RAF Tucano-R

In a earlier article I wrote on the selection of the paint scheme but however it is one thing to look a 2D render of the RAF scheme on the Shorts T1 Tucano but how would the arrangement transfer to a replica. The easiest way was to commission a scale model of the Tucano_R. and the results are shown below

The model scale is 1: 65 of the Tucano-R in the RAF scheme and it transferred well, in fact I think it looks slicker on the Tucano-R cowl but beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.

I have noticed that the panel cover has had the air vents bump deleted on the fixed gear version and this creates a cleaner line if what I think I see is correct.  Airframe assembly is expected to begin in late August. once the paperwork and tools are in place and all the duck's are lined up.

The Hangers End

With the building sagging 60 mm in the centre Mark and I lost another day with Maxi Shed sending measurements in a vain hope they would recognize the obvious design deficiencies. Without the boring details, the front of the building is a portal frame and the header is held level by the restraining moment in the connection between the roof beams and columns. 

To quote a line from the Australian classic movie The Castle - "Tell them they are dreaming". 

A quick site redesign of the building roof and using some of the material from the spare four [4] doors supplied we reinforced the roof by jacking the building back to where we left it then adding a lower chord at the front roof connection and trimmers to remove the unacceptable spring in the roof - another lost 4 days to Maxi Sheds.  

A weeks later I received an email from Maxi sheds stating the concrete was 35 mm to tight and it was all his fault but at least they wished us good luck - I was feeling the love.

Mick from AYR introduced me to a local builder willing to look at hanger construction and with another 62 hangers to be erected at the airpark it is a wise move for the locals to throw their hats into the ring. Damian meet me on site and after a quick talk was engaged to finish off the front doors and to flash the building. After a quick examination of the situation, we decided that to top hang was to invite more pain so the decision was made to install the bottom track. Eltrak were contacted and another $1100 was spent ordering track and wheels. The track fitted over the original bottom steel tacks that allowed the tracks to be fixed by lots and lots of self-drilling screws. The doors were easily modified to accept the roller assemblies and Mick rang to say that the doors were in and could be operated by a small child - woo hoo.

Finally, the site is at lockup and the last job for me is to paint the floors, obtain council approval to occupy. After that Mark and I will install the electrics and finally, I can begin the process of assembly of the aircraft in comfort.

So all good things come to an end and I can now retreat to bandage the wounds. A word from the now wise, shed erection is a spectator sport.

18 m x 15 m deep = 270 m sq

The start of the real story

Images Fuselage Kit

While the work to complete the hanger proceeds apace I have finished unpacking the parts shipped and packed inside the fuselage. I have taken a few photos to show the fuselage as is delivered. The photos reflect the quality of the assembly provided in the quick build kit. All the holes are matched  drilled and ready to be riveted as and when required

Some of the panels are fixed temporally and will be removed for final trimming and fixing after installing the necessary hardware in the fuselage

Starboard side Firewall and Rear Turtle Deck

Rear Elevator Deck

Cockpit looking to firewall and Rear 

Main Spar Box at rear and looking to Firewall

Looking to Fuselage Rear - Baggage compartment?

Looking to Rear of Fuselage - Note holes thru the side for flap mechanism

Unpacking Crate

The time had come to finish the unpacking and with the wind and rain gone and a nice sunny day at Rylstone and it seemed a good time,

Plan A: Unpacking solo. 
For this, you will need an impact drill, scrap timber and casters. 

The wing section is screwed to the crate roof and floor. Remove all the screws and brackets and rock the framework out of the crate by going from front to rear. Move the frame in small increments only. 

Once out to move the frame more freely I took the time to fit casters to the frame when done it was wheeled away to commence the removal of the loose parts and finally the fuselage.

Temporary bracing was fitted and ready to remove all the small parts.

The next job was the fuselage, begin by removing all the screws and angle brackets securing the fuselage into the crate. Once free install casters as shown - This allows the fuselage to be removed by rocking out as per the wing section. Note the bracing tieing the firewall and centre section supports. This was installed as I had concerns that in moving the aircraft the frame attached to the centre section could roll and do a LOT of damage. Not shown in the photo is a 50 x 25 tie across the sides of the blocks running from the firewall to the bracket shown.

CAUTION: This crate is a tonne in weight and I cannot lift the original side that gave access to the aircraft:

Once all the aircraft is moved to a safe zone its time to collapse the crate. Begin by removing all the screws on the opposite side wall to the opening. There are screws in the roof, sides and in the spreaders at the base - if in doubt push the drill bit into a hole and squeeze the trigger - the impact driver will find and remove with extreme prejudice. 

The next tasks should not be undertaken in the presence of children or small fluffy animals as it has some real dangers.

The knee braces on the other side will provide limited bracing for the next operation. Using a piece of 4 x2 long enough to be outside the crate begin to bash out the lower corner till the wall pops out. If it resists there are more screws but once all the screws are out it can be levered away easily. Do this slowly from both ends till gravity takes over - never work from the middle!

Next remove the knee braces and push from one end in a consistent direction until gravity takes over. Do not rock as you will lose control of the direction of collapse - and collapse it dose!

Fire up the circular saw, reduce to bite size peices and take a run to a tip.

Now was that fun...!

Plan B: Beer, pizza and invite a few mates over but you still need an impact drill

Please consider.....!.