Chuffed to bits

 I am absolutely chuffed to bits. I posted a photo from my last entry on here, on the Cyclekarts GB page on Facebook, and so far had 891 likes (incl 86 LOVES and 20 WOWs). And even better, I got some very pleasing comments and praise from people I very much admire, like leading lights in the American scene, Steve Vinson, Dennis Thomas and Davis Dupaquier, and the prolific and very inspiring Kelly Wood. An especially exciting response came from Adrian Ward, who built that amazing replica of a Jappic!

Also very exciting is that I've heard from someone who has driven a Bédélia, knows someone who has one and says he will introduce us!

[numbers updated]

scuttle trim and fit

 

A bit of restful R&R in the workshop today,
after a late night finishing some writing for a meeting tomorrow.

Trimmed and fitted my top scuttle. It is getting there.

I wish that tank didn't look quite so much like a knob!
It is bound to get lots of comment.

The back of the scuttle will be trimmed to look just like the back of the rear one, then will be trimmed with beading for marginal safety, mainly against cut fingers (or necks!)

Kingcobra Commission

 Well, here's a turn up! The restorers of  a Kingcobra aeroplane in France have seen my blog and asked if I can wheel panels for their aeroplane! They are going to fly me over with my wheel anvils etc and put me up, wine and dine me and put me to work.

By SDASM Archives - King Cobra Bell P-63A 42-638871,
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38857790

Scuttle 3 - fitting the transition panel

 

Eyeing the arc to decide where to stretch it.

Yesterday this was a flat sheet of aluminium. Now it is arced in both directions.

Adjusting the panel (stretching different areas with the wheeling machine) until finally it fits the arc of the front transition panel.

Flat front (transition panel) fitted to scuttle (At times like this I wish I had some clecos) using dome-headed M5 bolts.

Trimming begins.

Scuttle, part two

 I was being optimistic if I thought I'd finish the scuttle in just a few hours! Have just locked up and it isn't finished yet. But I am very pleased with the progress, nonetheless. I have made a nose section for it, which will blend the tank into the scuttle.

Note the flat section between tank and scuttle, here.

Next time I will finish stretching the front, then trim, drill and rivet that transition section.

Front scuttle fabrication

 

This morning I started the front scuttle. This is the first ever wheeling I have done for a project.  Previously, I have only ever done exercises. I am pleased with progress so far. It should only take a few hours to finish the part.