N8419

It Flies!

2009-08-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yep, believe it or not, it really flies. Quite boring for a mechanic actually, only a couple little items to take care of. I'm sorry that the project is over, yet thankful and blessed to be a part of something so fantastic. I offer a hearty Thank You to every single person who offered a word of encouragement. The list would be so long as to absorb google's bandwidth, so I'll just say that you know who you are.

Take care of the old sweetheart. She's a beauty.

I leave you with this video of the first flight of N8419 in about 7 years:

Update 31

2009-07-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Heck, a few more updates and this blog will be almost as old as I am!

I know that I've been neglecting my faithful readers, so here's something to keep you hangin' on:

What more could we need? Gas? Nicer Weather? Pilots? Runway in front of us? Altitude above us?

I've been busy on more than just assembling this beauty of late, but have not forgotten her...

Hang in there with me, won't you?

Update 30 1/2

2009-06-09T15:11:00.001-07:00

Here is some additional Trimotor imagery for your viewing pleasure:

Some results of the interior decorating being accomplished here in Alma

Seating accommodations for the "Cabin People"

It's time for a weigh in...

as you may guess, we're almost there...

many little items remain, of course. We'll see just how "little" they are as they are tackled, one by one.

Update 30

2009-06-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

The latest pics of our favorite 3 motored airplane:

Ready to emerge...

This will be the first time N8419 passes through the hangar doors while sporting it's wings.

I hope my measurements are close enough...

yep, guess they were...
looks ready for passengers.

(it isn't) yet ;-)

Update 29

2009-05-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for the lack of updates. As you can see, I've been up to some things here in Alma:

"If you love me, give me wings"
OK, now that was corny. I'll stop now, I promise...

The most common question is: "Will it fit through the door?"
My answer:

Does anyone have a sawzall?
For the door, of course.... *rolleyes*

Update 28

2009-05-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Update Twenty-eight brought to you by:

Avgas!

Runs well. I've already fixed the few little items that were discovered on the runup. Couple of large items to go, then lots and lots of little items. Lots of 'em. Did I mention Lots?

update 27

2009-04-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to update number Twenty-Seven.

more pics for your perusal:
Found this the other day:
I'll blow it apart the rest of the way to see why the hardware is all loose...
Installed the comm antennas...

Only a little more wire left to install:

Not sure how to fit it all in here though...

Again, Kidding you!

See you next week. Same Trimotor Channel

Update 26

2009-04-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Can't wait till the updates get to the triple digits!

(kidding)

Some eye candy for you Trimotor aficionados on the 'net:

Look any different? Well, it is. More wires. Wires. I see wires in my sleep...

I didn't even know they had wires in 1929!

The #2 (a.k.a. "center") engine is getting heavier.

(means we are adding accessories to it) ;-)

I have (I hope) the sub panels, switch panel and circuit breaker panel all wired up
We'll be seeing how well it works later. You guys know that wires work on the same principle as internal combustion engines, right? If the smoke comes out of either, they stop working... Gotta keep the smoke inside!

The last of the fuel tanks is in, thanks to Mike
I'll install the head smasher (fuel pump) when my head isn't in and out of that space so much.

Update 25

2009-04-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Winter Trimotor Paradise, friends...

Having unhitched my trusty sled dogs, I have uploaded a bevy of images with which you can entertain yourselves on a snowy spring day.

here's what the inside of the fuel tank boost pump flange looks like when the sealant hasn't set up after many years...
Yuck! I had to clean all that mess off! (Not my favorite job, if you hadn't guessed...)

At least this peeling sealant was set up, and easier to clean off and reseal:
by "easier", I don't mean "easy" in case you were wondering...

Here's what the inside of the wing looks like when it's ready to have the tanks installed:

Here's what it looks like when the tanks ARE installed!

and lastly, here's a shot of the boost pump through the wing lower access panel:

Anybody know of a good place to get some gas?

Update 24

2009-03-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning Trimotor friends.

Here are the latest images of the Ford:

The wiring in the wing as seen some attention after all these weeks:
If the first thought that comes to mind is "that doesn't look like much..."
Good! It should look like a nice neat bundle, rather than the large tangled mess that it was.

Those bundles don't stay neat voluntarily by the way...
It takes a few brackets to keep them in line!

Back outside the airplane,

The props are on... now I can't hang my coat on the crankshaft...

Of course, what with spring being here and all, I won't need a coat any longer...
*ahem* or my windshield scraper...

Update 23

2009-03-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

Big news this week
Firstly, Spring is finally here!

The other Big News is bigger...

as in 900 lbs. big

as in 9 cylinders big

yes, 8419 is now officially a Tri Motor

A big thanks to Mark and Alma Products for the loan of the forklift crane attachment!

