Build: Kimball-Somenzini Python 100

[Reza]

Hinging Rudder and Gluing Vertical Fin:

Before hinging the rudder, we need to trim the covering from Vertical finr so we have a very good bond with fuse. To do this you can gently dry fit the rudder to fuse but DO NOT put exccesive force there as it is a very tight fit and with ultracote on rudder it would be really hard to fit the rudder to fuse!

Please see the picture of where roughly you need to remove the covering. You can remove on the conservative side and then dry fit and draw the line. Leave about 1/8" of covering and make sure to iron it down so it is tight and stretched!

OK now let's hinge the rudder. It is no different than hinging other parts. Just clean the glue that oozes out from the Stick like part of rudder that goes in the fuse.

After hinging is done and glue is set apply 30 minute epoxy or Elmer's glue. I didn't have 30 min epoxy so I went by Elmer's glue. It takes more time to set but very easy to work with and it gives you plenty of time besides it is really easy to wipe the excess glue with a dampened towel.

If you used Elmer's glue make sure that you do not accidentally move the rudder. Actually it would be really hard to do so because it is a very tight fit connection.

I used a mixing cup and brush to make sure I apply glue everywhere.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Hopefully pictures will explain better than I did.

[JeremyHolt]

Looks great! Keep the pictures coming!

[Reza]

This is a very easy step to do.

Go over the plane with the heat gun before you install the mid-wing section.

Insert Cabanes into the fuse such that the tabs facing away from fuse. There are 8 4-40 10mm screws. All you need to do is to bolt them. Make sure to use locktite on the screws. To make it easy for you and have better access there are slots cut out in the bracing for your driver or allen wrench! Very cool!

Please see below pics. I think no more glueing on the entire plane!

[Reza]

Next is even easier. Connect the center wing section on each cabane and use the 6-32 1/2" bolts provided with locktite to finalize the assembly.

[JeremyHolt]

Do the left and right wings use 6/32's also? Looks like a quick setup.

[Reza]

Yes, very quick set up. Two bolts on each side!

[illinoiswrx]

I must say, wow.. the plane is simply awesome.
keep the pictures comming.

[Reza]

Now it's time to install the guide wires for the stab. This part is fairly easy and all you need is a crimper, 4-40 driver and 1/4" wrench.

Pictures are pretty much self explanetory. The brass plate has two holes one smaller and one bigger. Bigger one is the one that screw passes through and smaller one for the wire.

Before completely tighten the screw and nut, rotate the brass plate over the hinge line so you can grab it with a flat screw driver or by hand and bend it about 2- degree or so you can pass the wire in the next step.

You may need to enlarge the hole on the stab. Use 1/8" drill bit if the 4-40 screw didn't go through easily.

You will have 2 flying wires on each side of the stab from top and two from bottom, please see pictures.

[Reza]

You also need to attach two brass plates to the tai gear as pictured.
Next step is to install the wires. Please see attached pictures.

[Reza]

Now this is the most difficult part. I had to center the wheel on the axle LOL and bolt the stuff and use locktite. Howabout 15 minutes for wheel pants and the whole landing gear

I would like to thank my good friend Babak (bnaderi) who offered help and helped me with above steps as it was really difficult to take pictures and show certain things at the same time alone. Thanks Buddy!

[Reza]

I really can't tell you how easy this plane goes together. It's nothing like a Bi-Plane and I'm not even sure if I have seen any bi-plane with this quality! It is almost like a professionally built kit!

[Pittsflyboy]

Reza,

With regard to post 69. It would be good to put 2 short lenths of heat shrink tubing on each wire so that after the crimps are done the heat shrink can go over the crimp and give a finished look, also no sharp wire to stick your fingers.

Tom