Building a Biplane
Here is a picture of me in my garage when I lived
in Falls Church, Virginia. The aft end of the fuselage is visible and it is upside
down. Since the top longerons are straight you form the fuselage box by setting the
top longerons on the table. The lattice work pattern is what is known as geodetic
construction.
This is my fuselage after installing the horizontal stabilizer. The string hanging from the tail fin was used to measure form a center point on the fuselage back to the outer edge of each side of the horizontal stabilizer to determine that everything was lined up correctly. I also measured from the tale outward to make sure it was centered. Repeat all the measurements about ten times to make sure everything is perfect and then drill the holes on the drill press. The stabilizer is held on by aluminum L brackets. The correct incidence is established by some aluminum spacers and can be tweaked later by adding washers.
This picture shows how I have cut the door for the front cockpit our
of the side of the fuselage. Even though the plans call for this I was really
reluctant to cut that top longeron. However, it you look at the other side of the
fuselage you can see the 3/4 by 3/4" pieces that transfer the load from the top
longeron and reinforce the opening. The clamps are for the door jam pieces I'm
gluing in.
Above is the piece cut from the side of the fuselage laying on the plans for the door. The white piece of cardboard is my template of the door opening. I've studied how the door is constructed and I'm going to deviate from the plans a little. Instead of creating the door from scratch I'm going to use this cutout. (Note: It is rare when the builders modifications from the plans result in an improved aircraft. Usually you're just creating more work because by changing this you find that you must change that. If at all possible build exactly per the plans. That said, almost every builder modifies something!)
Disclaimer: This page represents the personal views of Charles J. Becker. In no way, shape or form should this be consider the official view of the Experimental Aircraft Association.