The #3 engine looks like most pilots like it to look:

All cowled up

work in the wing continues, as well as work on the fuel tanks...

These are the sumps where the fuel boost pumps live.

that old, flaky sealant had to go, and new sealant squished in place. not an enviable job, I'll tell you.

Update 22

2009-03-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

The latest and greatest pics of Trimotory goodness:

The EGT and CHT wires for the #1 and #3 engines have now been routed.

Installing brackets in the wing is such fun. If only I were little again...
Climbing in and out of the wings IS good exercise though.

I've located and installed the fuel sump drains

Stay tuned for more excitement next week:

Update #21

2009-03-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Trimotor fans.

speaking of Trimotor "Fans", Look what showed up at the hangar last week:

Don't get anxious now, there's still work to be done ;-)

The focus is now on filling the wings with stuff. Mostly wires and adel clamps and hoses.
I feel that I have been neglecting the wings in the effort to get an engine completely done.

Engine gauge lines with bracket

Fuel tank vent lines are now sweet:

Outside

Inside

These are the removable cross braces for between the fuel tanks. They now fit really nice.

I think they missed me... (that sentiment isn't a two way street btw. It's a literal pain to get in and out of the wings)

Update 20

2009-03-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Good morning, Trimotor followers

Last week the #1 engine was finished. That is to say there really isn't anything else left on the shelf that I can install on it...

I did have to do some repairs, mostly it was wiring this past week.

From this

To this

Sadly, I had to break out my reading glasses to see well enough to solder... Crazy, eh?
Must be the air up here in Alma I guess...

I can't ops check anything just yet, as the wires in the fuselage are waiting for my attention.

Bruce has been going great guns on the #3 engine and has been a great help.

It's really getting close now...
(can you feel it?)

Update 19

2009-02-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Trimotor fans...

Here are the pics from last week:

The Carb air scoops provided some entertainment to fit them to the air box...

Along with the other end of the induction system, lets hear it for the Blast Tubes!
(lol, sounds like a rock band, no?)

The OAT gauge came in and is now plugging the hole in the cockpit hatch. That ought to keep the rain out!

Bruce made some great progress on the buildup of the #3 engine

The Stab trim system is now installed and working.

Update #18

2009-02-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Trimotor Fans.

last week I mostly worked on de-coding the propeller control system rigging. It wasn't easy, but It's now completed for the #1 engine.

The other engines will simply (heh, did I say "simply"?) be copies of the controls of the #1 engine.

It was necessary to open up the pedestal in order to rig the controls, which was OK, because I was able to clean it all up in there as well as lube it. Seems like everything takes longer than it appears at a glance, but then, I'm fairly used to that sort of thing.

I had Bruce up here last week, and what a help he is. He is building up the #3 engine, which, of course is a little different than the #1 engine in some aspects.

He'll be up here 2 days/week until he gets taken away for more pressing issues.

Update 17

2009-02-10T04:53:00.000-08:00

Last week was a busy one, with adding yet more parts to the #1 engine. I sorted out which carburetor airbox went to which engine (via trying them out...)

I still need to rig the prop governor, which turns out to be kind of "special".

I installed the fuel strainer and primer pump on the nacelle support structure. It's really starting to take shape now.

I installed the Carb Temp Sensors in all the carburetors.

Last (and probably least), I paneled up the #1 nacelle.

Some of the panels will need some work to make them fit better, which is why I thought I should try them out now, rather than later...

100 visitors!

2009-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hey, just thought I would post that this blog has now been visited by 100 different visitors!

Update 16

2009-02-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Last week saw the hatch put to bed, so to speak.

I painted all the parts up real pretty.

and installed them.

After testing it a lot (a whole lot) of times, and fiddling with the adjustments, finally I was satisfied that the functioning was repeatable and positive.

It's now on for good.

I even cleaned and waxed the windows. (there was some pretty old masking tape on them)

I started working on the Stabilizer trim system.

This is the forward segment of the Stab Trim Driveshaft.

Update 15

2009-01-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

That's alotta updates!

Last week, I assembled the various pieces/parts to secure the hatch to the cockpit.

The cable and sleeves arrived and I'm carefully squeezing the cables together. There is no provision for adjustment, so I need to get it right the first time. (or at least the second time...)

I'm not sure what the reasoning was behind not using turnbuckles, but it sure looks nice and clutter free like this.

In other areas, I routed a bunch of teleflex cables for the engine controls. This was a real safari.

Turns out, I really should know better than to think I can simply believe the labels that were carefully attached to the various parts. I also should ignore the hardware that was installed presumably in the same holes from which it was previously removed...

