RV-7A construction begins

[Flyfalcons]

So here it is, the beginning of what's going to be a long, expensive journey. When it's done it should resemble an RV-7A, at least that's the goal! http://www.shutupandfly.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif I'm in the process of reorganizing my garage to have a larger work table on wheels instead of the smaller table fixed against the wall, but I couldn't help getting started working on a few parts until then. What you're seeing here is the rear spar of the horizontal stab taking shape. This is my first time working with sheet metal, aside from a small practice kit, so the learning curve is pretty steep right now. Anyway, this should keep me busy for a while. http://www.shutupandfly.com/forums/images/smilies/cool.gif Here are a few pics I have so far, including the arrival of the manual and plans, the GF and me getting demo rides in the Van's demonstrater, and some work pics. I'll be sure to post some progress updates every now and then!

[jongurley]

Cool deal, my buddy Daryll Ham from Goldsboro, NC built a nice nice Rv7,, took him 3 years,, I will post some pics in the next day or two, but it is beautiful,, and it will haul butt to,, he has a 0-360 lycoming in it,, he went with the tail drag,, are you going with the trigear or tail drag version,

[Judge]

Touch base with Darwin Barrie. He has built one already and is in the process of building a second one. Lives in the Phoenix area. He can also give you lots of good advice on various web forums and RV user groups. Long time modeler and flies med evac helis for a living. Got his RV check out time up in your neck of the woods too. Here's a photo of his, looks like a big pattern plane!!

I'll PM you his email

And yes, that IS a Team Futaba hat he is wearing!!!

[jongurley]

Here is Darryl's,, I could get you his email or phone if you want it,, he is a great guy, and has one of the most beautiful RV's ,,

[danielph]

Awesome! I've been to the RV factory, and have flown the 4, and 6, and they are awesome aircraft!

[Larry Lewis]

You'll enjoy it buddy1
I spent 4 years helping my buddy build his RV-8. What a beautiful airplane. He's building a second RV-8 now, with the fast back turtle deck.

[N726AC]

Wow! Not going the quick build route ??? My HERO !

[A-Track]

Subscribed. Very curious to watch the progress of this, always liked these planes and would like to build one someday.

[rnav]

I have been looking at them at Barnstormers.com. How wide is that cockpit? is it wider that a Cessna 152? I'll be watching the thread.
Thanks for the show.

[M64]

Hey all,

I did workshadow at a company here in cape town south africa, who builds the vans kits for customers. may get a job there during the next school holidays. these kits are amazing and the RV-7 is a brilliant plane to fly - its fairly quick too!

Subscribed!

[hpapilot]

Awesome Ryan! When you get it all done, you gonna bring it back to NC so we can check it out??

RJ

[RV-8]

Awesome

I started my RV 8 about eight years ago, it took four and a half years to build. I stoped moddeling during that time as there was not enough money or time for both. I did two hundred hours in my RV during the first two years, that should let you know just how much fun they are.

Good luck you will enjoy the build

[Judge]

When you get ready for the tailwheel, take a look at this. My buddy Darwin and Jason Krause (Heli master!) are doing this:

http://www.jdair.com/

Big time upgrade and I think Van's is going to link to it from their site as well

[ITSME]

Hey Ryan, looks like you got your work cut out for you, should be quite the adventure your taking on, cant wait to start to see the build pics!

[GMoney]

Take a ton of pics. This is going to be a great project. "Subscribed" I was looking at the RV-4 kit before losing my job early this year. Good Luck

Thanks
G$

[teookie]

COOL. I myself just ordered RV-7 preview plans.

Why did you go with the "A" model?

Have fun!! Look forward to seeing your updates.

[sweetpea]

I hope you get it done in time for you to give me a flight.

[Flyfalcons]

I have been looking at them at Barnstormers.com. How wide is that cockpit? is it wider that a Cessna 152? I'll be watching the thread.
Thanks for the show.

43", or five inches wider than a 152 at the shoulders. I flew with a pretty big demo pilot and we both fit comfortably in the plane.

[Flyfalcons]

COOL. I myself just ordered RV-7 preview plans.

