Stjohn's RV-7

this is going to be a few entries rolled into one, so here goes.
Yesterday, I reserved my N-number. I now have N-808FX ready to go when it comes time to actually get to building. Two days ago, I received my Preview Plans Set from Van’s Aircraft. It was kind of a weird thing. I opened it up and browsed the sample RVator and the accessories catalog, then jumped right in. I’ll admit, the plans were a little scary, in a looking-down-a-big-ski-hill sort of way. I haven’t had to read a print since 92, but it all came back quickly enough. There’s a lot to do and a lot to learn, and I had to reevaluate the time, finances, and skills issues. After letting the big binder sit for a couple of days (real work), I came back to it today and found that I was still comfortable with all the construction techniques, tools, materials, and prices, so I got my stoke back.
A few days before the Preview Plans arrived, “Overhauling Mazda’s 13B” with Bruce Turrentine (2nd Edition, DVD) showed up, which was way cool. Thanks Laura! I was considering buying a pre-built 13B from Bruce or Powersport, or Atkins, but after seeing the video, I know I want to build it up myself. The thing that’s starting to sink in about this stuff is that no part of it is particularly difficult, but it does require something that I have difficulty summoning on a consistent basis and that is thoroughness and attention to detail. I do realize that the construction of an aircraft is not something that should be undertaken without a committment to thoroughness and attention to detail, but I know I need work in this area. Two things I’m counting on to assist me in this process: First, I’m very thorough and detailed about things that i am obsessed with. Mental? yes, perhaps. Second: The fact that lack of attention to detail in craftsmanship or operation can be fatal. I don’t want to be one of those guys who goes over the runway fence shedding pop-rivets on the way into a freeway overpass, or that other guy who doesn’t wear the proper safety equipment and winds up in an oxygen tent bursting with Hexachrome-induced tumors and acid-etched lungs.