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  #1  
Old 02-12-2015, 09:10 AM
JDBoston JDBoston is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Boston Area
Posts: 284
Default Thoughts on build space / sequence

I was going to post in the RV-14 section but realized this is a more generic question. The RV-14 is what I am talking about with regards to dimensions.

Now that I am starting to see pictures of Fuselage mating with rear fuse/emp as well as some photos of even the entire tail mounted as well I am starting to get concerned about my build space.

I know... You should have thought about that before starting. Well I did, however my enthusiasm to start led me to a plan which I am now starting to get concerned about.

Space:

One bay of a two car garage, but two car garage has wife's car in one side and also two columns in the middle.

My plan was:

- Build Wings completely, move them somewhere else (another garage 100 miles away)

- Build tail, tailcone (aka rear fuse). Already have the kit, finishing wings first

- Purchase Fuselage kit, and build it independently

now the issue.

I want to be able to do as much as possible in my garage vs having to do basics at final assembly.

From what I can tell the length of the Tail up to the tip of the spinner is 21 feet (from drawings). I just calculated the diagonal length of my space and it is roughly 18-19 ft.

For those that are building in smaller spaces have you thought out a plan on assembly?

What I think will happen for me is mating the tail minus control surfaces/Fuse//fw forward minus prop at home, but I may not have space.

Some experience from others would be helpful. I will continue to look at builder logs from other aircraft as well.

How did YOU do it?
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RV-14A
Status: Wings complete(ish), Working on: Empennage. Fuselage kit on order
Location:MA
http://vans14a.blogspot.com/
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  #2  
Old 02-12-2015, 09:55 AM
Ron RV8's Avatar
Ron RV8 Ron RV8 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Okanagan Valley BC, Canada
Posts: 483
Default

Maybe not a direct comparison but might help a bit...

I built the -8 in a single car garage, the fuselage is 21' long from the back of the rudder to the front of the spinner.

I built tail and wings first and stored in our rec room.

The fuselage without the engine is probably 4-5' shorter. I built the fuselage and fitted the tail, then removed the elevator and rudder.

The fuselage then could be rolled back to fit the engine...

It took a little planning, and a few more miles walking around only one end of the airframe, but it worked out fine...

Have fun with your build...
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RV-8 Completed Dec 2013

Membership renewed Sept 8, 2019
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  #3  
Old 02-12-2015, 10:15 AM
Paul B Paul B is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Beautiful downtown Winnemucca
Posts: 87
Default Small shop sequence . . .

RVs have been built is very small shops. I believe Jerry Thorne built his RV-9a in a single car garage attached to his apartment. He documented his build on a website. I have seen pictures of someone building in a very small shop in Great Britain.

I am currently building an RV-9 in a one and a half car garage and so far my wife is able to park there nearly every night. I did a lot of thinking and measuring before starting airplane construction. If you own the garage, you might be able to make some changes that can help. I added a bay window addition and removed most of the wall between the work area and parking area of my garage. Maybe you can remove the columns in your garage. My C-frame, sander and grinder are on a rolling work bench that fits in the bay window alcove. All benches, drill press, etc are move-able. Can you put your compressor outside of the garage? It also helps greatly if you are tidy and clean up after each work session.

I built the tail, then wings (one at a time), and like you I moved them to another site (airport) when they were complete. I am now working on the fuselage and am just about to "roll the canoe." I believe I can finish most of the interior, canopy, and outer fuselage up to the point of installing the engine and tail-feathers before I tell the wife she has to start parking on the street. Fitting the wings and completion will take place at the airport.

Good luck with your airplane!!
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  #4  
Old 02-12-2015, 03:19 PM
s10sakota's Avatar
s10sakota s10sakota is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Westland, MI
Posts: 311
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You've got tons of room! Here's my S-10 I built in my dad's small 'slightly crowded' garage...



I built the entire airplane here. Paint was done in a separate warehouse, but all building was done in that little garage.
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1962 Piper Cherokee 160
2003 RANS S-10
2011 RANS S-6S
2011 Vans RV-7
2015 Zenith Cruzer
1962 Mooney M20C
2019 KITFOX Super Sport

Last edited by s10sakota : 02-12-2015 at 03:22 PM.
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  #5  
Old 02-13-2015, 07:23 AM
JDBoston JDBoston is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Boston Area
Posts: 284
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s10sakota View Post
You've got tons of room! Here's my S-10 I built in my dad's small 'slightly crowded' garage...

I built the entire airplane here. Paint was done in a separate warehouse, but all building was done in that little garage.
OK now I will stop complaining The 14 is a larger beast than that S-10, however I do see the point
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RV-14A
Status: Wings complete(ish), Working on: Empennage. Fuselage kit on order
Location:MA
http://vans14a.blogspot.com/
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