I miss my shop...

[DakotaHawk]

Back in 2006, I had an epiphany.

I decided that it was time to build another airplane.

My home doesn't have a garage, so I built a 24' x 30' shop in my backyard. I insulated the walls, ran power everywhere. Built in a deep sink with running water. Installed a refridgerator, stereo, garage door, air compressor with plumbed air lines...

And I built an airplane --- An RV-7. It took me three and a half years from opening the empennage crate to first flight. I spent every evening after work in my shop. I spent weekends in my shop. I listened to the radio. I studied plans. My family came out to visit me.

But now my plane is complete. It's got it's own home at the airport. And I have no reason to go out to my shop.

My friend is storing an RV-3 in there. I think he's selling it, but that could change. Another friend is storing a Tri-Pacer wing in my shop that needs to be re-covered. He's pretty busy and needs to get his priorities straight!

So my shop sits quietly collecting dust. I go out there once in awhile, but I feel lost and without purpose when I look at the vast, empty space that used to house my project.

Once in a while, I fire up the compressor to air up the lawn mower tires, but the pressure in the tank bleeds down long before I'll get out to the shop again.

I miss my shop...

Time to head down to the hangar!

[Flyguytki]

If your buddies RV-3 really is for sale, offer him something, its already waiting for you to work on it!!!

[f1rocket]

After building my last airplane, I started working on this!

[Stogie 6]

snif...if only I had a shop to miss...snif. One of these days however...and it's Katie bar the door!

Looks like there is a 3 in your future. Have fun getting re-acquainted with the tools.

[N8RV]

I feel your pain. When common dictated building a shop on the back of the garage to build the fuselage (instead of the basement and not getting it out!), I did it right -- heated, AC, plenty of light, built-in work bench the full length of one wall, etc. Spent many, many hours out there over the years ...

Now, it's been commandeered by the Spousal Unit as a "fitness salon". TV and DVD player for her to work out to videos, rubber floor, free weights, bench, rubber bands ... AND SHE EXPECTS ME TO PARTICIPATE!

Wimmin ... harrumph ...

[dlloyd3]

Scott,
Like you I built a shop in the back yard for that purpose, 18x24, two floors. A home away from home. Heat, air, tunes. Just moved the fuselage last week and the shop is filling up with junk for a yard sale already. Gotta get rid of the junk and get on with another project.

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by f1rocket

After building my last airplane, I started working on this!

Randy,
Like minds must think alike. I have wanted to build a Cobra replica car for a very long time. Actually, the thought has a longer life than did the idea of building the RV.

I know there are several Cobra kit suppliers out there now. What company did you go to for the kit? Do you have any details on your project? Now that I have tackled an airplane I think I am ready to get into building my dream Cobra.

[rv7boy]

Originally Posted by RVbySDI

I know there are several Cobra kit suppliers out there now. What company did you go to for the kit? Do you have any details on your project?

If you'll click on Randy's link or click here, you'll see he's done his usual outstanding job of building a web site describing his current project, the LS427 Roadster "Cobra" kit car.

[DucatiMike]

I used my workshop, such as it is, to build 2 Factory Five Racing kit cars. Now I'm dreaming of the RV-8...

[mike newall]

When you rebuild, you do it this way -

Downstairs for you.......

Upstairs for her............