Jan. 14th 2002
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It's here..and it's awesome! I didn't realize just how big the body actually is when compared to my stock Raptor 60 canopy. The shipping box was quite small. I opened it up and everything was packaged by hand quite carefully. Everything was wrapped in tissue type paper. The clear canopies were covered with a saran wrap type protective covering, nothing was loose or rattling. I unpacked everything and was pleasantly surprised at how few parts there were. |
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I grabbed the instruction sheet and was dissapointed but wasn't really surprised. The instructions are the weak point of the kit, not only do they look "home made" on a regular typewriter, they weren't even close to being accurate. I won't go into any detail but I will say they could have been left out entirely.
The first thing to do is to make a test fit of the formers and deck. The photo above shows the "E" nose taped on to check fit. All the windows are PRE CUT! The fiberglass is light yet quite strong. The finish is very smooth with recessed lined for the doors and raised faux hinges, etc. The seams are slightly pitted and a bit rough in spots and will have to be filled and sanded. The clear glass is pre molded and only needs trimming. One sheet has the top center 6 panels molded in position. The two bottom front windscreens are in one piece as well. The door windows and top rear glass panels are separate. I will be tinting the clear to a dark blue/black using RIT Dye. I'll use a 2-Black/1-Blue mixing ratio and dye the panels for about 10 minutes or until the desired tint is achieved. It should look really nice tinted.
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The photo to the left shows how I test fit the formers under the decking. I used a putty like product made for holding things, it doesn't leave any residue nor does it harden and it's reusable. ( I forget the name, I found it at my hardware store) I marked the position of the formers on the outside of the body with a sharpie. I will use fiberglass cloth and resin to glue the formers and deck onto the body. I have to put the formers in and spot check the fit so this putty came in quite handy. |
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The mechanics will bolt to this deck as will the landing gear. I've just ordered some carbon fiber cloth and I will be using it in high stress areas. I will glass the formers onto the body and let them cure before final fitting of the landing gear and mechanics. The rear former or bulkhead may need to be cut down slightly in the top, my tail boom base rubs it and I need to give it about a 1/4 inch or so of room. The landing gear is bolted to the deck with blind nuts. Cutting the holes for the gear struts will be interesting, it has a compound angle that I must get just right or I'll have a big hole in the wrong area of the outer body! |
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