s CD says to position both sets of arms by the plans (12 & 14) and drill, if that is the case do you simply push the torque tube into the wing as far as it will go?? I'm confused on this one.
• Does anyone remember what - number AN3 bolt they used to join the actuating arms together with through the pushrod, the hardware kit has AN3-14A (too short) and AN3-21A (too long) listed, but nothing in between that will do the job..

Thanks

Yadama

[Yadama]

Bearhawkers

Progress has been slow, but the learning curve has been steep. Mistakes have been made, new parts have been ordered...

Just completed and installed a wing rotisserie this looks like making things a lot easier.

Photos for your interest...

Yadama

[Yadama]

Bearhawkers

A further update from the Perth Bearcave. The RH main fuel tank straps have been made and the tank has been installed. I am having some difficulty in centering the filler neck in the middle of the top skin filler neck hole however I think it is just a matter of the way I tighten straps. Have any other builders had trouble with this??

Also the tank seems to oil can a lot and hence the filler neck doesn't sit square to the top skin, any tips???

I was given a dimpler a few weeks ago, the tank lid is now dimpled and the fitting of the hundred or so nut plates has begun.

Slow but steady...

Yadama

[Yadama]

Bearhawkers

I have been looking at ways of documenting the build in recent weeks and have decided to go with Kitlog for its simplicity and ease of use.

You can see the progress from the Perth Bearcave here: www.mykitlog.com/yadama

Only a couple of weeks to go until we leave for California, any Bearhawkers in California, keen for a visit let me know...

Yadama