Why did you go with the "A" model?

Have fun!! Look forward to seeing your updates.

Lower insurance premiums and I'd like to be able to see where I'm going on the ground. The last thing I need is some sort of runway incursion at a busy airport because the nose was blocking my view. The wider cowl of the -7 sounded like it would be a pain to see where I'm going. The narrow cowl of the -4 or -8 would be much easier to deal with. Not that I'm that excited about the nosewheel, as it seems a good number of -6s and -7s with nosewheels have ended up on their back after the nose gear broke. Hopefully that was just a case of poor pilot technique that contributed to those incidents.

[jongurley]

If I am not mistaken they have made a recall/mod that is suppose to fix the nose gear collapse problem,

[Flyfalcons]

They do have a mod out but it still happens on occasion.

[HuckinChikn]

Totally awesome, subscribed!

[JohnVH]

just seen this thread, didnt realize you started on it already, subscribed!

[pitviper51]

very cool, I always liked the looks of the 4 and 8 for the bubble canopy, there is a 7 based off the tiny grass airpark just up the road from my house, best of luck!
mike

[lowwpass]

My dad and I spent 4 years building our RV7A. It was originally powered by a subaru 4cyl engine but the last flight of that enigne was on its 1yr anaversery. Had 247.3 hrs on it in exactly 1 yr. We had found a deal on a Mattituck io360 and bought it. Just had to many things to be reliable with the subaru. Now almost to the two year mark it has over 360hrs. Lots of fun. We went with the tricicle because we land on many very narrow runways and is easier to keep streight in a crosswind. Most of the nose gear failures happen on a grass runway where the pilot let the nose gear drop a little hard and it hit a pothole and folded. The mod just raises the nut on the nosegear a few inches. Happy building.

[vwchad]

Ryan,
My dad built an RV-4 when I was a kid. He flew it for 12 or 13 years before selling it. He kept it at Arlington and flew formation and aerobatics with the Blackjack Squadron all the time (maybe you've heard of them ?). I even did the overhaul on the engine while I was in A&P school. We had lots of fun with that plane. RV's are awsome! Have fun!

[JohnVH]

the blackjacks are still flying around here.

[vwchad]

the blackjacks are still flying around here.

Oh, yeah. There are quite a few of them around these days. My dad still hangs out with them regularly. Sometimes they toss him the keys to one of thier planes, just so he can stay current. He doesn't do much formation flying with them these days though. I sure do miss that. You think RC huckin' is fun? You should try flying close formation aerobatics or a friendly dogfight pulling some G's! That was my childhood! :200:

[JohnVH]

Ive flown aerobatics and some formation (even as a passenger in a T6), its neat, but watching from the ground is boring though.

[vwchad]

Ive flown aerobatics and some formation (even as a passenger in a T6), its neat, but watching from the ground is boring though.

Oh, I agree. Watching definately is boring if you've flown along. I spent much of my childhood in the back seat of RV-4s; my dad's and other Blackjacks. We even took it to Oshkosh when I was 14. (Que the cheesy memory flashback scene and corny music) :200:

[BingWing]

Very nice mate ! Your going to love the way they fly - Here is our RV-8 thats got a full glass ( IFR ) panel and autopilot. Its a real blast ! Good aerobatic plane too.

I am building a 25% scale version of her now. ( well its a GP ARF actually ) :198:

Good luck with the build !

Oh and Btw, Yes, there wing bags i`m holding as I flew down the coast to pick up a Sebart Katana 30 that was for sale. The owner was kinda supprised when i said " just met me at the airport mate "

[A-Track]

I'm sure this is a ways down the road but when you get to the point of running wires and other electronical things if you have any questions let me know. Used to be an Avionics installer / tech, may or may not be able to help kinda depends on how rusty my brain is.

[Edge 540]

Speaking of home builts -I've got the rib set to a bearhawk that someboady gave me. Maybe I should start building too! :)

[toc pilot]

I have a 'tail kit' for a RV-7 that I bought. I hope to also have an RV-7 with a sliding canopy and 180hp CS prop combo!

