Actually really almost nearly ready to start! RV-8 build!
Discussion
So for a while now I have been trying to start building an RV8. A few little things have got in the way, like the birth of two children, one nightmare house move, and a change of job. I have been planning it in my head for years now, but this week it has finally started for real.
There is still a lot more work to do in the shed, but I have a great little helper
Once the new work area is ready, I can actually start the build! I know there are a couple on here who have built or assisted building Vans aircraft, and I reckon I'll be spending a lot more time on VAF but I'll try to keep a regular update on this thread. This is a long project though, realistically I expect 7 years until it is flying. I'm trying to update progress on Twitter too (@_ninjaneering_ ) if anyone is interested, the first build to do this I think (ready to be corrected though).
Anyway, wish me luck!
There is still a lot more work to do in the shed, but I have a great little helper
Once the new work area is ready, I can actually start the build! I know there are a couple on here who have built or assisted building Vans aircraft, and I reckon I'll be spending a lot more time on VAF but I'll try to keep a regular update on this thread. This is a long project though, realistically I expect 7 years until it is flying. I'm trying to update progress on Twitter too (@_ninjaneering_ ) if anyone is interested, the first build to do this I think (ready to be corrected though).
Anyway, wish me luck!
ccr32 said:
Sorry, i've just got to ask (and apologise if I'm late to the party here), but will said aircraft house require removal of a wall or something else structural in order to get it out once completed?
If so, extra PH points are deserved I think
I have a car-width access to the workshop at the bottom of the garden, but final assembly will have to take place at an airfield. That's a long way off though...If so, extra PH points are deserved I think
Wings and fuselage are constructed as two separate elements until pretty much the end of the build.
Dr Jekyll said:
Roughly how many hours work are you anticipating?
While I'm home I'll be doing an hour or so each night once the kids are in bed, and try to get a full-ish day in once a week. Total hours - who knows? Factory estimates 3000 ish but it really depends on the builder/workshop facilities/budget/etc. jamieduff1981 said:
Great stuff. Which engine and propeller are you going for, and have you given much thought to the instruments & avionics fit yet? 
Also, are you building a proper tail dragger 8 as opposed to an 8A? I love tail draggers personally
I need to continue with my KR2 build. A recent house move means I'm out of excuses now.
Going for the 180hp option - as it seems the most popular. Fixed pitch prop for cost, taildragger for looks ( Also, are you building a proper tail dragger 8 as opposed to an 8A? I love tail draggers personally I need to continue with my KR2 build. A recent house move means I'm out of excuses now.
Edited by jamieduff1981 on Friday 30th January 12:08
). Instruments a mix of steam and electronic. Trying to keep it simple, I've seen some kitted out like the latest offering from Airbus. The market seems to be moving so fast with regards to EFIS/EMS options, so I guess I'll make a decision closer to the time. At the moment the only decision I have had to make was manual vs electric trim (I went electric).I'm also going for full lighting as things seem to be moving in the direction of night legal permit aircraft, so by the time it is complete it will be nice to have that capability.
How far along is the KR2?
eccles said:
Meh!....It's all quite safe really
You start off with the back wings and the sticky-up-thing-at-the-back, move on to the big front wings....
Make somewhere to sit and stick the engine on to....
Put some clocks in it so you know what's going on....
Something to keep the wind out....
Throw some paint at it...
Stick it all together....
Hopefully end up with something aeroplane shaped...
Get a driver, and go flying!
It's all quite simple really!
Awesome! Had a good look around this a/c at The LAA fly-in 2013(?). Keep the inspiration coming. You start off with the back wings and the sticky-up-thing-at-the-back, move on to the big front wings....
Make somewhere to sit and stick the engine on to....
Put some clocks in it so you know what's going on....
Something to keep the wind out....
Throw some paint at it...
Stick it all together....
Hopefully end up with something aeroplane shaped...
Get a driver, and go flying!
It's all quite simple really!
Spent this evening counting rivets. All the small bits are inventoried now. Still more work to do in the shed, but the builders should be done by the end of next week and I should get the floor down over the weekend. Then I need to set up my air supply and pipework and we'll be good to go!
Well, after 9 weeks away at work to actually pay for the project, i finally managed to find an inspector and have the workshop checked and signed off. This done I am now free to start on the build. Started last night with the first horizontal stabiliser spar parts.
It has taken me the best part of three years just to get to this point. Let's hope it progresses a bit quicker now.
It has taken me the best part of three years just to get to this point. Let's hope it progresses a bit quicker now.
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