On the left, the new baggage compartment is fitted in it's eventual position. Access will be from behind the rear seat. The airplane was designed as a trainer and utility airplane so there isn't much need for a large baggage space. Both pictures above show Malcolm's attention to detail in the woodwork, including a slotted pocket in the door, sized for paper charts. On the right, looking back from the firewall bulkhead, you can see the interesting control stick configuration - the sticks are curved, offset to the left, to allow room for the landing gear shock absorber spring which is perilously located under the front-center of the front seat. You don't want that baby to come loose.
In keeping with the mission and vintage (herding livestock, predator control on Wyoming ranches) Malcolm and I wanted to replicate the original configuration as much as possible - we didn't want, for example, to have external antennas taking away from the originality. Malcolm fitted a ground plane and antenna inside the fuselage to allow for communications. The wood floorboards are beautifully done (I will have to wear shoe covers). The ties between front and rear rudder pedals were originally thin strips of aluminum - we opted for tubing and rod ends for a more substantial link.
Again, lots of detail work on the wood formers and provisions for shoulder harnesses - not original, but a must have feature.
The key is fitting and refitting until it's just right. Note in all the pictures the extensive preparation of metal and wood and the quality of finish. I can't wait to take it to Oshkosh (2016).
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