That was.... easy....

When I got home from work today, I had the notion to hit the garage and check the motor clearance, suspicious I would need a muffler extension. I do, it's right up against the fuse. Went online and rediscovered RCExpress, a RC warehouse store over in the next town from me, Nashua NH. I had forgotten all about them. Ordered the Du Bro muffler extension for a 40-46 sized engine. In stock, good price with "free" shipping. A half an inch is perfect for safe clearance. I also tested the cowl: it has a large opening, and the cylinder head and muffler extension fit nicely on the gap with no cutting required! More later on that.

Then I couldn't help myself... I finished the cote on the top of the wing with Ultracote. is it perfect, John Hayes quality? Not even close. But it actually came out very well. And no drama. Will set it aside, and then put some stripes on the bottom with rondels I will have to make rondels (have a cutter compass, but not looking forward to doing circles). May see what they cost online.

I also did the gray underside the front of the fuselage. 

It was easy as it's on solid wood .

I am off tomorrow and winds are going to be brisk and gusty. Might go rc sailing, but I also plan to try the cote work on the fuse again ... Not optimistic. I just can't seem to get the panels on without melting the edges. I don't recall if I used the new temp controlled heat gun last time, but hoping that will make the difference. I want to try to get the bottom done in two halves, one to that second frame and the other from there to the end. One sheet from side to side  Maybe one long sheet the full length? We'll see. I am installing a smaller tower under the fuse for the bottom wing wires, and will likely create a sheet balsa around it to help secure the cote.

Here's another issue. For some reason the plastic top does not extend all the way to the firewall. I need to figure out how to create a solid stable curved roof there to complete the top as one solid piece. I plan to cut a cardboard mock up, and flatten it to make a cover out of sheet balsa. Problem is the edge where it runs up to the plastic will take constant insult from the plastic part when the wing goes on and off. Though, now that I think about it, I can rubber band the wing and just leave it, changing the rubber bands every now and then. Hmmm ... I will have to paint it as the red cote I have isn't matte.

Need to hit Michael's, the craft store, tomorrow to get some hard wood square dowel for attaching the cowl to the fuse, and the plastic top to the wing. Don't want the plastic top permanently glued to the wing in case I ever need to remove it. I may make the front cover hold the front and just use two hardpoints at the back of the wing area on the fuse to hold a M2 screw on each side to hold the back. It bears no stress other than wind trying to blow it off. And it will have the wing wire tower on top holding it down. Excited to get to that stage!