The Sheeks "Sea Vixen" is started!
This, hopefully, will be my Sheeks entry for the 2008 VSC XX.
Jack Sheeks has been very helpful, and patient with my questions.
The photos show the Trial Fit of spars, and booms.
With a close look, you will notice red line corrections to the drawing. The FM plans directory says the span is 56", the FM plan is 52.5". Jack confirmed the span is actually 56" and the plan is too small. We agreed on how to increase the span for an accurate reproduction of the airplane.
When starting the building I also found that the spar detail was drawn incorrectly. The spar tip height is correct, but the the spar height at the root is 1/4" too small. This is obviously a drafting error since the mistake is equal to the total height of the 1/8" spar caps.
At first I was concerned about the strength of the "V" configuration of the spars on the swept wing I-beams. But when the 1/8" ply "V" is added to the top and bottom of the spar. it is amazingly strong! The "V"s are flush with the top of the vertical spar and under the spar caps. You can the see the plywood "V" at the top of the spar.
If you are considering one of the swept wing I-beamers, this area is fine.
The bellcranks are part of the trial fit. The spar is built first.This takes time, so that the interconnect rods, will go though the spar with no binding. The interconnect rods and bellcranks required long slots in the spars, so I have added 1/4" wide, 1/16" ply spar triplers to the top and bottom of the vertical spar face in this area. If you look closely you can see them in picture #2. The triplers might not be necessary, but I will feel more comfortable with them.
I will be adding a 1/8" ply plate to the bottom of the spar to allow for a removable landing gear. This will replace the standard spar cap in the gear area. The bellcrank pivot bolts will be trapped by the same plate on the spar bottom, and a simple smaller plywood piece in the area as part of the top spar cap. The spar caps are not installed on the spar yet.
The "Sea Vixen" requires a lot of forethought, but will be worth it. I have made mockups of the controls and the aft booms and rudders, to check for potential problems. I will show progress reports, periodically.
I have added photos of the only flight worthy "Sea Vixen"
This airplane was flown in Red Bull colors for a few years, and has just been repainted to the Royal Navy Colors. That is how I will paint it!