Hi Ron,
Thanks for the comments. On the intial recomendation to order one complete and then try it again with updated list would have actually had more reorders than we have now. When we find something missing we add it to the list and order enough for the other two. The parts we have made so far have actually worked out well without any remakes for incorrect drawings. This pretty much has been headed off because Rich looks at things before making them and knows when something isn't adding up. But when it comes to missing tubing if a person was to try to order off the parts list they would be ordering at least 2 times - longer than normal shipments because they are not found until we go to the parts list and see it isn't there in the first place.
I think actually, by ordering parts for three and leapfrogging materials that we aren't that far behind in shipping costs as a person who is doing it all by himself. Because of the reorders it is like us all ordering on our own, with us not saving on shipping as we thought we might. We tried to save money and order extra based on the first frame and the day after we got it we found out that we could have added something else to the order that we didn't know we didn't have because it wasn't on the parts list. Anyway, that portion is probably a wash, we thought it would help but it just didn't quite work out that way. BUT - we are keeping notes and are becoming very familiar with actual needs and things will be better for others in the future. Building them behind each other has actually been working out pretty decent.
The side frames are all made, I doubt there are any mistakes there. But now, we will soon be pulling the first frame off the vertical jig and will be starting the second. During this time we will only be able to work on that until that is ready to come off the Vertical. In other words we are actually leading one frame out and custom fitting. Then we will be starting 2nd as the first moves ahead. We are NOT doing everything x3. We are basically running one ahead and then backtracking when one gets WAY ahead. That is why we have one frame all tacked up ready to close the front and add gear brackets and 4 side frames just waiting till we need them. It is as close as we can get to assembly line without getting into a problem by not realizing everything other than brackets are still custom fit and custom cut.
On the second point you made Ron, I just wanted to be clear - other than the scalloping, they will be just as strong? Mine is just tacked and I might still have some options to pursue. I was just thinking of the scalloping on my SP and maybe that would look good (lol). Seriously though, you know I care and want things to be as good as they can so I am open to suggestions. If you think that it is a big mistake and that I would do better to get someone finish weld it without gas then I can do some more consideration time as it gets nearer.
The parts are so far working out and things are going together pretty decent. Just some snags here and there with some parts but nothing that any of us are upset about or anything. We are just thrilled to be seeing things come together so nicely.
How is your welder working out Ron? Does he want a finish weld job? If your concern is only possible warpage, I am planning on adding stringers to outside fuselage anyway which I think would hide most of the side frames anyway.
I am glad you are watching over us.
I appreciate it and it means alot to us!
Looking forward to Mentone and when you stop by to see us. jtm