Cessna 180 Group Build

[Phugoid]

H

[MakMov]

Hi Guys,

Without a doubt these kits have a few problems, but you can't blame the kits for all of the problems that are being experienced. For instance you cannot blame the difference in the two fuselage sides for the banana fuselage per se, the two sides come from identical die cut sheets, cut with the same die on the same machine. They are - to all intents and purposes the same. You could blame the stiffness of the balsa, but the sheets look to be a similar density (thus stiffness) to me but I wouldn't know exactly without being there so you might be able to comment on that.

Andrew

You would think they are cut from the same die and maybe they are; however, it doesn't explain the radically different parts that I have encountered in not just this kit but throughout the Guillows die cut kits.

I think what happens is a variying density of wood and a hard piece of wood bends or distorts the razors. It only takes once and the tool is junk. Once a tool has been twanged I think it follows the grain of the wood exemplifying this distortion. I have had two parts that should have been cut from the same tool drastically different for some reason.

I have some strange wood too, really light on one end and very hard and dense on the other end of a sheet.

[MakMov]

Hi Tom,

Don't worry about the dihedral at this stage if you missed it, you can put a couple of shims in between the bottom of the root rib and the fuselage when the wing is fitted, if done carefully it will be strong and get the desired effect, without really being seen.....

The dihedral is required for stability, so don't just build it with flat wings....

Andrew

I did at least build in the dihedral

[Phugoid]

Y

[BassettsAllSorts]

Damn the dihedral!

Andrew that is noted and I will certainly do that. On the mustang the dihedral was included on the plans so it was easy.

Can you spot the novice???

Tom

[granpa]

What is the length of 3/16 rubber I will need? I think I tossed the red stuff. Thanks .....Dennis

[Phugoid]

H

[cutter]

I am curious to see everyone's completed (bare bones) fuselage weights. Mine is is not done yet, still need to put the stringers on.
Thanks Adam

[MakMov]

The tail is about 2mm off to make the rest of it square. It took redoing it and redoing part of it twice, but it's pretty square now. There is a slight bow about 3/4 of the way down the fuse but not much I can do about that. Believe me I tried - without just starting over.

That is kind of what this exercise is all about. Everytime I build I new one I learn of another pitfall to beware of on the next one.

My fuse is just under 7g (6.98g) before sanding.

[StefanJ]

What did you use to glue the cowl to the fuselage bulkhead?

Mine is currently pinned on. I'm hiding the trim clay behind it.

[MakMov]

just temp held there with some repositionable stick glue.

[Phugoid]

T

[MakMov]

Yes torsionally. I figured it was normal, but it has a lot more torsional flex than anything I built yet.

I guess it's not that bad, just not as good as I was expecting it to be. And certianlly not as good as it could have been.

Luckly the other wing panel turned out just as jacked up at least they are the same There are notches that you could have put almost 4 spars in.

It very fragile in this state. I was lightly sanding the wing root and split the first rib. The rib wood is very light and almost crumbles away if you get too agressive with it.

I might get my stabs done tonight and the frame will be basically ready for final fit and finish sanding.

[Phugoid]

H

[wingnut]

I haven't started yet...

Life has a funny habit of getting in the way like that. BUT I have been able to get a couple evenings to work on my last project, and I decided to finish that before starting the 180. So I'll start soon, pics to follow.

You are doing a fantastic service Andrew. I wouldn't call myself a "beginner" builder, but I certainly have a lot to learn, and not only are you a very skilled builder, you have a great gift for writing up the "tutorial". Thank you for your work here.

Plus props for being a fellow engineer