Picture 1 shows the tail wheel in the up position. In this
picture you can see the 1/8" lite-ply plate that we installed between
the tail wheel bulkhead and the bulkhead in front of the horizontal stab.
You can also see the carbon fiber stiffeners which we added last week, make
a mental note for the next picture.
Picture 2 shows the carbon fiber rod we added this week, in
front of the tail wheel bulkhead and tied with kevlar string to the carbon
fiber rod on the back side. This made the tail wheel bulkhead rock solid.
Now look at the bottom of the fuse. We added 1/8" x 2" x 15"
lite-ply. The thought for this, is to distribute load forces from the tail
wheel bulkhead forward through the forward 4 bulkheads. This plate will also
give us a flat surface to mount the tail wheel retract servo.
Picture 3 shows the retract servo mounted, and the plate
glued to the forward bulkheads. Although we did not hook the servo to a
radio, the servo works the retract with very little pressure.
None of what we did tonight is shown on the plans. We
believe we will have a stronger more durable aircraft because of these
modifications. We are now happy with the structure internally. That
means, next building night we will sheet the starboard tail section which is
now open.
PS
Greg wanted me to tell all of you that last week he was in
Seattle doing research. Funny thing is, he didn't know any more than he did
two weeks ago. Hahaa.
-- Gary Himes