Showing posts with label tailwheel assembly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tailwheel assembly. Show all posts

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Bit by Bit, What it Takes


Tell someone that you may have to rebuild the engine of your restoration project antique airplane, and they likely will nod their head in empathy and admiration. Bring up your travails covering the airplane's frame with fabric and dope, and you've instigated a heartfelt reminiscence of blind rib-stitching, Poly-Brush highs, (no-heat) heat guns, migrating Poly -Fiber seams, and needing just one more inspection ring.  If you want to burst that bubble of awe --- show them your workspace. emphasis on WORK!









Bit by bit, the job comes together and it's not just an abstract idea. An airplane takes shape.





And through it all, Nick and Tom are still smiling.



Photos and text by Kathleen Jacques.



Friday, March 30, 2012

Blind Stitching


"What is going on in there?!"  That's how it begins...the curious wander in...and...we PUT THEM TO WORK! So thank you to Tom D'Amico, who found himself  blind stitching the wing material onto the wing frame.  It's called blind stitching because you have no clue what interior obstructions to avoid once you pierce the material.  

Is he trapped? Should I help him? Hmm.....

The tailwheel assembly didn't come easy.  They don't look happy.
Better leave it for today, tomorrow it'll all make sense.

Photos and text by Kathleen Jacques.