Author: jtanon@... Time: Sun Aug 19, 2001 7:12 am PDT Link
As I approach completion of my RV7A emp kit (into the elevators
right now) I really think I would start with the vertical
stabilizer first if I had it to do over.
I found the Vertical Stabilizer much easier to build than the
horizontal Stab. Some of the ease was due to experience gained
on the Horizontal Stab, but still, I think the vertical stab is
less complicated.
A new, inexperienced builder like myself is overwhelmed with
details of construction, terminology (parts and techniques);
wanting everything to be perfect; learning to read plans, using
the tools, etc. etc. etc. It just seems that the simplest
component, with the fewest complications is the place to start.
Some specific complications on the Horizontal Stab that don't
exist on the Vertical Stab include:
Fabricating, radiusing, measuring, drilling and bending the
HS610 & 614 (how many of us have a collection of these ruined
parts); Waiting for your replacement 610/614 after you screw up
the bend; Trimming and bending the HS 602; Drill this hole,
don't drill that one yet; dealing with the very complicated
junction (edge distances) of the HS 405, 404, 602, 610, 614;
locating the attach holes for the HS 607/602 junction (do I use
the 7 inch height, the angle of the bend, or lining up the skin
holes as my primary reference?); finding all the details on the
busy Drawing 3, figuring out that down is up, left is right,
front is back on some of the section details on Drawing 3; and
just the shear number of parts you deal with.
The only real drawback I can think of with starting at the
Vertical Stab is that the construction manual holds your hand
less and less as you progress, and there are a few items in the
Vertical Stab section which assume you learned something on the
Horizontal Stab. Still, I think there are a lot fewer gray
areas in the construction of the Vertical Stab, and fewer places
to screw up with less dire consequences if you do. An added
advantage is that your first component will be finished faster.
Just an opinion, others may disagree.
John McDonnell (finishing RV7A Elevators)