I'm in slow preparation for the possible project. Right now I'm sort of dragging my feet. We are potentially moving soon, so I hate to get everything just the way I want it, move, then do it again. Once moved, I'll be able to tailor the workshop for this project. However, there is much work that could be done now...it just won't show up in the form of pretty airplane parts yet. I've been researching tools fairly heavily and browsing some classifieds for good deals on essential tools. According to the thorp newsletters, a whitney jr punch is essential. I found one nicely discounted on eBay, and I bought one of my first airplane tools. I have several tools from previous projects(non airplane related), but there are many many left to buy.
The ailerons are supposed to be the easiest component to build. Sooooo, I dug the plans out, and commenced the head scratching. I am learning how to read the plans better the more that I stare at them. The ailerons do not look "easy", however, I did understand most of what I was looking at, and how to accomplish a finished aileron, so I guess that was a good sign. I need to get with a thorp builder buddy and listen to him for awhile...that would clear some things up quickly. I don't expect noticeable progress within the next year. I'll occasionally update here in the interim though, with tool purchases and what not. If I get really anxious and ambitious, I may attempt to build the ailerons before our move....we'll see.
