Step 4.2, Right Elevator Frame

After all of the elevator innards are primed, the right elevator skeleton is assembled.

Start with a bunch of flimsy parts.

And after a bit their combination begins to make something substantial.  This is a nut plate that will attach one the elevator rod end bearings.  Note the reinforcing plate surrounding the nut plate.  This spreads the force applied to the nut plate over a larger area of the spar.  There are actually very few parts on the aircraft that are made from iron.  The nut plate is one common part that is, as an aluminum nut plate if they even exist, would not have the requisite strength.

Here's another part that is made of steel.  The elevator horn, #605-R.  This part transmits the force applied in the cockpit to the elevator surface.  The ninety degree turn in the alignment of the flanges changes the back and forth movement of the control stick to an up and down motion on the elevator.

Finally the right elevator skin, having been match drilled and dimpled, is ready to rivet to the skeleton.

Not shown at this point, is a step where RTV rubber is squirted into a blob and the ends of each stiffener along the trailing edge just prior to closing the skin.  This step is said to prevent cracking of rivet holes along that line.  It may be controversial, but I'll stick my neck out right here and state flatly, that I am 100% against cracking of any part on my plane.

Using the squeezer to close up the right elevator skin.

Finally move the right elevator out of the way to begin the left.

Right elevator done!