Horizontal Stabilizer

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Mounting the horizontal stab was a simple bolt on process.

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I mounted the elevators and started calculating how much weight it would take to balance them.  You have to estimate how much the covering materials will weigh.  Then cast lead weights for the front of the elevators so their neutrally balanced.

I don’t have any pictures of the casting process, but it was the most frustrating part so far.  My welding torch that I was using to melt the lead weights wasn’t working properly.  It’s still over 100 degrees outside and with all my breathing equipment and other safety equipment on, I was hot to say the least.  Just about the time the lead would melt, my torch would go out.  This went on for hours.

Not one to give up easily, I persisted.  It took two days to get it right, but in the end it’s done right and it’s behind me!  Now on to much more fun parts of the project!