Lindy
5/3/2009
Today was the BIG move! First though, I did spend the morning finishing up the wiring...I cut the length down on many of the ground wires to match them up a little better as they come in to the ground block. I didn't mess with some of them so several are odd lengths, but this looks much better...
2.25 hours
After I finished with that, I spent the next few hours getting everything ready to move to the airport. Not only did we move the fuselage out there today, I took almost all my tools and work benches out there as well, so there was a LOT to do.
The plan was to meet at my house around 3:30...Jack pulled up with the trailer at about 3:20 with Roger just behind in his truck. Pretty soon the whole crew was on hand...Larry, Rob, Steve, my videographer for the day Keith, and Roger's nephew Rich...one can never have too much help when doing something like this if you ask me!
With most of the neighborhood watching (see the guy on his front step below!), we moved the fuselage out of the garage and across the street to load it up. I wasn't able to take pictures and help load it, so I didn't get any pics of that, but here it is in place about to be tied down...
Jack always comes prepared!
Rob and Steve discussing something...
All strapped down and ready to go!
Comin' around the block...
...and we're on our way!
Crossing the main busy road on the way...Veteran's Parkway, i.e. Business 55...LOTS of looks being given!
Had to take a shot of the airplane with one of the Town of Normal water towers.
The turn on to Airport Road...
...sitting at the light at Carnahan Drive, the entrance to the GA ramp.
I thought this was cool...my videographer for the day Keith, was already at the intersection standing on something to get the shot of us making the turn in to the airport. My hangar is the one on the end of that hangar row just to the left of him (his right) in this picture!
This is the road leading in to Image Air, where I work...the airplane will stay a night or two there to start.
Crossing the threshold of the airport fence to the ramp...
...and now time to unload.
Touchdown! Can you see Larry turning green with envy in this pic??? LOL...he's just behind me with his own RV-7...
One of the shots I've been waiting for...
Starting to push it in the hangar...
Done! The next day or two will see it getting looked over by our mechanics...I want them all to have a look at it to have as many trained eyes on it as possible. Probably won't get much work done in the morning!
Ahh...
...time for a Coors!!!
It was a great day, everything went nice and smooth, and I can rest easy knowing it's over! I have to say a HUGE thanks to all the guys for helping me out today!! I really wish Brittne could've been back from Wisconsin to see it being moved, but we have pics and video! Back at home, it feels very strange to not have an airplane in the garage. I had forgotten how big the garage really is! Sad that it's not at home anymore, but very exciting to have it sitting at the airport!!