Tom T's Build

[Tom T]

Well after 15 days of transit time Mike from Partain arrived today with the 7! These not a scratch on it and with some help from friend here at 7S5, we had the it unloaded and in the hangar in a little over three hours (including off and on with an RV three on the gear)!

Yesterday I build a wing stand to reduce the footprint and get the wings, flaperons, and liftstruts tucked away. Now continuing with unpacking all the support materials, and misc. parts. Sure feels great to have it home, may be one of the most travelled Kitfoxes that's not flying (Homedale, Boston, Atlanta, Mississippi, Minnesota, Sacramento, LA, Oregon.... ;-).

Here's some photos....:)

3974

3975

3976

[AirFox]

Congradulations Tom! Looks like you got a prety good head start.

Scott in Portland

[Tom T]

Now for some questions:D

After completing the wing rack for storage, I was reading the build manual and noticed they recommend storing the wings with the load placed on the rear spar :o . My rack suspends the wings with the load placed on the front spare, just as they were hauled during transport. They are suspended from carpet straps at a outboard wing rib and tank area. I expect to have them stored for about six months, should this be a problem?

Next question: This 7 is one of the few built with a baggage door in the rear fuselage. I've been wondering about the method of attaching the door, as it's not discussed in the build manual.... Does anyone know or have seen one of these completed?

Still getting organized, and planning next steps..;)

[AirFox]

Tom Here is a picture that I found on akarmy's photo album with the door in the corner.
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/album.php?albumid=110&pictureid=1420

Hope this helps with your question.

[Tom T]

Airfox,
Thanks for the link, I'd missed that detail in Andy's album. Suspected the hinge was on the top or bottom...., now for some latch detail :cool:

[Tom Waid]

The issue about supporting the wing on the front spar is that it's not actually resting on the spar. It's sitting on the plastic leading edge. It may very well be strong enough. But, if it's not, it would be a mess to repair if it were distorted.

A photo of the leading edge being glued in place (http://tropicaltuba.com/Kitfox%20Project/images/202.jpg)

Good luck with your project!!

[Tom T]

Tom,
Thanks for the insight. I think I'll just modify my rack to take most of the load to the rear spars.

I also found information on a cargo door installation. Probably was provided my the McBeans... I'll put in my photo album a little later.

[Dorsal]

Tom,
Glad this plane found a good home, I look forward to seeing it completed (if only in pictures).

[Esser]

Holy Smokes! My kit came needing a little bit more assembly. Looking good though. Keep the pictures coming. I am interested in the cargo door.

[ken nougaret]

i'm interested in the cargo door as well. why was this not more popular? are there any cons to doing this, aside from more work? sorry this thread may be getting side tracked.
ken

[War Eagle]

I have pictures of the baggage door attachment on the very first Series 7a created by Skystar. The hinge was connected on the front side of the door and was locked shut by camlocks. See the first three pictures attached.

The last two pictures show my Series 7a where I connected the door via a hinge across the top of the door. It is locked shut by a keyed latch.

[Esser]

I guess with a regular fuselage you cant add the door? I wonder how much weight it adds.

[Tom T]

Thanks again to all for the feedback. I feel very luck to have this project....

War Eagle, I really appreciate the photo's. I had found some showing the top hinge method but think there is some merit to the forward opening option also.

Dorsal, thank for all your help during my visit to inspect the project!

Take care!

[Tom T]

Well, it's been a little over a month since the project arrived and I thought I should post an update.

First let me say that I decided to do a thorough inspection and check of the controls, rudder pedal assemblies, landing gear installation, etc. The main reason for this was due to the ease of access at the current phase of construction. Yea been going backward ;)

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=304&pictureid=3624

Inspecting, inspecting
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=304&pictureid=3625

Starting back together :)
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=304&pictureid=3629

New console and heater fitted
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=304&pictureid=3630

There are more pictures in my photo albums.

I've decided to add the parking brake; install the fuel return line firewall bulkhead penetration; then I think I'll be able to fill the brake system and wait for leaks while they're easy to access :rolleyes:

The electrical system design is almost done along with my panel layout, more later....

[Dave S]

Hi Tom,

Love that engine turned firewal!:cool:

Dave S
KF 7 Trigear
912ULS Warp Drive
(sorry....just a plain firewall:o)