Preston Kavanagh wrote:
I'm sure I speak for all the viewers - thanks for putting so much into your construction log.
I like the look of the plane and reports on flying qualities. That said, the size of this project discourages me - I wonder if it can really be done with a time budget similar to RV's, Bearhawks, et al. I am startled by the size of the parts and the phenomenal number of rivets. I want to know if you have prior building experience giving you the confidence and gumption to undertake something this big. Can you compare the quality of the manuals, support et al to other kit manufacturers? (My prior experience is a PA-12 restoration and a BD-4 rebuild [now stalled in the garage], and both are much smaller projects than this Moose. Both are orphan designs with no manufacturer.)
A second question is about powerplant choices. I have been reading the Lycoming SB's and AD's for about 4 years, and if there is a pattern, it is that O-540's are high maintenence. Do you have any experience on how that compares to the radial alternative?
Thanks again. Preston Kavanagh, Hartford, CT
Hi Preston,
You're right, it is an enormous project... but like any other, as long as you keep at it, you'll finish. As far as prior experience... I built a Quicksilver MX and registered it experimental. But I really wouldn't call the 25 hours that took experience!
I did spend 10 years as an avionics technician in the Marine Corps... but again, that doesn't really have anything to do with building. The best building experience I got was helping another local builder with his Murphy Super Rebel. I spent about 7 months putting in a couple of days a week on that project. After helping him I knew I could build my own no problem.
You're also right about there being LOTS of rivets on a Moose! But remember that the Moose is built using the Avex pulled rivet, which is installed like a pop rivet, although NOT the same thing. When you get to the point where you are riveting, it moves very fast. When you set a rivet you just squeeze the trigger and it's set. Much faster than solid rivets, and much quieter. The only place on the Moose that uses solid driven rivets is the main wing spars.
Real world building time for a Moose is probably between 2500 and 3000 hours. That's ready to fly... there's a saying about being done with the airframe and ready to install your systems... 99% done, 99% to go!
The manual is probably the most complained about item regarding any of Murphy's airplanes. I find it adequate, but it could certainly be better. 99% of builders I have talked to are more than happy with the support they've received from the factory. And of course, there's the Rebel Builders List that I have hosted since 1997. These guys have done it all, and can answer any question you have. There are currently about 200 members and almost 20,000 messages in the archives! Definately worth signing up just to see what folks are talking about if you're interested in this airplane... it's free by the way.
As for problems with Lycomings and Radials. I'm certainly not an authority here. There are a lot of Rebels, Elites and Meese
flying behind Lycomings. The builders list has a lot of information on which engine models to use and which to stay away from. The 540 series specifically has been used in many SR2500 and Moose aircraft, and I haven't heard of any specific problems. Of course there have been a number of AD's recently, but I think as long as you research which model engines have been affected you can minimize the impact. Most builders don't buy brand new engines from the factory, they buy used or rebuilt engines, so they're getting something with a proven history. I've only heard of one problem with a radial so far, and it was a problem with a nut in an oil pump. I don't know what the final count on the factory demonstrator was, but I know they had passed the 600 hour mark problem free when I flew it. A lot of folks have finished quick built Moose with radials in the last couple of years, so the hours are building quickly. I personally don't want 30 year old technology in my brand new airplane... so I will most likely be installing a 400 HP LS6 V8 conversion.
Well I hope this answered a couple of your questions, feel free to ask more.
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