Once I was able to dispatch such things from my mind, the pile of parts sort of assemble themselves.

Frankly, the fact that all the brackets for the hatch were labeled "R" , in theory, meaning "Right side" and that none were labeled "L" for left should have been an omen to me.

The big news for the coming week is the arrival of "2 carloads" of Trimotor rebuilders from Port Clinton, OH. I'll be hosting them on Saturday for a tour of N8419. I hope this meeting to be a spark plug for both airplanes, igniting renewed vigor and fresh perspective to each project.

Update 14

2009-01-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

Good Monday Morning, Trimotor fans!

I hope everybody received some good exercise while shoveling snow over the weekend. I know I did. (my apologies to readers from warmer climes who do not have the privilege of participating in such enjoyment).

As you may recall from the previous post, I found a real challenge in the Emergency Hatch. You'll be happy to read (and see) that the challenge has for the most part passed.

The hatch fits the cockpit structure quite well now, and I have made what parts were missing by copying the parts that were not missing.

Amazing what you can do with simple hand tools (and time)
Hand tools may be our friends, but time is not.

I have ordered the cable and nicopress sleeves necessary to complete the release mechanism, and it should be here this week sometime.

Now for the next challenge, whatever that may be...

Update 13

2009-01-12T05:37:00.000-08:00

Good morning Trimotor fans. I hope you had a productive and restful weekend.

Last week, some amount of time was spent seeking the next biggest stumbling block to the timely completion of the project.

Whattayaknow, I found it:

That's right, the emergency hatch fits not-so-good.

It also has no attachment type fittings installed, nor any holes for, well, anything.

There is a box of fittings, links, handles, etc. that obviously goes with the hatch:

I couldn't help but laugh at the text on the box. Heh, did the writer intend to say that there is no way that these bits will function? Perhaps they meant that they didn't begin assembling the bits?
Time will tell.

It does have some rivets in a pattern similar to the fittings, and I'll use the "puzzle" method to get it together.

So far, the above bracketry is, unfortunately, the brightest aspect of this task.

the light coming through the cracks is the darkest aspect.
heh, poetic, eh?

Not to worry, as there is a plan. I'll be sure and keep this blog's readers updated as the plan is adapted.

Update 12

2009-01-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome, readers to update number 12.

I hope everyone out there had a happy and safe new year. The days are getting longer, and the project is progressing.

Last week was engine indicating line week. In particular, routing the lines that go from the lower portion of the #2 firewall,

over the rudder pedal enclosure,

to the upper portion, which is the instrument "enclosure".

Turns out, when you have 3 engines, there are a passel of indicators, and low and behold, a #3 line for each one. Naturally, there are quite a few Adel clamps used to secure said lines. Anyone that has had the pleasure of finagling a clamp into a place where it didn't really "want" to go can appreciate the installation of 62 of those little gems on this short section of lines.

Update 11

2008-12-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T06:35:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-15T08:04:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Update 6

2008-11-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

This week I have some exciting things for you to see.

Yes, N8419 now has engines!

Two of them to be exact.
The #2 or "center" engine will be installed after the firewall is finished, as well as a bunch of plumbing.

Also, I'll find out if the oil tank will fit through the engine mount, or if I need to remove the mount, install the oil tank, and install the mount. Anybody??

In other, less fantastic news (to many) the wiring jungle is slowly being turned into pasture...

When it's done it should look more like a putting green (to continue the vegetation analogy)
One day, an old gentleman stopped by to reminisce about old airplanes, and asked me with concern in his voice, "how do you know where it all goes?" He also mentioned, astonished, that "that mess looks like the inside of my TV!"
I take it he doesn't have a Solid State Television...

Also the engines are seeing stuff happening around them.

The various lines are finding their way back to the places in which they lived so long ago...
after a serious scrubbing, naturally!
Hoses and tubing and accessories, oh my!

Update 5

2008-11-17T06:11:00.000-08:00

Last week found the Fuel Line supports finished and installed.

I've been torquing and marking the fuel line fittings as much as I can. (some will need to come back out to facilitate the installation of the fuel tanks)

I'm also replacing much of the flexible lines in the fuel system. More hose coming soon.

Engine fire seals were repaired in anticipation of engine installation.

And finally, certainly not least in the task list,

Wiring!

What fun! (The next guy to work on this will thank me...)

Update #4

2008-11-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Trimotor fans. This post is brought to you by:

Coffee!

Last week saw the Dishpan repairs come to an end. Finally.

There is some amount of work that will be required to be done to the fire seals, as they have been cutting through the engine mount bolts. More on that later.

Andrew and Hazel finished robbing the old brackets from the spars last week, and the spars are gone back to the land of old spars as of this morning.

