RCU Forums - View Single Post - DERIVATIVE, New 2X2
View Single Post
Old 07-03-2014, 06:02 AM
  #227  
MTK
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Whippany, NJ
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I'm progressing slowly and taking photos. I will be posting them over the holiday weekend (Independence Day in the US).

The batch of ribs is shaving a considerable amount of weight off the build, compared to straight foam. The 1/2 Lb density foam core weighs about 11 grams, which means if 1 Lb density foam is used which is far more typical, that's 20+ grams for each foam core. Hollowed out Balsa ribs (10 per panel) weigh 5 grams per panel. The extra work is worth it to me to shave that much weight off the stab.

The skins are taper sanded which shaves another 20% off each skin. The molded LEs weigh about 60% of what a shaped, carved stick LE would weigh. Stab/elevator area is 245 square inches. Again, building strong enough for the job and not overbuilding is the key....