Re: The layup from hell!
... Actually its really easy if you prepare yourself for it.
The triangular shapes I determined by use of a paper template - and
'practised' a few times just to make sure I knew what I was going to do.
I cut all the Bid parts the size I wanted them - multiplied by the number
of layups.
I then cut black bin liner plastic one inch larger than the templates I had
made. Bid has a tendency to deform so keeping it one inch inside the
plastic sheet made sure of the shape. I find bin liner a little thicker
than clingfilm (Reynolds wrap in the US) and you can see when the part is
properly wet out - and it doesn't cling to itself.
I did the same for the rectangular shaped layups which are done at the same
time.
Draw a reference line on the inside of the fuselage where you want the long
edge to go.
After wetting out all the layups appropriately I then further protected
myself with plastic sheet sleeves for my arms over which also went the
gloves. You will need 'mirror images' of the triangular layups.
I put one coat of neat epoxy on the inside fuselage following the area
marked by the line.
So that my hand and the layup can go through the access hole, I then rolled
up the triangular shapes such that the longest edge (rudder closeout end)
would be unravelled first then - starting with the left side (looking
forward) started at the rudder closeout and unrolled the layup. To my
surprise it followed the line all the way down first time!
Peel off the plastic sheet.
The right side is a little more tricky although I had cut a small 'V' where
the access hole and your hand would otherwise be. Eyeing through the
elevator trim rod slots you again can get the positioning right as you
unroll the layup.
After sqeegeeing through I then followed up with the remaining rudder post
reinforcing layups which again were easy having been wet out 'off the job'
on plastic sheet.
Peel ply the edges.
It really is very easy - and quite satisfying when its all done and you see
all your bid weave is straight and in the right place.
It makes for a really strong rudder post!
Fuselage about to go to paintshop!
Regards
Martin Tuck
N152MT
Wichita, Kansas
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