First, Build a Shed

[Cherrybark]

I was pretty pleased that my major "getting ready" projects were completed just a few weeks before the estimated delivery date. Then those imps, who just can't stand for everything to fall neatly into place, raised their ugly heads. The Kitfox factory received a batch of spars that weren't up to their high standards so my delivery date has been pushed out a few weeks. As I commented to Debra, I truly appreciate their commitment to quality and the wait won't be that long.

Meanwhile, part of the pile of lumber was turned into rotisseries for the wings. The 1 1/2" PVC pipes are waiting until they can be matched with the spacing of the spars.

[Cherrybark]

I still need a rotisserie for the fuselage and like this very attractive design from Kebopa3's build thread. I have not found dimensions of the fuselage online and am hoping someone can provide approximate measurements after looking at his stand. If I have the general height of his nose and tail supports and an estimated length between them, I can build the basic stand then complete the final assembly when the kit arrives.

Kebopa3 hasn't been active on the site for several months so I haven't tried messaging him directly. I though about a "Fuselage Dimension" thread but am leaning towards documenting a complete build on this thread. Admittedly that seems awfully ambitious for a guy who doesn't even have a kit yet. But having a group of friends watching over my shoulder will be great motivation.

[Esser]

Hey Carl, looking good. If I were home I could give you the spar centres for you to finish your rotisserie but I'm in Toronto. Same for the fuse measurements. I would advise you that if you decide to go with the fuselage rig, put the rear support further aft as there is in aluminum tube that gets installed under neath the fuselage and terminates roughly a foot from the back of plane. I just think you might not want that aluminum tube supporting the weight of the plane.

[avidflyer]

The spar centers from the model 1 to 4 are 27 1/2". Center to Center. I believe the later models are the same. Jim Chuk

[Cherrybark]

Thanks for the spar measurements. I'll probably wait until the wings arrive, place the support boards against the spar ends, draw circles, and then cut holes for the PVC tubes. Just being paranoid about getting things "just so".


After Esser's comment about an aluminum tubing running through the area of support shown in the earlier fuselage rotisserie, I kept looking for other ideas. JohnB showed a very clean looking design in the thread linked below. I'll try to contact him for measurements and to identify that mount attached to the plywood on the nose.

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/sho...age+rotisserie

[Cherrybark]

This morning Michael Rabe and his dog Bear (Partain Transport) delivered my Kitfox! While Bear romped in the back yard with one our dogs, Michael coached a neighbor and me through the unloading. I knew of Partain's reputation for taking good care of aircraft but it was nevertheless impressive to see how carefully everything was packed and how methodical Michael was with unloading.

Thanks to the forum the pre-build wings fit perfectly on their rotisseries and the fuselage will be mounted on one in short order. Brandon produced another pair of beautiful wings. The factory did a great job securely padding and wrapping everything for shipping. Debra McBean's suggestion of flat black power coating is very pleasing.

The picture makes things look crowded but it's a 3-car garage and there will be plenty of room once things are organized. Heat index of 108 this afternoon here in East Texas but the newly air conditioned garage was a comfortable 78.

I am very happy with my decision to build a Kitfox!

[DesertFox4]

Enjoy the build Carl. Nice shop.
Brandon does build a nice wing. Probably the most requested option and you can see why.
Best of luck. Send up white smoke signals if you get stuck on some part of the build.