Update 15

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

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

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

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

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.