It Flies!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?)