The brackets than can be used are being installed in the wing. There are still brackets needing fabrication, due to differences in the spar design, and that is occurring as well.

Until next time, happy flying!

Update 3

2008-11-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hello, Trimotor fans
Last week I ordered the engine mount bolts, and they are in as of this morning. I am repairing the dishpans in order to prepare for engine installation.

Mike was kind enough (and strong enough) to fetch the old spars so that I could rob the various brackets in order to save some time making new ones.

Some will need to be made new, both because the new spars are a little different than the old, and because It makes no sense to drill out #8 rivets simply to install a bracket for a vacuum line. It's much easier to retrofit a simple bracket in some cases.

I understand that radios for this bird are on their way here, after stopping off at the avionics shop for a check. A plan will be hatched for what to install where after they get here.

My son Andrew is removing the brackets from the old spars, and fitting them to the the spars in the wing.

Progress update 2

2008-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

10/20/08

Over my weekend, I welded the #2 and #3 oil tanks. They have been sent out for painting.

Also, I will be installing the pilot's right master cylinder, so that the design may be checked under closer to real circumstances (you can step on both pedals at once).

Now to tackle the challenge of routing flex lines for the master cylinders.

The easy solution lies in using a swivel joint where the flex line terminates at the firewall. Finding a suitable swivel is the next task.

Renee asked about the landing gear bolts. She talked to Bruce who said that any of the bolts that weren't safetied were not the "new" bolts. I checked, and found some "new" bolts w/o castellated nuts, which obviously, were not safetied. They appeared to be new bolts, so I found some nuts and washers, and put them on, but not torqued or safetied yet. I found two locations (one on each side of the aircraft) that require bolts that are not in stock up here. They are NAS464P8-38 bolts, and I will call the hardware guy who Renee uses in order to procure.

We also talked about engine mount bolts. She found records that detailed the installation of the engines showing the p/n's for the mounting hardware. I'll order these as well.

10/21/08

I worked up in the wing center section for a while. I removed the Center Tank Fuel Valve, hooked up the actuator tube, then reinstalled the valve. I checked out the function and rigging of the 3 fuel valves in the center section by running shop air through them while selecting the valves and checking to see where the air exited.

I did some clamping and routing, as well as pic labeling. Compared pics to present state, and am developing a list of what brackets, lines and wires need installation (and need to be found)

I also fabricated some brackets for the fuel lines in the forward lower access on the rear of the front spar using pictures of the previous brackets as a guide.

10/22/2008

worked in the cabin and wing center section routing and clamping fuel and sense lines. replaced bad and installed new nutplates.

10/23/2008

worked in the wing center section, routing fuel lines and vacuum lines. Had to reposition fuel line for #1 engine due to interference w/ the removable cross brace in the wing. Routed the lines all the way to the engine and clamped. Routed indication lines. Brackets will have to be fabricated for the fuel line bulkhead fitting, and incorporate a bracket for the vacuum line in the same area. In addition, the forward cross brace on the left side has problems with the hole locations. the upper holes are mis-drilled. (there is a pilot hole in the correct position, but for whatever reason, the 5/16 hole isn't. Will have to remove and fabricate the end plates at the upper end of the brace, and drill in position. see below:

Progress update 1

2008-10-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

here's a little blurb about the progress and status of N8419
Starting the week of 10/6/08, I un-boxed everything I could find that was here in regard to the Tri Motor. I itemized the rotable parts, creating a component p/n and s/n list. the expendable parts were noted and all parts placed on designated shelves.
I did some work up in the wing center section, clamping lines, rerouting teleflex cables and wire. I also surveyed the center section in regard to what it is now, vs. what the pictures taken of it look like. There are differences, naturally. The most notable is a lack of the various brackets and supports for solid and flex lines and wiring. It would be fantastic to find them all on the "old" wing section. Not all could be reused, due to changes in the structural design, but it would be a start. Pending the location of the brackets, I moved on to another challenge.
Starting the week of 10/13/08 Brakes:
The brake master cylinders are an interesting project to say the least. I was able to assemble from the parts provided, the system that is approved per the aircraft records from 1991. It seemed that someone was fiddling with them, but I intend to put them back to the approved configuration.

I am recording each step with notes and pictures, so as to create a lasting record for the N8419.

Best Regards,
Your Trimotor assembler...

Introduction to my Trimotor blog

2008-10-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome, aviation enthusiasts! I'll be working on a Ford/Stout Trimotor 5AT-C this winter. I'll have it flyable by April of next year (2009). You can experience the fun vicariously through this blog interface. Comments are encouraged, but will be moderated. I'll post at least once a week.