In keeping with my approach of trying to build a "kit of parts" the opportunity presented, in the form of space on the bench top, to glue up the upper engine bearers. These are monster pieces not unlike the original metal units on that most famous of fighters! I thought it would be a reasonably quick process as I had already "sized" the correct materials a couple of years ago when I had nothing to do one day (Huh? Me, nothing to do??). Unfortunately, I misread the plans and didn't quite get the dimensions right for one of the laminations on both engine bearers. Both laminations should have been full length and then tapered later to the fuselage profile. As a result I had to set up my router with some home made guides to "cut" a splice joint into the short laminations on each bearer and spliced them to full length, to be mostly trimmed off later in the build as they are profiled with the fuselage sides/taper. In the end a job that should have been finished a few weeks back has just had the last sheet of plywood glued on yesterday (12th July 2011). Later, when the fuselage starts going together you will be able to see the taper I am talking about.

Other progress on the fuselage is confined to the carry through beams (mentioned elsewhere in the progress section) for the first four fuselage frames and some of the fuselage bulkheads. I have started at the tail and am working my way forwards with bulk heads as well as working aft from the firewall. This has caused a shift in my plans a little and I have stopped the wing rib construction until the fuselage bulk heads are done.

Check back for progress soon.

Frank