P. 10-02 Tailcone! Start with preparing the skins (steps 1 & 2). Breaking the edges is tricky, but like every new thing on this kit, the skill will come quickly. Take the advise on the page which has you break the bottom skin 1st (if you screw up it will be less noticeable). My bottom skin is a bit wavey to start, but I think it'll be ok. I used the cleveland breaking tool identified by Marty Santic and used on the EAA's training video (http://www.eaa.org/video/homebuilders.html?videoId=24417516001). Watch the video! It will help you. Finished deburring and breaking all skin edges and set them aside for later installation. Moved on to step 3 to flute the angle of the F-1210C angle and discovered I had flutted the wrong way:(! When I used the edging tool to take the flute out, the metal cracked. I will order replacement from Van's tomorrow.
P. 10-02 continued. Moved to the tailcone fuselage frames. Step 4 directs you to flute to align holes. I did not see this as necessary. However, I did try to flute to get the frames flat, without success. Stopped and communciated with John Bender and Marty Santic and they both ran into the same thing. So, not to worry. Will align holes with skin when I get to that step. Received the replacement part (F-1210C) and prepared it properly for installation. All went well.
P. 10-03 Step 1, fabricate the tail skid bracket. Used the template provided in the kit and it worked perfectly. Figure 1 has direction of what to do and wehre to do it. I was not sure of the diagram that shows 5 inches long by 1 inch wide. That was because I was perceiving it incorrectly. It is a sideview of the tailskid showing where to make the tapered cut. I will prime the skid before installation. MCS required on the bulkhead doubler (F-1211B) for AN426AD4 and AN426AD3, so be sure to use the right bit. Again, I practice on scrap and then if possible use the drill press to finish on the part. This went well.
