Author: Corsair

Rudder Complete & Horizontal Stabilizer Underway…

Leading edge complete and the rudder is done! Less the fiberglass tips, of course, which I’ll do with all the other similar bits down the road.

Rudder leading edge rolled and riveted. What a bear; glad it’s done!
Rudder complete!

The horizontal stabilizer is officially underway!

Horizontal stabilizer rear spar in work.

Rudder Trailing Edge

Trailing edge ready for riveting. Rudder horn riveted in place. Counterweight installed.

Rudder trailing edge clecoed for riveting.
Rudder horn riveted in place.
Rudder counterweight retaining strip nutplates installed.
Rudder counterweight retaining strip nutplates installed.
Rudder counterweight installed.
Rudder counterweight installed.

Counterweight and tip done. In full procrastination mode re: trailing edge riveting.

Rudder tip riveting complete.

OK, the trailing edge is halfway there.

Rudder trailing edge riveting in process…

Trailing edge done…and straight!

Rudder trailing edge riveting complete!!

Rudder Priming & Dimpling

The rudder skeleton components have been primed and skin dimpling is underway…

Rudder skeleton components primed.
Right-side rudder skin dimpling underway.
Left-side rudder skin dimpling underway.

All rudder stiffeners have now been riveted and I’m ready to join the halves.

The first row of rudder stiffener rivets set in place for back riveting. In this image, they’re about to be taped.
Left-side rudder skin stiffener rivets taped in place for back riveting.
Left-side rudder skin stiffener back riveting underway.
Left-side rudder skin stiffener back riveting completed.
Right-side rudder skin stiffener back riveting completed.