Barnstorming

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So, the barn is big.  Maybe *too* big.  Why would I say that?  Well, there are almost too many ways here to set up a workshop, so many that I have fallen victim to some “analysis paralysis.”  There are two full size floors, a 1/3 size loft, and an “annex” with a large concrete floor and a second “office” above.   The barn footprint is about 36′ x 45′ inside overall.  On the main (2nd) floor, there is a wide open space that is ideal for pulling vehicles in and working on them.  On one side, there is a 36′ x 17′ room under the loft that might be just right for the airplane workshop.

wpid-20150328_121056.jpgThere should be plenty of space here even to build a fuselage once I straighten out the workbench and shelf situation.

The problem is, once I build a fuselage in here, how do I get it out?  There is a partially completed doorway that could be used, but *what are the dimensions of a completed fuselage less the landing gear*?

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Currently my thought is to build the wings in this side room, and probably the fuselage, but once the gear goes on, if I don’t make provisions to knock this wall out later, I’ll have to move construction out into the larger main area.

wpid-20150328_120835.jpgThis space is huge, and would be perfect for building a plane except for one thing:  it is simply too large to heat.  The roof peak is approximately 20 feet up from this level, and there is no way I’m going to build a permanent ceiling in here (the aesthetics of the barn are just too cool to ruin with a flat ceiling, plus it would ruin the view from the loft).  You can see one frame of an EAA workbench under construction near the bike.

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Once the empennage attach happens, the plane may be too long to navigate around the posts in the workshop room.  At that point, it may be necessary to build a false ceiling in the main room out of 2x4s and plastic sheeting just to keep the heat in.  Alternatively, I could try to time the project such that everything post-empennage attach is done in warm weather, but I think that would not go well.  Best laid plan(e)s, and all.

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