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.....!. 

Opening the Crate

Arrived at Rylstone on Wednesday 11th the to sort out the final issues with the building and to inspect the crate to see if all was well.

The aircraft arrived in perfect condition after it trips halfway around the world. The crating is first class and the aircraft looks even better. It will be a few weeks before it is unpacked as I want to have the doors fitted to the building first. It is hoped that the hanger will be approved by the council for use late this month with the solar power to be fitted after.

I would like to offer thanks to Rob Lonergan for his vision in creating the Rylstone Airpark for people like me and for recording this moment.  To Franco and the team of Flying Legend for developing the Tucano Replica and for the chance to build this aircraft and represent them in Australia.

Keep tuned for the launch of the Flying Legend Australian Web Site in a few weeks. See us at the SAAA September AusFly where the airframe will be on display for inspection.

The crate was recycled into a pig pen

Tucano's Arrival

The Tucano left Italy on the 15th of May, docked on the 21st of May and was delivered to OHL International on the 24th of May

MSC_BELLATRIX & TUCANO

Crate at the freight depot

The container was made available to OHL by customs after throwing piles of money at the government for taxes, port charges and other assorted ransom fees. 

The box weighs 1.5 tonnes and there is about 300 kg of aircraft in there so this is one solid box. A 6-meter tilt tray truck has been ordered and will pick up the crate on the 3rd of June and deliver it to Rylstone on the same day.

Is the hanger ready - NO. Why - well that's another Maxi Shed saga. 

This company has created more frustration and extras beyond one's worst nightmares but push on we will. 

Its nothing more money cannot fix in the long run.......!!!!!

Shipped

Just received notification from Franco at Flying Legend that the aircraft is packed and on its way to Australia - truly excellent.

Packing up a Tucano

The start of something big