I'm at the point in my RV8 project where I'm running wires/cables/tubing/etc. I have the fus on a dolly and the wings are basically done but not yet attached. I would like to hang the engine on the fus while it is still on the dolly and not on the gear. I realize I will have to support the engine to keep the project from litterally falling on it's nose but I'd like to keep it off the gear for now for easier access. What are the pros and cons of this? Thanks,
My shop is narrow, and the fuse will not fit in there with the gear on. The shop is cozy and well heated, and pretty economical to heat. I had always planned to move to the much larger garage to install the gear and hang the engine, but that would mean parking outside in the snowy winter and having to heat the much larger (and uninsulated garage). So I found myself in the very same predicament as you - I wanted to hang the engine to keep making progress, but I couldn't put the gear on.
So here's my solution (RV-7A):
1. Put a cloth covered 4x4 wood beam under the fuse at the spar, and support the beam with jackstands (I also made dollies for the jackstands so the project can be wheeled into the garage when spring comes
2. Hang 60 Lb off the tail eyebolt (the one there for tiedown)
3. Chain the tail to my woodstove so there ain't no way the thing is coming down on its nose
4. I did not install the nosegear, since it just gets in the way when fitting the lower cowl.
Lest anyone thinks this loading condition might damage the airframe, this is similar to but less loading than would occur during a wheel landing.
Works great so far. When spring comes, I'll just open my 5' sliding door separating my shop from the garage, wheel the fuse around the corner into the garage, lift it by the engine, install the gear, and be home free!