Empennage Rib Stitch Techniques

[NC22211]

Gents and Ladies:

We're covering the '39 BL/BC and are at the tail surface rib stitch phase. So, a question:

First, we're interested in authenticity and weight saving. In stitching the stab and elevators did the factory, in 1939, run reinforcing tape the full length of each rib and then stitch over the tapes - OR - did they put short 1.5 to 2" strips of tape centered over the rib stitch locations and tie off each stitch individually?

I have seen it done both ways. I have also seen short tapes, a stitch and then a teardrop or dollar patch over the stitched area instead of the 2" pinked tapes running the length of the rib.

Just wondering what your collective thoughts on this are? Thank-you. Bob Coolbaugh

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Empennage Rib Stitch Techniques

Look at Chet's book if you have it. THere is a close up of an "A" on page 62 which shows some detail on a stabilizer. It is one long piece all the way around because you can see the reinforcing tape wrap around. That would also conclude 1 piece of fabric for top and bottom, and a tape only on the leading edge and the butt where the fabric is glued. This method is also supported by AC43 if read correctly.

then on page 63 is a pic of a "B" nc22205 that show the stitching you can kind of see on the vertical fin.

I will also look in the barn at some old feathers that still have some original fabric for more clues

[NC22211]

Re: Empennage Rib Stitch Techniques

Mike:

I'm off to the shop to review Chet's book - thanks for the reminder about it. If you find some interesting stitching in the old stuff in your stash, let me know, too. Bob

[NC22211]

Re: Empennage Rib Stitch Techniques

Gents: Tail feather rib stitch techniques - I have to believe someone on this Forum knows what the factory folks did in 1939 when they rib stitched the tail surfaces! Chet Peek's book is a great reference, but the photos are too indistinct to rely upon. Were the tail ribs stitched in a running spacing over a continuous reinforcing tape - which is how all the "modern" fabric birds were/are done? Were the ribs individually lock-stitched over short reinforcing tapes which were then covered by dollar patches or teardrop patches? Was there another factory "inspiration" that was used?

If we are all too young to know what the heck happened in 1939, good for us, but surely there lives someone amongst us who has a resource I can contact to sort this out?

We've already sorted which ribs get the stitch, and the desired spacing - we just need to know what the original technique looked like. Thanks for any assistance! Bob

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Empennage Rib Stitch Techniques

I got you some pics but forgot about uploading them after I got stuck in the face 3 times by a hornet. All better now. I will see about uploading them in the next day or two, still need to get them off the camera.

btw, running stitch, full length tape and tape on trailing edge, albiet 1" wide, pics soon to support

[NC22211]

Re: Empennage Rib Stitch Techniques

Mike: Yeowch! Killer bees in OKLA? Pictures not necessary, with your description of the original tail surfaces, I can figure out the rest. Yes, I've seen 1" and 2" tapes, pinked and straight cut, used. Hard to tell what is really right and what is or was "fashionable" at the time.

I'm trying to get it original, but looking at weight and FAA compliance - which are often at odds. I ran into that same quandry when I restored my Monocoupe. Previously, owner Bud Gurney had done a 1960's restoration which modified nearly everything on the airplane. Still, in 1960's FAA mindset, he was allowed to retain standard category. I would be arrested by FAA Gestapo for doing any one of Bud's "improvements". Though I do wonder how he avoided arrest even then for installing metal-flake gold plastic seat covers and gold lame' shag carpeting in a 1930 Monocoupe!! Was that Santa Paula in the 1960's?

So, running stitch and reinforcing tape it is. Thanks for the info, and for fighting the hornet swarm to get it! Bob Coolbaugh