December 9, 2006 - Attach Elevator to HS

We started out by rearranging things.  Lynnette, Lucy & Joe helped me reverse the fuselage so that the tail is in the middle of the basement.  Fun for the whole family!  Three of us were able to lift the fuse easily. 

I put the canopy on sawhorses in the workshop wing, but it is too big for that area.  I had wanted to cut on it a little but I need a bigger space to do it in so that's on hold for now. 
Now that the tail was in the clear, I wanted to start mounting the empennage.  First I just set the HS on the fuselage for the first time. 
The first real step was to fit the elevators to the HS.  I dusted off the HS and fitted the right elevator using some hinge tools I had bought long ago.  Right away I realized I had to drill out the hinges to #12.  I did that.  I put the right elevator on.  The hinge tools are extremely useful;  I can't imagine trying to fit AN-3 bolts in there every time you have to put on the elevators. 
 
The elevator fit fine but I need to trim the top and bottom skins a little so the counter-balance arm could swing freely.  You can see in this picture how the skin overlaps the elevator counterbalance arm. 
A good look at the hinge tools.  Love 'em!  Makes putting on the elevators a snap.  I can't remember what I paid for them but they are totally worth it!
The elevator skin after trimming.
Back on with the right elevator, which now swings freely.
Lynnette came down and offered some riveting time so we riveted bottom skin 2 of 4 for an hour.  The rivets came out well.  Couple of minor dings.  It’s slow-going but it’s just a matter of time; I know we can do it now. 
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