It looks like the miscalculation on the fabric is more of an issue than first imagined. The fallback supply, from my stockpile, has only marginal tear strength. It tested at 6lbs in a tongue tear test. (I didn’t purchase this lot of fabric for a balloon project and hadn’t bothered to test it before now.) Although this exceeds the 3 lbs that is the minimum reasonable, the other fabric has been testing at 12-15 lbs of tear strength. Given that this fabric is for use at the top of the balloon (the most critical location) using the best available fabric seems like a good idea.
So, Kevin is going to have to order some more nylon fabric on Monday and have it shipped via overnight freight. Given that both the Nomex and the load tapes have yet to arrive, there probably won’t be much effect on the overall construction schedule.
Sewing proceeds apace. One of the picture posted earlier today shows a gore that consists of 11 of the eventual 13 panels. Even at a fairly measured pace (by Kevin’s standards) from this point, it looks like Kevin will be ready to start joining the panels when last of the materials arrive.
I wish I could help in the fabric dilemma. I just ran into the same situation. I had enough to cut out the 77k, but had to order some more Jade to keep the pattern correct. I have panels 1 and 17 left to cut and then sewing commences. (albeit at a slower pace than you guys). My goal it to have it ready to stand up by the XLTA meet.
Mike
Well, these are only very slight misteps given how quickly you guys are proceeding. And it’s wise to use the best fabric possible–the labor is the biggest investment, after all.
Can you give us more details on the project–what’s the envelope going to look like? How did you decide on your gore layout (what did you use for your pattern design)? And will we all get to see it at XLTA 2006?
David