Kitfox 1 aka "Foxy Brown"

[1avidflyer 1983]

I suppose you could use plywood, but I used some oak I had handy to widen the fuselage on the Kitfox 3.  Plywood often has voids in it, and you are relying on the glue between the plys to hold it together.  Also, it might not end up near as smooth on the edges when you round it over.  I would go with the wood myself instead of plywood.  I don't think it would have to be oak either, I just used that cause it was strong, had no knots,  and was handy.  I ripped it down to 5/8" thick but could have left it 3/4".  JImChuk

PS  page 2 has the post of my wood widened fuselage.  www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/6050-latest-project-kitfox-3/

Edited 28 Jan 2019 by 1avidflyer

[Browning 23]

I suppose you could use plywood, but I used some oak I had handy to widen the fuselage on the Kitfox 3.  Plywood often has voids in it, and you are relying on the glue between the plys to hold it together.  Also, it might not end up near as smooth on the edges when you round it over.  I would go with the wood myself instead of plywood.  I don't think it would have to be oak either, I just used that cause it was strong, had no knots,  and was handy.  I ripped it down to 5/8" thick but could have left it 3/4".  JImChuk

PS  page 2 has the post of my wood widened fuselage.  www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/6050-latest-project-kitfox-3/                 Thank you again. I knew I had seen your widening job before. I will be repeating it. 

[Browning 23]

Ok next question. If we can epoxy wood to the fuselage for widening. What about using wood to add little more to our tail feathers as I've heard a little more control is a plus  

[1avidflyer 1983]

Maybe could.  Not sure how far I would dare go.  The epoxying wood on to the fuselage was my idea, and as such, anyone who copies it does that at their own risk.  That being said, I think what I did with my Kitfox 3 will be just fine.  To make bigger tailfeathers, it wouldn't be that hard to weld on some more tubing either, and if done correctly it for sure should be good.  Maybe could even add a built in trim tab then.  JImChuk

[Browning 23]

It seems like adding an inch and a half that way would be easy. But I don't know if an inch and a half would change anything  

[1avidflyer 1983]

I'm guessing 1 1/2" would change quite a bit.  Think of what a small trim tab can do.  JImChuk

[Browning 23]

I'm guessing 1 1/2" would change quite a bit.  Think of what a small trim tab can do.  JImChuk

very true. I think I'm going to give it a shot. Just add a bit.  

[Browning 23]

Wings are repaired and almost ready for cover. 

[Browning 23]

So the manual talks about fuselage stringers but I'm not understanding where they go. I'm not finding any pictures. What are they made of?How big?

[1avidflyer 1983]

Wood stringers go down the sides of the fuselage from the back of the door to the tail, and down the center of the belly of the fuselage.  1/2" wide X 5.8" high with a rounded top.  JImChuk

[TJay 1041]

Hope this helps too.  The welding of standoffs is optional.  Standard practice is to glue on wood ones.

 

 

Edited 6 Feb 2019 by TJay

[Browning 23]

Hope this helps too.  The welding of standoffs is optional.  Standard practice is to glue on wood ones.

 

 

thanks jay. 

[Browning 23]

The Nancos are mounted. Brakes are ready for lines and bleeding. Test fitting parts. I am missing the rib the attaches to the passenger side that the roof hooks to. Anybody have an extra. 

[1avidflyer 1983]

Really all it is is a rib with one side of the cap strips missing, plus the part behind the rear spar.  I have a some ribs, but wont be near them for a bit.  JImChuk

[Browning 23]

 

Edited 21 Feb 2019 by Browning

[Browning 23]

Stitching is complete. Final tapes and then on to ekofill. 

So the manual talks about fuselage stringers but I'm not understanding where they go. I'm not finding any pictures. What are they made of?How big?

[1avidflyer 1983]

They are about the same size as the stringers in the wings that hold the ribs from moving sideways.  They are on each side and the bottom.  This is a 3, but the 1 should be the same.  JImChuk

 

[Browning 23]

[akflyer 1427]

Curious as to why you drilled holes in the cap strips rather than going around the cap strip with your rib lacing

 

She be looking good though, keep at it!

 

[Allen Sutphin 705]

Curious as to why you drilled holes in the cap strips rather than going around the cap strip with your rib lacing

 

She be looking good though, keep at it!

 

Don't think I've ever seen that before?

[Browning 23]

I didn't want the lacing on the outside where it would get beat up.  I thought it might protect the laces better. Idk. 

[Allen Sutphin 705]

Once you get it ready to fly, take a good picture. That's the best it will ever look. My old one, after the first 10 hrs, was covered in bug poop, cow poop, and other disgusting things. But dang, it still looked good to me!

[Browning 23]

Once you get it ready to fly, take a good picture. That's the best it will ever look. My old one, after the first 10 hrs, was covered in bug poop, cow poop, and other disgusting things. But dang, it still looked good to me!

I will for sure. 

 

[Browning 23]

Primer is going on. 

[Browning 23]