The vertical stabilizer was ready to install after cleaning up the wire harness tape and holes for the hinges. I also opted for the VOR antenna as part of my build so I made sure the antenna wire was accessible and ready for connection.
I purchases a quick build kit and the VOR antenna wire was pre-run at the factory and needed to be terminated prior to the installation of the vertical stabilizer.
With this prep work completed, the vertical stabilizer was carefully installed. This is a two person job keeping the part stable while inserting it into the aft slot on the fuselage.
Midwest recommended that I switch to a different bolt for the upper part of the main spar. This location is very difficult to get a socket wrench over the factory supplied bolts without damaging the paint. These bolts have a smaller head and have a Phillips insert.
The replacement bolts are actually stronger than the factory bolts so I had no objection.
It is really amazing that within just a few minutes how much the fuselage starts to look like an airplane.
The rudder is up next, which required the same prep to remove paint from the hinge bolt holes and tape from the wire harness.
This is also a great time to install the beacon, unfortunately in my rush to put everything together I neglected to do this until after it was already installed.
The bolt on the lower hinge point can easily fall into the rudder assembly and it is quiet difficult to remove, so I hear... so be careful so you don't drop it!
I didn't install the beacon prior to installing the rudder so I needed to connect the wires while standing on a tall ladder. My beacon is from Aveo Engineering, and is the Supernova DV DayLite beacon model.
This setup has a 12v positive, ground, and sync wire for the strobes.
I per-tested the light on the workbench so I wasn't taking the light on and off and risking dropping tools on the horizontal stabilizer.
I really like this light format, it fits the existing shape of the fiberglass, and did not require and modifications to the rudder faring.
With the control surfaces installed, the wire harness and trim tab actuator need to connected and secured.