Bill Hempel

[pitviper51]

I have a 'tail kit' for a RV-7 that I bought. I hope to also have an RV-7 with a sliding canopy and 180hp CS prop combo!

Bill Hempel


when you going to RC one?? the RV is dang near the size of some of your models :198: I couldnt help it.. 50cc rv8 would be sweet.. or you can do a 60%er:198:
mike

[3Dguy]

Sub'd

[BingWing]

SOLD BIll !! Tell you what, if you scale it on my full size I will even take you flying ! No 3D sorry ! and you will need to come down to dingo baby eating crok land....beer is super cold....girls are super hot !

[astrohog]

Is it done yet?? :210:

Astro

[Flyfalcons]

Here are a few pictures of what I have done so far. Although the vertical fin is a very simple structure, it's taking me a bit of time to get through, as all of the processes are brand new to me and I am taking my time to make sure I'm doing it right. I'm pretty lazy, so to avoid doing everything twice I'm putting in the effort to do it right once. Doesn't mean I won't make mistakes; I'm just hoping to minimize the mistakes I do make. As of now all of the parts have been match-drilled, deburred, and dimpled. When I get home from my trip I'll be cleaning the parts and priming the skeleton parts and internal rivet lines on the skin with some self-etching primer. It's cold outside so I'll be needing to build a small paint booth in my garage to hang the parts in and shoot the primer. After that the fin will be riveted together and set aside as I move on to the next part. Also shown is the organizing bins I'm using for the different hardware parts - should make them easy to find later when I need them.

I do have to say that this newer, prepunched kit has made putting the parts together nearly brainless. Much respect to those who build their RVs by jigging and measuring everything before drilling any holes.

[sweetpea]

If you are building this in your garage, where/how will you get it to the airport for the flying?

[JohnVH]

In assemblies. Seen a new RV10 up here in a hangar, wings in a cradle, kinda like an arf!

Hurry up Ryan, I want a ride. :)

[Flyfalcons]

The fuse will be transported with the wings detached, and final assembly can be accomplished at the airport.

[Flyfalcons]

Oh, this is the reason that I am really not excited about nosewheel gear on this plane. I may change to tailwheel gear; we'll see. I have plenty of time to think about it as the plane can be built in either configuration until I order the Fuselage kit. (the video is mislabeled; that is a -7A)

YouTube - RV6A flip at Croft Farm fly-in

[sweetpea]

Tail draggers are cooler anyways

[JohnVH]

cant tell what happened there.. It break off?

You ever flown a TG Sam?

[sweetpea]

Actually, now that I think about it......Nope, I have not. Only Trike gear.

[vwchad]

Here are a few pictures of what I have done so far. Although the vertical fin is a very simple structure, it's taking me a bit of time to get through, as all of the processes are brand new to me and I am taking my time to make sure I'm doing it right. I'm pretty lazy, so to avoid doing everything twice I'm putting in the effort to do it right once. Doesn't mean I won't make mistakes; I'm just hoping to minimize the mistakes I do make. As of now all of the parts have been match-drilled, deburred, and dimpled. When I get home from my trip I'll be cleaning the parts and priming the skeleton parts and internal rivet lines on the skin with some self-etching primer. It's cold outside so I'll be needing to build a small paint booth in my garage to hang the parts in and shoot the primer. After that the fin will be riveted together and set aside as I move on to the next part. Also shown is the organizing bins I'm using for the different hardware parts - should make them easy to find later when I need them.

I do have to say that this newer, prepunched kit has made putting the parts together nearly brainless. Much respect to those who build their RVs by jigging and measuring everything before drilling any holes.

Don't worry about speed on this build. Take your time. It took my dad 7 years to build his RV-4. He had an early kit without the predrilled spars, skins, and rib lightening holes. A lot more work than the new kits. Also, when it comes to priming those parts, in case you didn't already know, make sure you alodine them first then just use a rattle can zinc chromate primer (usually the green or yellow stuff). More than enough protection that way.

