August 4, 2009 - Aussie Meteor

Hello to the group,

After spending too much time just observing what other members of the group have been doing, I'm finally at the stage that I'd like to report progress. Also of late, discussion on flitzer building has been fairly thin, so hopefully I can help stimulate some discussion.

I'm building a Flitzer Z-1M Meteor, powered by a VW 1835 (most likely with PSRU). I already have the VW, so this has dictated my choice of airframe. My intention is to build a light, low cost aircraft, which means I'll be doing all of the construction myself, including milling the timber, fabricating all brackets & steelwork, welding fuel tank, etc. My meteor will have a minimum of instrumentation, and hopefully will be a simple, unsophisticated aircraft when finished.

With family commitments and work, I can only spend a little time each day, but if I can maintain my current progress, I expect it will take 5 or so years. I intend to report progress as I go, and I'd appreciate any feedback. I've found the group most helpful, and the information, hints and tips invaluable, and I trust what I can provide will help others. Although I have experience building aircraft (fibreglass Dragonfly), I have a lot to learn, and a lot of questions to ask.

My first question is: Do I need to give all the internal timber structure a coat of lacquer or epoxy? I was intending to give it a coat of epoxy (I'm using West System epoxy with filler as the adhesive - I can use the same without the filler as a coating).

Thanks,
Rod

The shed and the Meteor (just 2 planks of sitka spruce). My shed is small, not much larger than a single car garage.	All that's left of the 2 planks after I've cut them down. The lower rack contains all the spars and longerons.

My fin and rudder laminations. I used this method of blocks screwed to the MDF to give the required shape. I can reuse the MDF for other laminations as well (I got the idea from seeing laminations for a Phalz rudder being made).	The Meteor fin & rudder (I still have the 1mm ply to go). The fin weighs 600 grams, and the rudder 560 grams. I started with this as it covers most of the construction techniques, including laminations. When finished, I'll hang it on the wall as inspiration.

Hi Rod,

Great to see the progress on your Meteor tailgroup, and yes it's an entirely logical place to start as a building exercise in microcosm: plus as you say, you can hang it on the wall for inspiration as you proceed. By the time you're ready there may be a co-axial PSRU available for VW-derived Z-series installations which as it implies maintains the thrustline while enabling a much more efficient propeller to be used. I see Mark has already expertly answered your glue query.

Although it reflects the more complex 4-aileron Stummelflitzer Z-1S in its general appearance and physical size, I think that in the Meteor Speedwing design I've achieved what I wanted to with the original Flitzer concept: the 'M' being slightly smaller and lighter than the Z-21, with more curves to flying surfaces and a reduced gap, with a wider range of engine options due to the shortened firewall bulkhead position, the raked cabane enabling tank volume to be maintained with a standard tank shape - if necessary.

I look forward to further photo-postings and reports in the future.

Best wishes,
Lynn