Progress report
on the construction of
“Blue Thunder
II”
As of April 30,
2009
Last
month we did a test fitting of the fuselage on
the wing to insure the control system worked,
seat and rudder peddles were positioned
properly. Before the wing was permanently
attached, we finished up some electrical
harnesses, installed the electric fuel valve and
did the fuel tank leak test. Well, the leak
tests did not go well. We spent about ten days
with fuel tank sealant before we got an
acceptable bleed known rate.
Our
painter was injured in a minor accident and is
out for a short time, so that has put the
painting process behind and we are working
around that.
The wing was
mated for the final time, the wing racks
removed, and “Blue II” was lowered to the floor
for good. A true Kodak moment!
On 4/22/2009, I
sent a request for the registration certificate
for “Blue Thunder II” to the FAA aircraft
registration office in Oklahoma City. It will
be interesting to see how long it takes to get a
response from them.
It is a little
late to offering anyone any builder tips, but if
you ever have your engine mount powder coated,
do not let them coat the vibration isolator
bushing mounts. Cleaning out these receptacles
delayed the engine installation more than an
hour.
The flight test
engine was installed, then “Blue II” was rolled
outside for a sun break and some photo ops.
The
vibration isolators were installed per the Lord
Mount installation instructions. Doing so tilts
the engine 1.4 degrees to the right compared to
the Papa-51 instructions, which makes a visible
difference.
Back in the
hangar, cowling work began in earnest to catch
up with the painter’s work. Maybe the painting
delay will work out for the best after all.
The
spinner we are using is 1 ½ inches larger in
diameter than the standard TM spinner, so we
must expand the cowl diameter in the front,
which is working out fairly well. I think you
will be very pleased with the results when you
see it.
Last month I ask
for a reply to this report, and I received a
few. I am asking again for more response to
this report with any suggestions you may have on
any subject. All feedback is good.
Once again the
Blue Crew, Jan, and I thank from the bottom of
our hearts for the continued financial and moral
support we have received from all of our
Sponsors, Fans and Contributors.
Thanks again.
John, Jan,
and the entire Blue Crew.
Blue
Thunder Air Racing
