Note the throttle moved above the longeron and a mixture/cut-off control for the Aerocarb below the longeron. Also new fuel valve directly in the fuel lines under the tank. Electric start only, no pull starter.

Tasman variometer that doesn't need a flask. The "dual" oil and CHT gages really screw up the compass, even wrapped with the "mu" metal that Steve suggested. I might still be swapping out some engine instruments.

2 1/4" Holes are for a Microair comm and (future) transponder. The cutout on the left will be battery-powered, vibration-activated hobbs that is only 1/2" deep. I also got the parking brake handled re-chromed.

It's still a long way from completion, but it's nice to finally be in "assembly" mode.

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Dann Parks • RF4D #4051 N2188 • now flying!
Pictures at: https://picasaweb.google.com/111628310900713778468/RF4D_N2188?noredirect=1

Steve

That sure is a lovely panel.

I just have one small comment (don't I always).

I have found that, even with the original matt black-painted panel and standard coaming, there is quite a lot of reflection in the canopy from the lower panel. I suspect your light-coloured and extended panel will make this rather worse, so you might like to consider making a larger, matt-black coaming. There is not a huge amount of room for a longer coaming without the canopy scraping it when it opens, but you can increase the size by about 50 percent from front to rear, and this makes a useful difference in the reflections.

Also, the original coaming material is a hard fibrous board.
It is not likely your head would move forward to hit this in an impact, but if it did, it would hurt.
I have substituted a very lightweight material I found in an art supplies shop.
This is made from two layers of thin matt black card, sandwiching maybe a quarter of an inch of black foam.
It is easily cut with scissors, weighs almost nothing, and would not hurt your face, even hitting it end-on (as you would).
This product (sorry, can't remember the name) comes in sheets perhaps three feet by two foot six (A2?) and each sheet is exactly enough for two coamings, so you have one in reserve for when it gets soaked by rain (after which they go a bit floppy until they dry out wrinkly).

Just an idea.
I'll try to remember to take a photo.

Yours, Bob

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Flying and displaying Fournier RF4Ds VH-HDO and G-AWGN, building replica RF6B G-RFGB and custodian of RF6B prototype F-BPXV

As for the compass, I never rely to heavily on the "Airpath" anyway, Collin had a nice compass setup on top of his panel.

Might I suggest the Xponder below for your panel? I got me one for the RF 5b, but unfortunately never had time to test it before the glider turned into a repair project. Neat with a small display unit with a wire to the box that you can place anywhere you want, also it's low power consumption is a plus.

http://www.trig-avionics.com/index.html

May the 4's be with you/ Jörgen

[Edit by Jorgen on Monday, March 14, 2011 @ 09:10 AM]

I have been looking at the Trig transponder. A nice package with built-in encoder and a low-profile face plate. It would be great if they had a radio to match. Let us know how it works when you get it flying.

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Dann Parks • RF4D #4051 N2188 • now flying!
Pictures at: https://picasaweb.google.com/111628310900713778468/RF4D_N2188?noredirect=1

I like the light color as it really makes the guages stand out.

Brightens the cockpit nicely too.

--------------------
Ray
RF4D #4057 N-1771 Rectimo 1400cc
http://picasaweb.google.com/jb92563/FournierRF4D
http://www.touringmotorgliders.org

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Grimstead Also, the original coaming material is a hard fibrous board. It is not likely your head would move forward to hit this in an impact, but if it did, it would hurt. I have substituted a very lightweight material I found in an art supplies shop. This is made from two layers of thin matt black card, sandwiching maybe a quarter of an inch of black foam. It is easily cut with scissors, weighs almost nothing, and would not hurt your face, even hitting it end-on (as you would). This product (sorry, can't remember the name) comes in sheets perhaps three feet by two foot six (A2?) and each sheet is exactly enough for two coamings, so you have one in reserve for when it gets soaked by rain (after which they go a bit floppy until they dry out wrinkly). Just an idea. I'll try to remember to take a photo.

Hey Bob,

I want to add coaming above my panel to shield the gps a bit. I didn't even realize mine was missing until I saw some panel photos of other 4's.

I like your idea about the black poster board and I found that exact product at an art supply store. Any chance you could post a picture or give me any details on how you attached the coaming?

Thanks, Don

First I cut a cardboard template to fit exactly as the original did, that's below the ply top-decking on both sides, but above it in the middle. Then I modified this as necessary by trimming or adding masking tape where needed, then I marked & cut out the final shape on the black stuff.

I fixed it using the four original screw holes.

I'm sorry I can't show you a photo, because I'm currently confined to bed with back trouble (caused by lifting my Fournier's tail and pulling it backwards too far and too often!)

If you look at some of the cokpit-camera footage taken from my British Fournier (red airplane, red shirt) you might get a good idea.

Yours, Bob

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Flying and displaying Fournier RF4Ds VH-HDO and G-AWGN, building replica RF6B G-RFGB and custodian of RF6B prototype F-BPXV