Building the Safari in Maputo

[Mogas]

Nice job Mozfly!
Good to see you spent extra time on the joystick bushes, if reamed properly with a reamer there is no slop in the joystick. The problem with using a drill bit is that it leaves an hour-glass shape in the bush carrier, thats where the play originates.
The play problem becomes particularly apparent if you fit a trim tab to the elevator, the tab takes the load and the stick is free to flop around, very annoying!
Play in the ailerons normally comes from the blue nylon bearing block not fitted snugly against the weldments on the control column torque tube.
Now is the time to fit the cables for the elevator and rudder trim if you are going that route, it can be done but is much harder to do after covering.
Don't forget to put in an access panel to lube the white elevator push-pull bearing in the fuse when you cover. When it eventually needs a lube it is otherwise hard to get to.

[Mozfly]

Thanks Oupa-G!

Thanks for the useful advise Mogas. We took out time on the joysticks and all other brass bushes. Had great difficulties getting me hands on a reamer but manage to find a adjustable one! Where the tube bushes are welded on makes it challenging but got it right without sanding the bush. As mentioned we made sure that bushes fit smoothly snug. Controls feel as smooth as butter with no sideward/ upwards play where applicable. Good to know the reasoning of play when using trim.

The blue nylon bearings were a mil to small, we got it into the lathe and took off to accommodate the 38mm control tube. It now fits snug, not putting strain on bearing ends. One think I did which not sure is 100% Is... Where the bearing fits on the control tube we removed the paint and polished up the steel, very smooth. We remove the bit if paint so that its covered flush by the bearing and is not exposed. Should I leave it?

Trim tab, definitely! On to that at the moment. Nice thing on this fuselage is that there are 2 tabs welded in for trim adjustment bolts. I checked how KFA gas done it. We going to use M8 adjuster. Any advice?

The white elevator bearing you referring to, is that the one in the middle of the elevator rod to fuselage? Grease?I will definitely do the service holes, thanks for that. I also need to do others service holes but have got to seeing where yet.

Rudder cables are in, so basically all controls installed, finished luggage and 2nd box today. Done the ribs on the tail plane, epoxyed most of them already. Also finished the work on the landing legs for the Matco disc brake, brass bushes ect. Now to still to fit!

Thanks for the advice, please keep it coming.

Cheers, Gavin

[Mozfly]

Ribs epoxy'ed and varnished in place

[Mozfly]

Luggage compartment

[Mozfly]

Secondary compartment almost complete

[Mozfly]

Jumping ahead here with the tail light cable installed. Thoughts?

[Mogas]

Thanks Oupa-G!

Thanks for the useful advise Mogas. We took out time on the joysticks and all other brass bushes. Had great difficulties getting me hands on a reamer but manage to find a adjustable one! Where the tube bushes are welded on makes it challenging but got it right without sanding the bush. As mentioned we made sure that bushes fit smoothly snug. Controls feel as smooth as butter with no sideward/ upwards play where applicable. Good to know the reasoning of play when using trim.

The blue nylon bearings were a mil to small, we got it into the lathe and took off to accommodate the 38mm control tube. It now fits snug, not putting strain on bearing ends. One think I did which not sure is 100% Is... Where the bearing fits on the control tube we removed the paint and polished up the steel, very smooth. We remove the bit if paint so that its covered flush by the bearing and is not exposed. Should I leave it?
Yes, that's fine, I would lightly grease it as well, so leaving the metal bare is ok.

Trim tab, definitely! On to that at the moment. Nice thing on this fuselage is that there are 2 tabs welded in for trim adjustment bolts. I checked how KFA gas done it. We going to use M8 adjuster. Any advice? Fine

The white elevator bearing you referring to, is that the one in the middle of the elevator rod to fuselage? Grease?I will definitely do the service holes, thanks for that. I also need to do others service holes but have got to seeing where yet. Yes, thats the one, yes, some grease now and again, just a bit

Rudder cables are in, so basically all controls installed, finished luggage and 2nd box today. Done the ribs on the tail plane, epoxyed most of them already. Also finished the work on the landing legs for the Matco disc brake, brass bushes ect. Now to still to fit!

Thanks for the advice, please keep it coming.

Cheers, Gavin

If you come into SA as far as Nelspruit, pop in for a beverage, I am about as far as you on SN013, we can share ideas. Cheers, Rick oh8too 41ooo32

[Mozfly]

Matco disc installation

[Mozfly]

Luggage compartment

[Mozfly]

Done!

[Mozfly]

Landing legs dry fitted

[Mozfly]

Luggage compartment. Still thinking of what to cover with.

[Mozfly]

what should be completed or dry fitted prior to covering ?

[KFA]

The luggage box must be completed, the mixer installed, rudder cable, floorboards and controls in and trim system fittings under seat and rear must be installed. Also a good idea to have the strobe wire in.

[avgas]

Mozfly at this rate you will be flying in no time. Well done