RV-12is build sequence

[gkalin]

Thinking about starting a 12is this fall. This would be my second build. Just finishing up a 14. I would be buying virtually everything from Vans. Avionics, Wiring Harness, everything. On my 14 I incorporated the Wiring Harness in the build as I went. Seemed easier at the time, and it was. But reading info from Vans it sounds like you can delay the wiring till the end. Is that accurate? Just looking for the easiest process. Also, Vans kind of eludes the usual build sequence, as in Tail, then wings, then Fuselage, Finish kit, engine, etc. But what if you did the wings last? Since they are made to come on and off anyway. Would save messing with a wing cradle, that's all. When you got a wing done you could just put it on. Am I missing something?

Thanks, Jerry Kalin

 

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

Thinking about starting a 12is this fall. This would be my second build. Just finishing up a 14. I would be buying virtually everything from Vans. Avionics, Wiring Harness, everything. On my 14 I incorporated the Wiring Harness in the build as I went. Seemed easier at the time, and it was. But reading info from Vans it sounds like you can delay the wiring till the end. Is that accurate? Just looking for the easiest process. Also, Vans kind of eludes the usual build sequence, as in Tail, then wings, then Fuselage, Finish kit, engine, etc. But what if you did the wings last? Since they are made to come on and off anyway. Would save messing with a wing cradle, that's all. When you got a wing done you could just put it on. Am I missing something?

Thanks, Jerry Kalin

Depends what you consider the end. Getting a harness laid before the tailcone is attached is easier than doing it later. As for wings, they do nothing but take up space once completed. And since there is only one inspection hole, there's not much changing you could do even if you wanted to. They can wait until later if that's what you want to do. You're still going to want a wing cradle, though.

 

[jsalley]

Thinking about starting a 12is this fall. This would be my second build. Just finishing up a 14. I would be buying virtually everything from Vans. Avionics, Wiring Harness, everything. On my 14 I incorporated the Wiring Harness in the build as I went. Seemed easier at the time, and it was. But reading info from Vans it sounds like you can delay the wiring till the end. Is that accurate? Just looking for the easiest process. Also, Vans kind of eludes the usual build sequence, as in Tail, then wings, then Fuselage, Finish kit, engine, etc. But what if you did the wings last? Since they are made to come on and off anyway. Would save messing with a wing cradle, that's all. When you got a wing done you could just put it on. Am I missing something?

Thanks, Jerry Kalin

Wiring harness is much easier to install before the tail cone is attached; otherwise, it can be installed later. It is entirely prebuilt. The first time the assembled wings (and flaperons) are needed is late in the fuselage assembly, again before the tail cone goes on, in order to drill the flaperon torque tubes. We built a rolling EAA wing cradle in a couple of hours from scrap wood, and webbing/wheels from HF.

 

[gkalin]

Wiring harness is much easier to install before the tail cone is attached; otherwise, it can be installed later. It is entirely prebuilt. The first time the assembled wings (and flaperons) are needed is late in the fuselage assembly, again before the tail cone goes on, in order to drill the flaperon torque tubes. We built a rolling EAA wing cradle in a couple of hours from scrap wood, and webbing/wheels from HF.

OK, Thanks guys. Sounds like you need wings in the mid stage. That's the kind of info I was looking for. I've got a wing cradle from my 14 build I can modify.
Thanks.