Install ailerons: needs hinges and horns
Gear covers: needs mounts designed and 3D printed
install receiver and connect all systems, program radio
CG check
Taxi test
Maiden
All that's left is the maiden.
I got the gear covers on. Not too hard but I had to think ahead. I cut down the printed mounts a bit and positioned them on the struts where they needed to clear the retract mechanism (at the top) and the oleo slot (at the bottom). I then retracted the gear and applied some double-sided tape to the oleo so I could temporarily adhere the covers to the oleos. I then extended the gear and marked the position of the mounts on the covers. From there I removed everything. I drilled 1/16" holes into the mounts and inserted screws and heated them while screwing them in to create threads that would hold better by melting the print just a little. I positioned the mounts on the struts and drilled holes into the covers from the back side through the mounts (held in place) to get holes that would align perfectly with the mounts. After screwing things together lightly, I retracted the gear again and rotated the covers slightly to fit flush with the bottom of the wing and tightened the screws. I should also note that I sanded the mounts where they meet the covers so that when tightened it would bend the covers slightly to a curve to fit the wing skin a little more flush. I'm satisfied with the fit, finish, and hold of the covers.
Aileron installation was done with no issues. Slots had been previously cut so I marked the LE of the aileron where a slot in them needed to be cut and installed pin hinges to match the other surfaces. Control horns installed to alight with the pre-installed push rods and added clevises making sure the TE aligns with that of the flaps but about 2 mm down. This was intentional as I've consistently read that this model likes to tip stall. Having the ailerons slightly down helps but is not a catch-all to alleviate the issue.
Receiver installed and rough programming done so it was time for some beauty shots.
I'll note that I could not find my screen door material to insert into the wing LE vent intakes. When I find that, I'll install some to clean that area up. Just cut to fit the opening and spray on adhesive works to keep it in place. I'll then put a thin coat of canopy glue on it to keep it there for good as any spray-on adhesive will loosen over time.
I then took time to install batteries fully and checked the CG. It is 1/4" forward of the recommended forward position. I thought this might be the case with that heavy cowl. I had considered a 3D printed dummy radial but this confirms my thoughts in building so it will not be added. Weight of the model is 8.6 pounds. Batteries are 2 pounds so AUW is 10.6 pounds. It's a touch over the recommended flying weight and certainly a lighter battery would help the AUW as well as the CG but I'm happy with a forward CG for a maiden.
The taxi testing went well and on high rates, she turns on a dime and tracks pretty straight. As the rudder and tail gear are directly linked I may have to adjust the rudder clevis if the rudder is badly out of trim. Throws were set per my TLAR method and experience. The manual, plans, and supplemental documentation I have make no mention of throws. I'll fly her with what I've set, which includes 60% expo as a safeguard.
Flight plan for maiden is as follows. Take off per usual tail dragger warbird procedure by applying throttle slowly with some elevator to start tracking straight using rudder to correct the track (likely feeding right rudder to counter torque). I'll start on mid-rates all around and see how much elevator authority I have to keep her level with the forward CG. Climb will be shallow with slow turn into my down wind leg trying to gain more altitude and feel trims. I'll make a few circuits to trim as-needed while maintaining a high flight. Once lined up for an upwind leg I'll do a stall test trying to gently recover on controls and gently applying throttle again. Circling back to the upwind leg I will set throttle to half and test the flaps. This is essential as the flaps may cause the airplane to pitch. They may cause the airplane to balloon (typical for these warbirds) which will indicate a future mix requirement with the elevator. Based on that, I'll decide if it is acceptable to use flaps to land. I'd like to as this will likely be a hot model to land so I do not want any surprises. If the pitching points the nose down I may forego the flaps on landing as the elevator input may be different at lower speeds. Landing approach will be typical low power trying to bleed off speed to try and touch down for a rather long roll out. I'll likely need a couple of passes to feel this out.
With all the variables of things that can go wrong with a maiden I've always thought through my maiden flights and strictly adhered to them. Things go wrong so a fire extinguisher will be readily available.
