Hatz Biplane Association

No wing parts are in the VR-3 kit. They offer fuselage, empennage , and landing gear. Some flat sheet metal is also included for those assemblies. I'm sure they could do those if someone asked them, but I didn't. I would give them a call and ask them for sure, cause these things change all the time. Last time I checked the website for VR3 they did not have the Hatz Classic listed as an offering yet, and I know that's wrong, cause I got one of the kits, and I know some folks besides me who also got them.

The anti-torque tubes and the aileron idler brace mentioned by Bitshifter are pieces that need the ends flattened. If VR3 doesn't make those pieces I found a way to flatten the ends with some finesse.

http://myhatz.blogspot.com/2017/05/2017-may-anti-torque-tube.html

Another thing you may want to consider is to have the rib jig CNC cut also. That way the spar to spar distance is pretty much exactly what it's suppose to be. I had mine CNC cut from Plexiglas. Plexiglas is stable and the T-88 doesn't stick. I have the AutoCAD drawing for the jig if anyone wants it.

http://myhatz.blogspot.com/2016/09/march-2016.html

http://myhatz.blogspot.com/2016/04/april-2016.html

Wile,
You are correct, I forgot all about those. I just checked the prints and there they were and I have no idea what they are for. The N struts attach at that location and they look to be loaded in tension but I don't see any torque that they would be protecting against. Since the plates that they mount to is a welded fabrication I waited until the wings were finished to make the torque tubes so that the holes would line up.
There is a small support that goes from the aileron idler to the spar that is not on the plans. It may not be in the VR3 "kit".

Ed White
[url]http://edwinwhite.com/hatz.html[/url]

I understand the compression tubes. It is the single tube next to one of the compression tubes made from 1/2" tubing with the ends compressed with pin holes drilled in the ends. Referred to as anti torque tubes.

Wile, I am assuming that the Torque tubes you are referring to are actually the compression struts. They keep the leading and trailing spars a fixed distance apart since the ribs aren't designed for that load. There is a small issue with the distance between the center of the spars, it comes out to be about 1/16 of an inch. The issue arrives from using the plans to make a rib fixture. When the plans are printed the dimensions change slightly. If the ribs are made from a pattern using the plans as a base, the spar center distance is off slightly. This will require a minor change to the overall length of the compression struts. If they are already made, VR3, then they might need to be shortened slightly before welding the end parts on. you could also use the plans as a base but set the spar locations on 25" centers in your fixture as I did.
There are indeed a few mistakes on the print but none that I remember affecting the metal parts and if so, you could already remake that part.
I would not be concerned about using the VR3 parts.

I can't spell.....they are PERFECT!

I must re-iterate that those kits are PEFECT man......that thing is almost idiot proof.

As far as the VR3 kit and wing rigging goes, you are the one welding the fittings where they go, mine is perfect, or as close to it as possible. I have a friend who purchased a welded assembly from them, and it is perfect as well. The Torque tubes in the wings are to minimize twisting in the area as far as I know. I made mine from 1/2 .035 tubing.

One concern I had was the mention in other threads of discrepancies in the plans. If the fuselage is now in CAD form at VR3, I guess this had to be all addressed to get the joints to match. If so, are there any measurements on the precut fuselage that is different than the plans built. Are there any VR3 Hatzes that are completed enough to verify wings and rigging come out the same? My questions are partly out of ignorance as I have not done a plansbuilt before. While I'm announcing my ignorance, what are the anti torque tubes for in the wing? What torque movement or pivot are they guarding against. Sorry to change subjects.

lol, It's coid one day, 55 the next.

You are welcome to stop in anytime. I have to be in the office on Wednesdays, but am usually home any other day. I live right on the airport at KSCA.

I got an early kit, well the first one I think, from VR3. I started talking to Don of VR3 around 2005 or so. They now also can do the control system and seats. The kits also come with the flat sheet metal parts for the gear attach and cabanes too. I can't say enough about how much fun it was to just jig it up and weld the thing. It goes together like a glove! It makes it so much faster and less messy. Some "purists" looked down their noses at me, but I say work smarter, not harder, ...unless that is what you want to do of course lol!
I have just over five years time in my project, and hope to have it done within two more. My progress blew by some folks who have been working on theirs for longer periods.....just because of that fuse tail and gear kit from VR3. If the wife ever lets me build another plane, I would do it all over again!

My Email is rfs1260@yahoo.com, cell 937-728-1028. I posted where my fuse is at on the Hatz Biplane Facebook page a couple days ago.

Happy Hatzing!