The new tabs that hold the hitch pin bolt in double shear worked as expected, and they are done (enough). My welding started off poorly, but got better working through the six tabs. It is ready for a trip around the neighborhood to see if stiffer is better. I suspect stiffer will be a firmer ride, especially without 200lb of plywood.
The tabs were cut from some scrap 1/4in aluminum.
Each tab was located using the existing hole and aligned with a transfer punch. Clamped in place, the tack welds were done on the ends.
It was tough welding upside down. But it was stuck together well enough to finish match-drilling the tabs and to mount the hitch pin clips.
If it gets warmer, I may take it for a lap around the neighborhood this afternoon. We'll see.
Trailer to do's are now:
build three lid trussesweld in six backer blocks for the lid trusses- finish weld the upper rail to the vertical supports
- epoxy-coat seal the ply decking
- figure out how Goat parts sit in the trailer
- take all of Goat for its first trip around the neighborhood
Optional trailer to-do's:
- install and wire running lights on the sides
- add reflective tape on the sides
- figure out front/side/back walls
- create a rear door that can be quick-pinned in place
- backyard final assembly and thorough pre-flight check, including weight & balance
- re-weld the tow hitch release (I'm now doubtful it had good penetration)
- buy tow rope, weak-links, and end rings
- buy/borrow radios (1x airborne, 1x car)
- find a place to fly
- travel
- fly
After the first-flight:
- add leather patch to wing tips where will rub the ground
- install leather patch guides for elevator control lines
- paint trim color
- install wing root kiss seal
- build a wing tip dolly
- build a wing wheel
- jury strut fairings
- main strut fairings (after flying to figure out the right angles)
- emergency parachute
- real variometer (LXNav with a TEK probe is my intention, if it is sensitive at low speed...)
- dogue chute
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