Desert Rat Wing Spars

[DH82EH]

This video popped up on my feed, sad to see Mike so dejected. Seems the machine shop should be liable for the poor machinging?

https://youtu.be/9kN7ItnIT-U

I spotted that a few days ago as well Jim.
I posted it it the "Desert Rat" sticky at the top of the page, which gets almost no traffic and either fewer replies.
One would think that a machine shop, who took on a task like this, would be insured against such damages.
Another interesting thing that was mentioned in that video, was the possibility of using parts from "909"
I'm not really sure how to feel about that.

Andy

[menards]

This video popped up on my feed, sad to see Mike so dejected. Seems the machine shop should be liable for the poor machinging?

https://youtu.be/9kN7ItnIT-U

I don't think its that simple. To my understanding, the original blueprints call for a part with specific measurements, with tolerances +/- thousandths of an inch. if the part came back out of spec, it cant be used. The task at hand is finding a machine shop with the wherewithal to reverse engineer a part with modern methods to exact specifications, within exact tolerances. The "trial and error" costs usually fall on the individual requesting the part, as the machine shop wont take on a project if there is a risk of not getting paid. A lot of experimental builders have been burned by machine shop projects.

[bdk]

Another interesting thing that was mentioned in that video, was the possibility of using parts from "909"
I'm not really sure how to feel about that.

Spare parts or crashed parts? Did the center section survive intact? I wonder how well a used part would fit another aircraft.

[Kyleb]

Another interesting thing that was mentioned in that video, was the possibility of using parts from "909"
I'm not really sure how to feel about that.

Spare parts or crashed parts? Did the center section survive intact? I wonder how well a used part would fit another aircraft.

Given that they swapped wings and other assemblies in the field, it will probably fit. But was it damaged in the crash? I would imagine hitting something with a wing puts severe forces into the center section. Even if it wasn't destroyed, I have to believe it was damaged (bent, at least) in some way.

[Matt Gunsch]

there was a batch of parts made by Lucky 13 for his B-17, Liberty Belle, and a couple other 17 projects, I would believe they were parts that were going to be used in 909 when it went in for restoration. so the parts are NEW.

[JimH]

The intention was to pull 909 down a few years ago and completely overhaul the airframe. I don't honestly know if a new batch of spar material was acquired. If Mike says the material from 909, it wouldn't surprise, he is "in the know".

Jim

[Mick G]

So, while on the 909 topic, what are everybody's thoughts on if she will be rebuilt? I mean, worse have been drug up form the bottom of the ocean, so it isn;t out of the question that the data tag and Empennage, outer wings, main castings be used for a future restoration?

Is this crazy talk? Thoughts?

[DH82EH]

Hi Mick.
Please don't take offense, but there is another thread regarding 909.
Perhaps that would be the best place to further discuss those matters.
Thanks.

Andy Scott

[bdk]

Given that they swapped wings and other assemblies in the field, it will probably fit. But was it damaged in the crash? I would imagine hitting something with a wing puts severe forces into the center section. Even if it wasn't destroyed, I have to believe it was damaged (bent, at least) in some way.

Swapping wings at interchangeable attach points is different than swapping internal structural components that may have been drilled on assembly. One salvaged from another assembled aircraft likely wouldn't fit well.

[Chuck Giese]

The intention was to pull 909 down a few years ago and completely overhaul the airframe. I don't honestly know if a new batch of spar material was acquired. If Mike says the material from 909, it wouldn't surprise, he is "in the know".

Jim

Jim,

When we had new center spar chord tubes made, we had a set allocated for 909 and a set allocated for Shady Lady. Mike is talking about this new made set for 909.

Chuck

[DH82EH]

Thanks Chuck.
As soon as I saw you had posted, I thought "Chuck will have the straight goods"
That makes a lot more sense.

Always appreciate your input sir!

Andy

[JimH]

Thanks Chuck, that’s what I thought.

Jim

The intention was to pull 909 down a few years ago and completely overhaul the airframe. I don't honestly know if a new batch of spar material was acquired. If Mike says the material from 909, it wouldn't surprise, he is "in the know".

Jim

Jim,

When we had new center spar chord tubes made, we had a set allocated for 909 and a set allocated for Shady Lady. Mike is talking about this new made set for 909.

Chuck

[Mick G]

Hi Mick.
Please don't take offense, but there is another thread regarding 909.
Perhaps that would be the best place to further discuss those matters.
Thanks.

Andy Scott

Wow Andy, What a sanctimonious response