Also, in you later post you mention that you may go tail dragger.....DO IT :198:! Don't let it intimidate you. The RV's are way easy taildraggers. People get all freaked out over it but I have heard from more than a handfull of RV pilots that are amazed at the ground handling characteristics of these planes. They are absolutely top notch in that department, and many others :197:.

[JohnVH]

I dont think a taildragger intimidates Ryan, he is the best pilot I have ever flown with. He wanted the trike for the better view while on the ground I believe..

[Flyfalcons]

That's correct, there were a few reasons for wanting the trike gear, although the problems associated with trigear RVs do have me a little worried. An RV-4 has excellent vis in the three-point attitude due to the very narrow cowl - not sure how the 7 will be. With a self-etching rattle can primer, there is no alodine needed - just clean and spray. Should work fine for corrosion protection, especially over the layer of alclad already on the aluminum.

[sweetpea]

Me thinks Ryan is just scared


LOL

[JohnVH]

Only thing Ryan is scared of, is all of us flying our HK450's!

[Flyfalcons]

More scared of a broken nosegear flip-over than anything else. I've seen enough idiots flying tailwheel RVs to know that I can probably handle it too. Remember that joker at Concrete last summer? :D

[Flyfalcons]

Oh yes I'm scared of the HK's too but then again I get skeered flying my own T-Rex. :D

[sweetpea]

Only thing Ryan is scared of, is all of us flying our HK450's!

Yes, 4 of us flying those at once will be quite scary~



Ryan do you have a color scheme in mind? Something like the P-51 RV or keeping it straight Civvie?

[Flyfalcons]

Straight civvie for sure; a P-51 scheme on a side-by-side plane would look gay.

[Yakov]

I have a 'tail kit' for a RV-7 that I bought. I hope to also have an RV-7 with a sliding canopy and 180hp CS prop combo!

Bill Hempel

when you going to RC one?? the RV is dang near the size of some of your models :198: I couldnt help it.. 50cc rv8 would be sweet.. or you can do a 60%er:198:
mike


HELL YEAH 50% -60%, somthing for a 100cc, RV7 or 8 and I'd be No.1 on the list... well after you Bill, of course. :198: :198: :198:

[Yakov]

I went to Sun-N-Fun in 2005 with the intent on building an RV7 or RV8 and camped out at the Vans tent for the whole week bugging them to death.

Got a demo flight in an RV6. I am a Super Spam Can Pilot (Cessna C-172) so got to fly the RV6 during the demo. Man-O-man is she ever responsive. We weren't suppose to do aerobatics as the demo pilot was not an aerobatics instructor so that meant nothing over 60 deg of bank and definitely no loops. Now I am us to a slower lumbering C172 so when the pilot told me to make a right turn I slammed the stick over, thinking I was stil in a 172 and before I knew it we were at 75 deg of bank, the roll rate is amazing.

Good luck with the project. I decided, at the time, that I could build a lot of models, like 100+ for the price of an RV. Now that I fly IMAC I think that number has shrunk to only about 10. Hmmmmmm maybe it's time to rethink this. :197: :200: :198:

SUBD

[JohnVH]

More scared of a broken nosegear flip-over than anything else. I've seen enough idiots flying tailwheel RVs to know that I can probably handle it too. Remember that joker at Concrete last summer? :D


;)

http://johnvh.smugmug.com/Model-Aircraft/Prop-Events/2009718Concrete-Big-Bird/IMG9688/596034084_JcQXZ-L.jpg

[Flyfalcons]

After getting news of my pending layoff in early November, the RV project took a bit of a back seat to me trying to figure out what to do in terms of my job. While I haven't found anything yet, I did decide the other day that working on the tail kit won't cost me much, and it'll keep me out of trouble during the bad weather that we've been having. So over the last week or so, I got a paint booth set up to prime the vertical stab parts, cleaned and primed the parts, and riveted them together to finish the subassembly. Here are a few pics of the primed parts being assembled for the last time. Many thanks to Jeff, a fellow RV builder and RC pilot, for coming over today to help buck the rivets that I couldn't reach with a manual squeezer. Next up will be the Horizontal Stab, which is a bit more involved than the Vertical Stab.

[JohnVH]

awesome!