[simpits-tech] Need a plan

[Bubba]

Bubba wrote:
> Bubba wrote:
>>
>> It's been decided, I'm going to build an RV-4 :)
>
> Scratch that. RV-8 :) I'm 6'4" and 265#. The bigger cockpit would be
> nice.

Ok, scratch that again ;) I'm thinking KR2S with a 110 hp Corvair engine 
now. I've been wanting to convert a car engine to spin a prop for years and 
the Corvair looks to be about perfect. The only 3 problems I see with 
converting car engines are the lack of thrust bearings (not that big of a 
problem, look at all the VW motors flying around), the power range being way 
wrong, and no way to use a hydraulic CS prop. Everyone tends to stick 
gearboxes on there to slow the prop down, but there's a better way. Just get 
a camshaft ground for the range needed. The prop thing isn't an issue anyway 
since I'll be using an electric prop anyway. Best part of the whole car 
engine thing is that you can buy an engine, rebuild it with the best parts 
there are, convert everything for use in the air, and still spend half of 
what a used Lycoming goes for. I think I'll make a few test pieces to 
compare the weight and strength of the all wood fuselage construction on the 
plans (plywood over sticks) vs. my prefered wood stringers infilled with 
foam and glassed inside and out. Stick/foam/glass is WAY easier to build 
since you only need half as many vertical members (if that) and no gussets, 
but it is heavier. And I can still use the waterjet to cut stuff like all 
the 4130 fittings, the foam infill panels, firewall, panel frame and 
subpanels, etc. The thing is designed to be a 2 place, but realistically my 
fat backside makes it a single place with lots of room for camping gear ;) 
I'm going to see if it's feasible to set up the seat back with the ability 
to fold forward to make a big, flat area in the tail for a bed. The wing's 
too low to sleep under ;)

Now to get that job, clean out the garage, order the plans, and start 
throwing cash at a hole in the air...

First thing I'll build is from the firewall to the seat back using cheap 
materials (pine, cheap pink Home Depot foam, Bondo glass cloth, and cheap 
epoxy) to use both to get used to building HUGE model airplanes and to use 
as one helluva big joystick ;)
-- 
Steve
mysticz28 at swbell.net
He who seeks will find, and he who knocks will be let in.