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09-20-2012, 10:33 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ramona, CA
Posts: 2,370
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I went the slow build route for two reasons. 1) Not in a hurry - I gave myself a 5 year window to complete this project. 2) Less cost - I'm pay as you go on this, so no debt.
The slow build allows you to do some additional level of customization with certain parts of the airframe. I upgraded the fuel caps, primed everything with epoxy primer, and I painted the interior parts as I built. If you want flop tubes or capacitive fuel senders, those don't come as quick build options.
There is plenty of work to do beyond assembling the airframe. I did the tail/wings/fuselage in a little over 2 years of work (now 3 years in, with another year or two to go). The electrical, panel, engine, canopy, cowling, fairings, propeller, etc., will give you plenty hours of work to do before flying.
The extra cost of the QB is worth it if you are in a hurry, although there are many QB's out there that complete in more years than a slow build by someone who keeps putting in the consistent build hours over the life of the project. I really have enjoyed the build process, and at the end I can say that I built every part of this and pounded every rivet.
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09-20-2012, 09:31 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjconstant
All that said, I would be interested to know how the visual quality of the showplanes rivets are better than the quick build. I'm having a hard time imagining how it could be better, but that could be my lack of imagination!
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Not lack of imagination....probably lack of a broader experience and therefore relativity.
Believe me, the better built RV SB showplanes can be absolute works of riveting art. They can be truly sublime.
Typically the really fussy builders use dynamic impact to form their dimples. This creates lovely deep dimples with well defined discontinuity at the shoulders (not rounded shoulders). Superior two-up riveting by guys who know what they're doing can then produce lovely deep seated rivets. You wipe your fingernails across these rivets and you cannot feel an edge anywhere. The rivet tails are also all formed consistently and within specifications. On the better models you look down the rows of formed tails and at first glance they look like they've been formed by a machine.
The fussy builders also tend to back rivet in areas of high curvature. This pushes the skin outwards during the riveting process and maintains the perfect curvature. Applying the rivet gun to the outside of the skin in high curvature areas can tend to flatten the aluminium around the rivet and create discontinuities in the surface.
The average QB kit exhibits very good riveting that is generally superior to the average SB kit, but I would not describe it as really excellent in a showplane sense. Excellent value for money perhaps, but not truly excellent in terms of absolute finish. It's the same with the prime on the QBs. It's OK, but if you want a truly exceptional job you have to do it yourself.
__________________
You’re only as good as your last landing 
Bob Barrow
RV7A
Last edited by Captain Avgas : 09-21-2012 at 02:50 AM.
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09-21-2012, 04:29 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Battle Ground
Posts: 480
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I would go with the QB
I went with QB wings and SB fuselage. If your goal is to get the aircraft in the air quickly, QB is the right answer. I sometimes wish I had gone with the QB fuselage.
As to your question, I am very satisfied with the quality of the workmanship on my QB wings. It is not show quality, but I am not building a show airplane.
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Scott
RV-7 N818BG (flying)
Bearhawk Patrol (building)
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09-21-2012, 06:21 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Granbury Texas
Posts: 1,136
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QB
I have built three RV's and helped with a dozen or so others. I would not think building anything but a QB. The quality is outstanding and well worth the investment. It is true that if you have significant (crafttsmen level) riveting experience and wish to build a show plane go the slow build method but only for that reason.
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09-21-2012, 09:30 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oakland CA
Posts: 771
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Thanks Bob! It's great to hear how the great craftspeople get some plane's rivets to look so good. So often, you "know" it looks fantastic, but can't put your finger on "why".
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All Best
Jeremy Constant
RV7A "Stella Luna" ECI IO-360 WW200RV Pmags 360hrs
VAF 2019 paid plus some for those who can't
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09-21-2012, 11:27 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes,CA
Posts: 27
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Very helpful insight
To all that have answered my questions, I want to thank you for your time in responding. I put high value on all your responses. I'm getting more excited by the day to proceed with this adventure. I can see how you can rack up many hours on this web site with everybody giving there time to make sure the group of builders know that if they has questions there is either archives or members willing to respond. I need as much info as possible so I don't make the wrong decisions.
I know there are a lot of wanna-bee's but hopefully I will come thru and start building. It will be a Quick-build. Hopefully, I'm thinking, no more than six months after the release of the Standard kit they will start shipping QB's. They will need to get Bonanza up to speed. I'm definitely not a candidate for being the first off the line. I'm sure there will be revision to the directions and/or engineering changes that more experience builders will catch.
Again thanks to all.
Erik S.
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09-21-2012, 12:09 PM
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bealeton Virginia
Posts: 557
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My Pleasure!
My pleasure Erik....and welcome to VAF!
__________________
Bob "Skyking" Corriveau
"PRINCE TRAPPED IN A PILOT'S BODY"
Yes I paid my =VAF= membership dues!
RV-8 QB Reserved N212KB
ATP
CFI/CFII/MEI
Build Site: http://www.mykitlog.com/skykingbob/
"Nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished without inspiration, determination, and perspiration!"
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09-21-2012, 01:45 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Gardnerville Nv.
Posts: 2,828
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Vans has the RV 3 (wings), 8, 9, and 10 quick build kits IN STOCK! must be a demand for the 7, didnt see that on on the in stock list.
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7A Slider, EFII Angle 360, CS, SJ.
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09-21-2012, 02:14 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
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Here is one way to look at it
Considering the difference in cost between the QB and SB kits for the -7 & -9 are about $11K and they save the average builder about 1,000 hours, you are paying yourself $11/hr to build those components.
It took me 2400 hours to build my slow-build -9. Another member of this forum spent about 1100 to 1200 hours to build the exact same slow-build -9 and he did a great job doing it. Granted, he had experiance building BIG planes for some company out west.
That said, I know people putting in over 3,000 hours on QB kits.
The time you spend building is directly proportional to the amount of customization you do and the "options" you elect to include in your build.
As for a -14 QB, is Van's going to do one? They haven't done one for the -12 and the build times are supposed to be very similar for both.
__________________
Bill R.
RV-9 (Yes, it's a dragon tail)
O-360 w/ dual P-mags
Build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!
SC86 - Easley, SC
www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html
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