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The engine pod is a little more complicated than the other parts, and it's more difficult to work in such a small compartment. So, not everything went according to the plan. I failed to install some parts at the right time, but finally got everything in as it should be, but it sure ain't pretty inside. But, no one will be seeing the inside anyway. An experienced woodworker told me that if the mistake is fixed and not seen, then that mistake just doesn't exist.
I'm using basic fuse construction techniques. There is a 1/8" lite ply inside piece for reinforcement, then I'll mount 1/4" balsa on the sides. I'm using 1/4", not 1/8" as I want some material to round over at the edges. I'll glue on balsa blocks at the rear so I can cut and sand the curves like I want them.
The lines on the pieces of 1/4" balsa are joints. I'm using up all of the leftover pieces and didn't have any quite large enough without joining some. I also built up some of the block for the rear from smaller pieces. Once it's cut, sanded, then covered, the joints won't be seen
These are most of the parts cut out for assembly. Not shown are the engine mounts and a lot of small pieces cut later to fit inside to hold the pylon in place and to mount the servo.
This is the top view of the completed framework. I stuck in the tank and engine mounts for show. The servo is a micro which should be fine for a throttle and fits in the small space. It's mounted on a piece of ply that fits into grooves so it can be removed if necessary.
This is a bottom view with the pod in place and the servo connected to the extension that runs up through the pylon.
The micro servo is mounted on a piece of 1/8" lite ply, behind the ply, not in front of it. A small washer is used to space the servo arm out so the clevis won't bind.
The lite ply mounting piece slips into grooves constructed along side the pylon supports. This allows the servo to be easily removed if it ever needs to be replaced.
Front and rear views of the pod without engine or fuel tank in place.
The nearly completed engine pod inserted into the fuse to see how it looks. I still have to install the four screws for the top hatch and possibly add some trim stripes to the sides.
Nearing final assembly, I made the 5/16" holes in the fuse sides for the wing hold-down dowels. The front dowel passes through a hole in the pylon, locking it in place. Removing the dowel allows the pod and pylon to be pulled out if that becomes necessary for any reason.
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