Earlier today I went flying.  For one of the few times this year, the temperatures were down in the single digits.  After leaving the Cherokee plugged in for hours to pre-heat the motor and taping off the oil cooler inlet, I jumped in and fired up the plane.  I was suprised that the thing fired off after just a couple of blades.  Anyway, with the temperatures as cold as they were, my little Cherokee 140 got the best climb rates I have seen yet.  With me and about 25 gallons of fuel, I was seeing climb rates between 1000-1200 fpm.  I was absolutely thrilled with the performance.  Then I got to thinking that this is still only about 1/2 of what the RV-7 will be able to do.  Even though I was thrilled with the Cherokee's performance in these temperatures, it started to get me motivated to get back and work on the RV.  Anyway, enough babbling about the Cherokee.

I am in the process of wrapping up my wing kit and my attention is wandering to the next phase of the project.  One thing that has been in the back of my mind is what I was going to use for a tail wheel linkage.  The thought of using the "screen door springs" was never all that exciting to me.  I wanted something a little nicer and that is the joy of  experimental aircraft.  I can put on whatever I want.  Anyway, I was always interested in the tail wheel linkage that Terry Jantzi manufactured and then one day on Doug Reeve's site (http://www.vansairforce.net/), I came across an add for Rivethead Aero and they were manufacturing a fabulous looking tail wheel linkage.  I ended up buying the tail wheel linkage from Rivethead Aero over Terry Jantzi's model with the following considerations:

• Rivethead Aero unit is fully sealed.  No disassembly is required and it is environmentally sealed.  If for any reason it fails, Rivethead Aero will replace the unit.
• It is Nickel plated and is a thing of beauty.  The form and finish of the unit is fabulous.
• Rivethead Aero's was more expensive and I always like the things that are the most expensive.  

Just another angle.  This should really dress up the tail wheel. 

This thing is supposed to be environmentally sealed.  I sure wish they would have sent the drawings of how this thing is put together.

Just a pict of the other end.

I also got their linkage arm so it matched the tail wheel linkage.  I is also nickel plated and looks great.

If you are interested in checking out Rivethead Aero, their website is at:

http://www.rivethead-aero.com/

I also recommend checking into Terry Jantzi's tail wheel linkage at his web address (I believe that Wayne Hadath is now making the RV/Steering Link):

http://www.justplaneworks.com/

I am getting into the fuselage frame of mind.  I have barely looked at the parts in the crate and I am starting to think about interior, the radio stack, etc.  I can already see the $$$'s flowing out of my bank account at an alarming rate.