Tonight I installed the landing lights into the wings, and then started the process of dropping the tanks to seal and test them.
The landing lights were already built from the last set of wings. Before I installed them I spend some time rerouting some wires to avoid any possible chaffing. Once I run the wires through the wings I’ll install a clamp to hold the wiring. I need to check that these lights are still working, but skipped that step in my hurry to get the job done. I should be able to plug in my power supply and get it working.
Next, I started the process of dropping the tank on the left wing. There are around 80 screws, and 18 bolts, per tank to remove to get the tank off the wing. Access is a problem with the wing in the stand, so I will need to move the right wing somewhere to finish removing all the screws from the left wing.
My plan is to drop the left wing tank, install the fuel sender, then use soap and water to inspect for leaks. If it all looks ok, I’ll then reinstall onto the wing, and then do the right wing.
Neal are the black spiky things behind the landing lights heat sinks
Yes, they are about 3 inches long, and clustered behind each of the 4 LEDs on the board. One group is angled because they are behind the taxi light, which is angled down. That helps the taxi light project out in front of the plane when the tail is down on the ground.