![bidule extended bidule extended](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kTTAIg9cyWQ/maxresdefault.jpg)
This was the same modification I made when putting my Bidule together initially, BUT. I also added a few plywood gussets from the firewall to the sides as Jim had done in his build thread. This is done to allow more gluing surface for corners. I'm very happy with the new location and installation, so after it cured I moved onto installing the balsa tri-stock around the cockpit top edges. The top piece will have to be attached once the unit is installed or you'll never get it in the plane. Once you're happy with the fit, epoxy the bulkhead in first.
![bidule extended bidule extended](https://res.cloudinary.com/studioscale/images/f_auto,q_auto:good/w_686,h_800,c_scale/v1586421892/4/4-686x800.jpg)
Also add hardwood tri-stock to front and back of the new bulkhead. Construct a 1/4 ply beam support across the fuse, I pinned to to the bulkhead with 1/8 dowls and West Systems epoxy. Now, because there is a ton of pressure applied to the servo saver, we need to ensure the bulkhead won't flex.
![bidule extended bidule extended](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/9e/20/ec/9e20ec8ceac72e6ae7103223ba8f93e4--one-direction-skateboards.jpg)
The servo saver will be reused from the first Bidule, here it's fitted into the fuse in the new location Making a new bulkhead is simple, make a template from cardboard and use 1/4 aircraft ply for the bulkhead. Remove the little lower bulkhead and ply floor as shown. Since the CG for this plane is slightly forward of the CENTER OF THE WING TUBE, this location is the furthest AFT I can use and still have a straight shot for the pushrod. The servo save will be installed just ahead of the wing tube. This build is an aggressive attempt to minimize tail weight needed. This worked flawlessly but added weight to the nose, subsequently needed weight in the tail. In the first Bidule the servo saver was attached to the firewall. Next up for me is making a bulkhead for the "Stewart Nose Wheel Servo Saver" Removing the balsa bottom sheeting takes about 30 seconds, so enjoy it while you can. To make it easy, I just slit it in the middle and pulled it back over the side by about 1/4 inch, rough trim it to size and taped it down with BLUE tape, covering the fold so dust and debris will not get behind the covering. Here the backup Bidule is sitting on the shelf waiting to get the chance to perform.įirst operation is to split the covering on the bottom from the main landing gear mount up to the firewall. When towing as much as we do, you always have another tow plane in stock.
![bidule extended bidule extended](https://drewsound.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/3/9/24397074/7495950_orig.jpg)
Hung the tow line in a tree and that was that. Steve here: since the forum does not permit comments on the first post of the thread, let me edit it by saying: IT WAS ME! I did it. Items we'll address for convenience and personal preference.
#BIDULE EXTENDED MODS#
There's always personal changes guys are doing or different idea's on ways to do thing's, but as for absolute must do mod's that's all there is.ĭuring this thread we'll address each issue and include some nice convenience changes or mods intended to make the tug even easier to maintain and operate but are not absolute necessary for the plane to be a front line tug.
#BIDULE EXTENDED INSTALL#
The modifications needed to change this plane from a good tug into a GREAT, durable and dependable front line tow plane are few, in fact, the fewest of all the tow planes I've had.ġ) remove the balsa sheeting on bottom from firewall to the main gear mount and replace with 1/8 LITE PLYĢ) add hardwood tri-stock around inside firewall and balsa tri-stock around inside cockpit wherever possibleģ) add landing gear side saddle to each side of the fuseĤ) install the Stewart nose wheel servo and plane saverĥ) add a plywood support to the LE of the elevator saddle on the fuse ( more on this later )Ħ) change to Robart Hing Points and double the hinges on the Ailerons and flaps ( two next to each other ) This thread will incorporate most of the original modifications made to the highly capable Bidule 170 and include a few other appropriate mods learned along the way. ( the oak tree suffered severe damage too) After approximately 168 hours of flight time on the the original plane, it was a silly oak tree that wouldn't get out of the way. My trusted Bidule met a horrible, gruesome death on the mountain during the recent Cumberland event. Yes, it's true- It's been a while, some time has passed and I can finally speak of it.