John's Build

[David47]

[QUOTE=rosslr;69092]I use old stockings to cover the fuel tank vents in case I leave them on - in that case the pressurising/venting function will still happen. I haven't left them on yet though!r[/QUOTE

Hadn't thought of stockings. My better half would be mortified if I snuck some of her stock...!!

Geowitz and John, Great idea. If mine look familiar to you when I finally post pictures of my finished build, don't be surprised.

[jrevens]

Could there be an issue with pressure building in the tanks from heat with the vents being closed off? Just wondering.

I had thought of that also, but it just so happens that mine don't make an air-tight seal. There is a tiny air flow path through the front where the flag attaches. I think that Josh is probably right also.

[jrevens]

OK, still trudging along... This is what my seat cushions look like. Oregon Aero, purchased in a wild-idea moment after sitting on some similar from them in another Kitfox. I don't think I even realized at the time, believe it or not, that Kitfox made such nice ones themselves.

[jrevens]

I've also just completed my modified turtledeck cover. I split the cover and installed a "living hinge" made of UV resistant PVC with a urethane web. Very wide temperature range and basically unlimited life & completely water-tight of course. I used S.S 4-40 truss head screws for attachment. It gives complete and easy access to the baggage compartment without having to remove the cover. The aluminum back-up angles also give the whole assembly better stiffness. Also used S.S. folding wing camlocks for the 3 rear ones. Another feature the design allowed is the installation of cover plates for the flapperon slots, made out of thinner pieces of Lexan. I'm sure that others have done mods similar to this also, but it was an original idea in my head before I'd ever seen any others.

[jrevens]

Just a few more pictures of the turtledeck cover... I'm happy with it!

[PapuaPilot]

That looks really nice John. I like your plexiglass seals on the turtle deck and the hinge idea.

[rosslr]

John, not only a beautiful job ( which we have al got used to with your build!) but the hinged boot( trunk?) is the most practical innovation I have seen for a while! For any of us who have loaded up to the limits on trips away, we will have probably all removed the turtle deck at one stage to load and unload. I am about to look at my own turtle deck and see if this is feasible - the only issue I can see as a problem is that I have already installed a piece of aluminium angle to stop the turtle deck vibrating - but I think I can work with this.

Thanks again for a great idea (perhaps they will incorporate this as standard design in the kits!?) and also for sharing your high standard build - now the time is getting close to launch this beautiful thing!

all the best John

ross

[Flybyjim]

Is the turtle deck made of acrylic or lexan? Your mod looks very well done and very useful if one needs to get it from the top a lot. How does this work when you need to fold the wings. I only helped one fellow with a model 4 fold his wings and I believe he needed to take the turtle deck off to accomplish the fold.

[David47]

I always look forward to your posts John as your build quality is excellent. The split turtledeck is a great idea, one I'll look into myself. That first flight must be getting real close now, although I assume weather may get in the way as you're in your winter right now. Congratulations on the great work you do.

[ken nougaret]

That is an awesome mod John. When i flew long distance i had to pull my turtle deck several times and besides being a somewhat pain in the butt, i never knew where to set it down for fear that i or someone else would step on it. Good job!