Last week, I installed the weldment that goes between the front and rear control sticks (the dark thing in the bottom left of the picture). I also drilled and clecoed the arm rests on each side of the cockpit. I partially installed the flap actuator, but I need to get a battery so I can run the actuator to make sure I've got the mounting bracket properly located before I drill the holes.
Recently, it has sort of been three steps forward, and two steps back. I dove back into the project, after getting back from Wichita a week ago. But, I was in a bit too much of a rush, and did some major cosmetic damage to the bulkhead behind the rear seat (F-807) while I was riveting. I tried to touch up the damage, but everything I did just made it look worse. It wasn't a structural issue, but it was really horrible looking, and I would have seen it every time I got in the plane. Plus, passengers would have seen it, and it would have given them cause to worry about the workmanship. Luckily, the upper third of the F-807 bulkhead is a separate piece, so, I bit the bullet and drilled out the rivets. I threw that part away, and borrowed a new one from Mark Richardson, who is also building an RV-8. He has his fuselage kit, but he is still working on his wings. He has been kind enough to loan parts to another builder and me.
The last couple of days, I've been working on the electric aileron trim, and the battery tray. The battery tray can be mounted on the front side of the firewall, or behind the rear baggage area, depending on where you need it for centre of gravity reasons. Van recommends mounting it on the firewall for the engine and prop combination that I plan to use, but I also drilled the holes behind the rear baggage area, so I can move the battery back later if need be.
Saturday, there was a Van's Air Force-Ontario Wing fly-in at Smiths Falls, with about a dozen RVs in attendance. Terry Jantzi took Jim Manton and I up for rides in his gorgeous RV-6. It is so clean you would never guess he has flown almost 800 hours in the three years since his first flight. Thanks Terry!