Some tasty new pics...

[geneb]

I finally had a chance to pull these off my camera last night...

Opening the canopy...

http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/sizing_gene-3.png

You just HAVE to wear a helmet? Use a lower seat. :D

http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/sizing_gene-1.png

'sup, dudes?

http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/sizing_gene-4.png

Rob, my official sanity checker:

http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/sizing_rob-1.png

Test fit of all the instrument panel components:

http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/instrument_panel_installed-1.png

http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/instrument_panel_installed-3.png

http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/instrument_panel_installed-4.png

The view behind the panel.
http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/misc/instrument_panel_installed-5.png

I will be providing the CAD files for the instrument panels so you guys can design the panel exactly how you want it. I may also offer a panel cutting service using 1/8" tempered hardboard.

The panel installation procedure is kind of odd. You need to put the forward panel support arch in place (not bolted down - you rest it against the forward face of the windscreen), then bend the panel a bit to get it into place, THEN you install the arch where it's supposed to go (5.50" ahead of the windscreen face) and then attach the panel to the arch and the upper portion of the left & right fuselage ribs.

Questions? Comments? Rotten tomatoes? :)

g.

[Tomlin]

No tomatoes from me- this looks really cool!

[geneb]

Thanks Eric. I'm hoping it won't be more than a week before I'm ready to start plotting plan sets.

g.

[Rodney]

What an imersion factor that is going to be when done. Some very fine craftsmanship. Although it looks very complex, you make it look easy.

[geneb]

Thanks Rodney. You'll be able to make one too. I designed it to be as simple to build as possible. The plan set will be somewhere south of $50.

The windscreen/canopy isn't even required. It's an option you can build if you've got access to a standard sized table saw. A table saw is required because there are a few 10 degree and many 23.5 degree angle cuts needed to build the windscreen and canopy.

For example, you need to use what is called a "tenon jig" to cut the angle required for the windscreen top cap:
http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/assembly/tenon_jig_for_windscreen_top.png
The plywood shows where the MDF part would go. When cutting, it's actually clamped to that little fixture behind it to allow you to safely cut the material without risking your fingers or having it fall into the space between the blade and the table surface while cutting it.

You can see how sharp the angle is in this image - I spaced and forgot to upload the picture that shows the top cap cut in detail.
http://www.geneb.org/pitkit/assembly/windscreen_assembly-5.png

g.

[Crescent]

Looks excellent....109 is it?

[geneb]

Yes, it the windscreen and canopy are patterned after the Me-109E4. This was chosen because I think the plane is really cool AND it's not that complex of a shape for someone with limited experience to build.

The length of the windscreen and canopy are actually exactly the same as the '109. The height and width are different however. The 109's canopy rails are only 22" apart and that's just a tad narrow for "normal" people. I think I adjusted them out to 26 or 27 inches. I don't recall off the top of my head right now.

g.

[Tony Hill]

Absolutley stunning...congrats on a great plan and some wonderful craftsmanship!



.

[geneb]

Thanks Tony. It's going to get better too. :)

g.

[AndyT]

What format will the plans be in?
VERY nice build... Very nice.

[fweinrebe]

Very nice shell !! Looks like I will be able to use this for my PC-9M.

[BHawthorne]

Yep, looks like it would do great with a T-6A or PC-9M build :)

[geneb]

Thanks guys.

The plans will be plotted full size on "kraft" paper, so you'll end up with a rolled sheet that's about 80" long (the cockpit is 73" long including the two 1/2" thick end caps).

The plans will have 3 copies each of the cockpit side ribs (2 different types) as well as the parts for the optional monitor deck, windscreen and canopy framing.

I'll also be offering an optional set of 1/4" thick templates that can either be used as a traceing tool, or as a bearing guide to allow you to cut the parts out with a 1/4" router bit. (there is a special 1/4" bit out there that's got a small roller bearing on the end that's 1/4" as well - this will be required if you're going to use a router - they're about $10. The instructions will include a link to a website where they're sold)

I'll also be giving out the CAD files for the instrument panel outlines so people can design the layout they want more easily. These will be offered in a number of different AutoCAD DWG formats as well as DXF.

One thing you should consider - you don't HAVE to build it according to the plans. Using the two rib types (one type for the cockpit area that has a flat to support a canopy rail and another "standard" rib), you can build pretty much any type you want. For instance, the "Jet Fighter" version of this uses the exact same sides as the current example, but the center core is wider and the forward turtle-deck and aft cockpit arch are wider at the base to accomodate this extra width. You could choose to build yourself something like a T6-II that has two cockpits inline just by building more rib sections and attaching them together. In fact, I'll be encouraging this kind of thing. The cockpit plan set is only a starting point - but it gets you over the hardest part - the shell itself.

g.