Recently in Rudder Category
Notice that the VS forward ribs are riveted and also the rudder skin has not yet been closed nor leading edge bent to final shape.
The earlier kit skins were made of .016 skin that required some form of 'dampening' of vibration and also prevent minor cracking of the trailing edges.
I did not use proseal as it seems such a waste, however, I followed Van's advice and used a flexible automotive product.
I used solid -3 rivets, although the most extreme corners I hashed up and had to drill out to -4's. The result was good but ..... is it worth all the hassle?
Final closure begins of the rudder horn
Plans call for pop rivets though with careful planning, solid rivets can be used.
Today, was a massive paint job! 70 parts, large and small managed to get primed in no small part thanks to Jeremy the master sprayer. Its a messy and at times an uncomfortable experience. Pictures to follow shortly.
Match drilling the skin to the rudder skeleton using the Vans supplied jigs. It's easy to use the wrong jigs as five are supplied so care must be taken!
Began to rivet the rudder skeleton beginng with the rudder horn/brace. Scratches on the primer are easily made, these will be retouched during final assembly post the inspectors sign off.
This was an avoidable accident yet it happened and it was my inattention that caused it. I had previously located the male die pin through the skin and was ready to strike the C Frame assembly. I moved the upright skin very slightly to afford more access and without noticing that the lower skin had bent up very slightly and move off the 'pin'. I struck the hammer and just the sound said.... WTFW!? The hole was now ovate. I felt that everybody would say the same as me... What a fool. Vans suggested that I find a tin of Hole Begone, if unable to find any then forget about it and move on.
Re dimpled the original hole having used a flush die set first to remove the errant dimple. Van's suggest just to fill the hole after riveting. No harm done, I don't think so, but that's their advice.
