I built a low platform for a fuselage stand using wood from the fuselage
crate. Used the metal gadgets made to simplify construction of sawhorses
(trestles) as sold at hardware stores for $1 each to make 2 low sawhorses
about 5 feet long and 17" high from 2x4's (odd looking things, these
Dachshorses). Screwed a 38" by 68" piece of 1/2" plywood to these to form the
platform, where the horses are 24" apart. These dimensions are such that you
won't bang your shins or stub your toes on the woodwork. A piece of thick
shag carpeting on top provides cushioning. Another (much taller) sawhorse is
needed to support the tail in the horizontal position.
To install the gear a 32" long (28" would probably work fine) slot 11" wide
was cut and a 2x4 crosspiece installed under the plywood between the horses.
This slot allows the gear to drop through to full extension although just
barely -- the fuselage must be raised an inch or so to allow the gear to lock
down. It then sits partially supported by the gear and partially by the
table, which is the reason the horses were built to 17". This is also a
convenient height for work on/in the fuselage bottom after installing the seat
module. It takes help to remove the fuselage from the platform: with the gear
down, raise the tail an additional 6" or so, have someone balance the
fuselage, then slide the platform aft.
I did find that with the gear removed the fuselage can be flipped on the side
easily and held in position by foam wedges, although I always attach a safety
rope to the garage door track just in case. It makes life much easier to cut
the LG opening and to install the LG frame, glass tapes, rudder cables, LA
mod, fit the tunnel bulkhead, etc. in this side position.
Bob Berube from the Florida office has published a plan for a rack built from
2x4's which holds the fuselage suspended from bolts through holes drilled in
the fuselage. The point of his design is that the fuselage is rigidly held in
position so that the flaps can be installed before the top is bonded on and it
has wheels to allow moving it about. I don't know how work in the tunnel is
handled with this scheme, so contact Bob on this.
John A044 Newtown, CT
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