BBW Dalton 300ML

[Ryans Rebel]

Got a start on the fuse. Spent a couple hours getting this bench dead level shimming the legs to avoid any twisting in the build. I have 4 digital levels all on 0 down the span of this fuse. The motorbox assembly has 2 stringers cut to exactly 38-1/2 inches. These 2 stringers will set the length of the fuse from the motorbox to the tail section. I have the stringers setting in 30 minute epoxy mixed with milled glass setting up on the motorbox end. When this sets up I will set the stringers to the tail section. When this is joined as one I will center this on my center line and set 2- 1 inch aluminum angles down the fuse sides screwed to the bench top. This will insure a perfectly straight fuse and hold the entire build on center. The formers will lay in place where they match up with the stringers squared off my centerline.

[Ryans Rebel]

Pics of the fuse coming together.

[Wayne]

What is amazing is the size of the shop Walt works in.
It barely fits a plane like this when its being built.
I couldnt build a straight plane in a Blimp Hangar and he does it in a shoebox.

[Cracky]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Wayne
	I couldnt build a straight plane in a Blimp Hangar and he does it in a shoebox.

Q.O.T.D.

[Wayne]

?

[Cracky]

Quote Of The Day

[Lew Sheffield]

Consume enough Miller Lite and it will at least appear straight.

The plane is looking good, Sir Walter........ Lew

[Jim Woodward]

Look'n good Ryan! I'm thinking to use this scheme on mine. I worked this up from my CAD program, Microsoft Paint.
Jim

[Ryans Rebel]

Looks good Jim!

[Chris Puckett]

Its about like building a in a 6X12 box trailer. Its Crazy.

[Cracky]

That shop had to be tight with your BBW Yak in there....

[Lew Sheffield]

Holy Crap he builds planes in there too. All I know is that we can fit about six, a couple cases and a freakin huge pizza on therapy night.

[Walt]

My poor little shop, Yeah its a bit small for these giants. The actual "smallness" is 16'x20' crammed full of stuff plus one Lew. I think Pucks Yak was the record holder for the, moving in and taking over load, but I got it done..The shop is loosing sq. ft. real fast with this one. Its a big plane..This is my first Dalton, there's no suprises with this kit so far except the truck that brought it here was a tad abusive. Tony has handled some shipping damage we received very well and taken care of any issue's we have had. Tony has put together a nice kit and the building is very straight forward. I think this to be a project for someone with some building experience but nothing the average guy with a kit or 2 under his belt couldn't handle. I'm taking my time as usual and enjoying a change in pace so to speak. Its easy to see looking over this why these are one of the major players in Giant Scale..Walt

[Ryans Rebel]

Need six stringers 83 inches long. To make the splice I sand 2-48 inch spruce 1/4 sq's at a 60 degree angle simultaneously on a table disc sander. When these get reversed for glue its a dead on mate. Over wax paper against a straight edge I squirt kicker on one end and thick CA the other, shove them together and you got a long stringer. I will stagger the joints and after there glued in I will lay a piece of 1/64th ply along this joint maybe an inch long to strengthen this joint again with thick CA.

[Ryans Rebel]

Fuse layout. I set the tail and motor box on the center line. Layed the 1 inch angle against both sides and clamped it on the front to the bench and pulled both together at the tail over the center line. Using the formers as a reference I marked a center line on each former. With the formers in place I was able to shove the angle in or out to match the center line and the center mark on the formers. From the F1 former to the F8 former its dead flat straight on both sides. The tail piece comes in just a tad narrow which pulls in off the straight angles from F8 to the tail post about 1/16th but its still on center, After all the adjustments are made with the clamps and weights I drilled the angles at this position to the bench.

Remember, when I say "I", that is Walt talking!