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Oz build SS7 - From US to OZ- the logistics!
Ok, the first post worked so thought it might be useful to add a few shorts notes re the logistics of getting the kit home. It is easy to forget that part but it was a learning curve in itself. Debra from Kitfox was fantastic and getting a good quote for transport from Homedale to Melbourne in OZ, via LA and Auckland NZ. We engaged a freight logistics company in Melbourne to receive the box and get it through customs and port - not a cheap exercise but made relatively painless by the company.
We decided to go and pick it up at the docks in Melbourne so it was a matter of finding a suitable trailer - a friend came to the party with his car carrying trailer that was 17ft (will use these antiquated measurements here for the sake of our US friends!) - conveniently the same length as the box! Strapped it down well and drove the 400km home.
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Oz build SS7 - getting it off and uppacking
Installed lifting straps and a 2 ton chain block in the hanger - We thought it would be a useful think to have anyway and it wan't that expensive.
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Oz build SS7 - General workshop setup
We have built a workbench along one wall with tools as well as a sink - we don't have mains electricity at the hanger so we have installed a 6KVA diesel generator at the rear of the hanger for lights and power when needed. we also have a 3000lt water tank for tea and coffee and an old fridge for a beer at the end of the day! Along another wall we build some good shelving and also a couple of mobile workbenches on wheels which are proving to be a great investment already.
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Oz build SS7- Reaming bearing attachments on HS
WEll, as one of the first tasks after taking inventory (only a couple of bolts missing) this one was a nice little challenge! Our solution was to grind a square on the shank of the reamer so we could use an open ended spanner to turn it while Gayle applied forward pressure with a bar - not the padding to protect the powder coating.
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Oz build SS7- RS and Elevators fitted
Thanks Esser for the comments. the RS and elevator is now on! all went well although it took a bit of getting the 6 attachment points for the elevator to align.
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Oz build SS7 - Actuator fitted ... but ...
We have fitted the trim actuator. Interesting exercise in fitting washers - especially to the lower fitting!!! Learned the art of using small dops of super glue to locate wasshers - but must use carefully or the hole becomes a mess! Any insight to why the hose clamp on the collar of the actuator is so large? I think it must have been just what was available?? I am going to replace it with a smaller one as the 'tail' is too long and inviting something to get snagged on it.
We have also set up the 'advisors corner' and had two of our hanger neighbours trying it out. John and Graham have a Mooney and a Bonanza and are a great support.
Re: Oz build SS7 - Actuator fitted ... but ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rosslr
Any insight to why the hose clamp on the collar of the actuator is so large? I think it must have been just what was available?? I am going to replace it with a smaller one as the 'tail' is too long and inviting something to get snagged on it.
Ross, I sometimes find the tail of a clamp a problem as well. If I can't find a closer fit, I will trim off the tail with snips and clean the end up with a belt sander.
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Oz build SS7 - 2 weeks and some progress
Well, today marks the end of two weeks on the project. Working by the book however sometimes it is necessary to make a few diversions while waiting for a bolt or something. We now have all the controls hooked up and it is a lot of fun to be able to use the control stick to see how it all happens. Having a lot of fun and enjoying it a lot!
Photos following.
cheers Ross
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Oz build SS7 - Outside the Hanger view
Nice entertaining day with gliders enjoying the spring weather, modellers doing their thing and the odd cessna coming and going ....
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Oz build SS7 - console started
We have now finished the controls - I am not sure about my first attempt at safety wiring on the flapperon mixer? I did it two ways - one different on each side. in one I just went through he castle nut and around the spar and tie off and the other did one loop around the nut, the spar and tie off - any advice on which is correct?
Oz build SS7 - safety wire
thanks for the links guys - they are really helpful! I will take a few photos of detail and post tonight.
Oz build SS7 - Rudder pedals
Can anyone clarify for me please just which 'horns' on the rudder pedal assembly need to be shortened for the adjustable rudder pedal kit? The manual says "... all four rudder pedal horns" so I have shortened the "4" on the rudder pedals ( 2 pairs) - not the ones on the torque tube. But it looks from Esser's pics that all of the 4 pairs of horns have been shortened?? ???? In other words lop the lot off! True?? Must admit to going slow on this part as it has taken me a while to understand it from the manual - but better to read and read and read ..... and then cut I guess@!
cheers
r
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Oz build SS7 problem with right side ruder pedal assembly
In one of my last posts I showed the rudder assembly in place - that was before fitting the Nylex(?) bearings - I commented on how I found what Esser found about taking the powder coating off to get them to fit - well that worked well on the left side and fitted up nicely. The right side was a different matter - especially the second (outboard) bearing - I sanded and sanded and sanded to get it to fit, and even then it was tight. I am not sure why it was so hard and different from the other side. Anyway, I got it to fit- BUT, I am not happy with it. I reckon i took off too much of the thickness of the tube and the bearing got a chip out of it in the process - it works and feels fine but gotta live with it. Anyway, I have decided to order a new one with the bearings and re do it. Can't for the life me figure why there was so much difference in the two sides. Plenty else to go on with and it will be much easier to get it right now than later when it all gets closed in.