View source for What to do when stuck

If money and storage space is no factor, and if you know exactly what you want, you can order every kit and everything else you need before you even start building. But even if you successfully pre-order everything (impossible anyways), you may find that you are missing something, or something is damaged, or you messed something up, etc. Then you might find yourself with nothing to work on. It's generally best to keep going and stay in the habit of doing the build -- there is almost always something you can be working on while waiting.

Here are some tips and suggestions:

* It can be intimidating as a new builder, but all of the Empennage sections (except 11 and 12) are independent. So, if like many builders, you make a mistake on your VS and need to wait on new parts, you can start on your rudder.
* Likewise, on the fuselage, the following sections can be started or even finished out of order: Upper Forward Fuselage Assembly, Baggage Door.
* Again, on the fuselage, once you have finished Section 33, most of the rest of the sections can be done in pretty much any order: Baggage Door, Access Covers and Floor Panels, Brake Lines, Fuel System, Rudder Pedals & Brake System, Control System, Flap System, Rear Seat Backs, and Cabin Cover.
* It's also possible to pre-deburr parts ahead of time. Remove the film, mark the part number with a Sharpie, and deburr all of the edges and even the holes. Yes you might have to do some touchups here and there later, but most of the deburring work will be done.

You can also consider other activities to keep yourself busy:

* Review your completed sections and review the Wiki pages here -- add notes to help future builders.
* Consider building a list of upcoming add-ons and modifications. Consider using a spreadsheet and categorizing (e.g. you can categorize based on which kit it applies to).
* Review that list of modifications to make sure you didn't forget something on your current kit and consider making decisions or placing orders for your next kit.
* If you are doing your own electrical and/or avionics diagrams, consider designing and creating those.
* Consider organizing your tools and parts, making labels, and ordering extra supplies.
* Create some of the wooden things you'll need in the future:
** Horizontal Stabilizer Cradles (page 8-7)
** Trim Tab Clamping Blocks (page 9-16)
** Side-skin folding Clamping Blocks (page 29-4)
** Wing Cradles (would need to get dimensions from somebody)
** Fuselage Cart or Spindle (would need to get dimensions from somebody)