This section details some of things that are not directly related to actually building the plane but nonetheless take time.

Manual arrived ahead of kit.  Started reading the section on "tool and techniques"

Ordered tools.  There are a lot of sources to choose from, so do your research well.  I found that these 2 had pretty much everything I needed: www.averytools.com and www.cleavlandtool.com .  I also got some specialty tools from http://www.wicksaircraft.com and http://www.aircraftspruce.com/index.php and a really great source for pneumatic riveting tools is http://www.rivettools.com

Tools arrived today.  Unpacked and inspected

Wing and Tail kit arrive.  Unpack and inspect contents

Main parts arrive

Friday March 21st, 2003 (6.0 hrs)

Fuselage arrives, dismanteled.

Sunday March 23rd, 2003 (7.5 hrs)

Started work on the Wing Jig as I would be using it for the Rudder as well.  Welded casters to frame and made drawings of wing spar attach brackets.

Started cleaning and Alodising the internal parts of the Rudder and Trim Tab of the Elevator.  Didn't want to do too much at first until I've got the hang of it.  Timing is important to get a good result as oxidation and dirt accumulate quickly.

Spent most of the day spraying corrosion inhibitor on the internals of the rudder, HS and Elevator.  I knew this would be my least favorite part, and it was.  Very messy and fiddly, and you only have a finite amount of time to get things done before it all start drying.  So you have to stage your work well and have a good routine planned.  Fortunately the weather held and I was able to get everything sprayed in 2 batches.

All packed up and ready for shipping.