Begin QB Wings "completion"

Nov 29, 2016

QB Wings (3 hrs)

Examining Wing instructions from beginning...while confirming completeness.   Helped to familiarize with how QB was built to this point, and clarify exactly what needs to be done.  Called Van's Tech Support with several questions.  Confirmed torque on AN3 bolts along main spar into ribs ....since these do not have torque seal by QB crew.  A-OK.

Wing tips were unpacked and checked too.

QB Wings and QB Fuselage inventory

Nov 16, 23, 25, 26, and 28 (12 hrs )

Inventory started Nov 16 ...1 hr only, then spread over several other days.  Finally done on Nov 28, including contacting Vans to send a few missing parts.  Also several key parts are on Backorder, but probably won't delay build of QB Wings.

Added 3rd storage rack...just enough.

QB Wings and QB Fuselage delivery !

Nov 15, 2016

Delivery (finally!) of QB Wings and QB Fuselage  ( 1 hr )

After nearly two months of delays, I finally received the QB Wings and QB Fuselage.  Yay ! Everything appears to be in good shape, too.   I've got many hours of inventory and reviewing instructions ahead.   Special thanks to my wife, Nancy and my R/C friend Tom Imhoff with assistance unloading the truck.

The QB wings are now in my garage shop, and the QB Fuselage is in my basement along with the Empennage Aft Fuselage.   I'll switch these after I complete the Wing final assembly.   It worked well to remove the sliding doors at my basement entrance....and the fuselage is now sitting right where our really old pool table used to be.   A few weeks ago, couple guys from Habitat for Humanity picked up the pool table as a donation.

Jim Marshall, delivery truck driver.   My right wing is still on the wall.

Nancy and Tom Imhoff.  

Wing cradle is borrowed from RV10 builder Terry Moushon.  Thanks Terry !

Joystick crossmember (white tube assly) is not drag free.  

Joystick crossmember (the white tube assembly in above pic) has considerable drag or friction when moved (pitch direction).   Scott at Van's builder support told me it should be virtually free rotating on bearings.   He believes assembler's didn't properly shim when installing.  Consequently I'll receive replacement nuts and set of shims so I can re-do.   Seems critical in order to achieve that great Van's "control feel".

Empennage

Oct  2, 2016

Wing Cradles

I borrowed Terry Moushon's Wing Cradles he used to build his RV 10.  Same wing for RV14a as RV10, only shorter...so I'm sure they'll work (10' long, so shorter than my wings).    I arranged to pick up in my SUV, but Terry decided best to use his pick-up to deliver them to me.   Opportunity to show him my build progress since he brought the Wing Cradles right to my shop.  Sweet !  Thanks Terry !

I'm waiting for delivery of my QB Wings, and QB Fuselage.   Delayed couple extra weeks since Tony Partain's truck was delayed with last delivery to 2 builders in S. Carolina due to hurricane.  

Sigh...  Appears now late Oct.

Shop Set Up

Sunday, Oct 9, 2016

1 Ton Lift  

I purchased and assembled from Harbor Freight a One Ton Lift, that easily folds up for storage.   I've seen in use by other builders on their published builder's log.   I didn't plan to buy until next year closer to when I'll need it for engine installation, but it was on super sale at only $99.   Since I'm waiting extra couple weeks for QB wings and fuselage delivery via Tony Partain Transport,  it seemed now was the time to set it up.   Works well !

 

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 0.5 hrs )

Re-mounted the Horiz Stab, Vertical Stab, Elevators, and Rudder (also Empennage Gap Covers) today to examine fitup...and to take some pics.   I'm considering some blending between Elevator Tips and HS Tips, as well as between Rudder and Vert Stab.   They're really good, but now that they're installed, I can see some variations between front to back.   Won't help plane fly any better, just cosmetic.   Maybe later during Finish Kit, etc.     I do plan to "smooth" between Horiz Stab Tip and HS Skin, but the initial fit is near perfect.    

Hooray !  Essentially done with Empennage Kit. (expecting QB Wings and QB Fuselage delivery in couple weeks)

From Jan 1, 2016...Empennage Kit "completed" Sept 2016.

A long way to go...but closer !

Empennage

Empennage Fairing  ( 2 hrs )

Monday, Sept 20

Sect 12-09 Completed Steps 1 & 2 to install Empennage Gap Covers - LH and RH.  This required using a 12" long #40 drill to reach from opposite side of VS to drill from inside outward.   Each Gap Cover needed slight grinding at few locations along upper edge to fit properly to bottom skins on Horiz Stab.  

Clecos installed as holes drilled from other side with 12" long drill bit.  Marked aft edge and trimmed to flush, too.

Van's supplies the Empennage Fairing (upper fiberglass piece) in Finish Kit...so I have to wait for Sect 12-10 to -13 to really complete this area.     So...I'm going to re-install Elevator and Rudder to check the tip fairing alignment with HS and VS.  Then disassembly and store.

Expecting QB Wings & QB Fuselage delivery by Tony Partain trucking in early October...a couple weeks !