Update 11

Welcome to update 11.
I hope each of you had a great Christmas.



Last week, Santa brought N8419 a sheet of stainless steel. I turned it into some covers for the rudder and brake pedals.





I first had to assemble the finger brake, but I think they turned out pretty nicely.

Here's hoping for a safe New Year's celebration for everyone.

I'm finished posting for the year, I'll see you in 2009!

Update 10

This post brought to you by:

Snowblower!

Having managed to dig my way into the door, I thought I should post about last weeks activity.


As my faithful readers may recall, the brake master cylinder reinstallation was pretty much squared away, save the plumbing. Now the plumbing is finalized.


The spacers are on the way, and when installed, It will be time to bleed the brakes.

I made a pattern for enclosing the pedals and cylinders. Stainless steel is on the way, and will make for an attractive and functional enclosure.



In other areas, the oil tank standpipe fitting is now installed. (doesn't look any different, you say?)

You would be correct. It doesn't, but there's nothing quite like wrestling with 1" hose in a confined space... Does anyone have an ice pack?


I'll take this opportunity to wish all my loyal (and occasional) readers a Merry Christmas!

Update Number 9

This week's update brought to you across the windswept tundra of central Michigan.




last week saw the #1 oil tank mounting system get revamped to facilitate it not resting directly on the engine mount structure. It required some trial and error, as well as ingenuity, but then, what task hasn't ?





The primer lines were re-routed to the proper configuration and new flex line fabricated prior to installation of the exhaust system. The exhaust (surprise) required some fitting and massaging to make itself at home on the engine.




I discovered some fittings with a "Ford" look to them, and sure enough, after communicating with Bruce, my suspicions were confirmed.

They are the standpipes for the engine oil system. I was wondering why there were none... Now to install them. The #3 engine will be easy enough, but #1's oil tank outlet is guarded by a bunch of "snakes".




As far as installing the various oil, fuel and vent lines, some repairs have been necessary:

Yeah, that's not such a good looking hose/tube joint

That's much better

In other news, while I have been taking a break from the brakes, (not really. I've been noodling about them continuously, short of having nightmares about them) I now have a legitimate solution to the hose routing issues.

That's much nicer

And it moves well too boot!

I want to let you all know that I really appreciate all the kind words that I get about the progress on this fantastic project.

Update 8

Good morning Trimotor fans. Today we have for your review the following:


yes, the #1 engine is really starting to take shape. Quite honestly, it looks as though a large amount of progress has taken place, simply due to the addition of the oil tank and oil cooler. The truth is that those were relatively simple tasks, whereas hunting down enough wires




to make the engine run takes somewhat longer. Speaking of hunting wires down, the pilot's switch panel is all wired up and checked out.

Now back to the oil tank:


These spacers are larger than they should be, causing the oil tank to impinge on the aft portion of the nacelle structure. I'll have it fitting properly before the day is done, after which, I'll be on to the next task.

Update 7

Ok, so the time has come to hang accessories on the engines. Here's a pic of the progress:

Doesn't really look like much, does it? While changing the fittings over, replacing hose, fighting with installing adel clamps does soak up some time and effort, there really is a lot of stuff coming together there.

Not to worry, by the end of today the shiny yellow oil tank will rest in it's home.



In other news, the wiring continues in the cockpit area.



Looks like a bigger mess? Maybe, but I know where they go now. For the most-part, that is. And the prints will actually match the plane now, which will be great for the next soul to work N8419.

By the way, the #2 engine oil tank does fit...

No worries there, aside from the fittings. I'm confident that I can make them work though.

All in all, progress is , um progressing at the pace I thought. N8419 is right on schedule.