Danh4

My Feedback: (5)

I am building the stab and elevators of my Top Flite Spitfire and I have a question of fit that I hope someone can help me with. The potential problem is that the leading edge of the elevators is not as deep in the vertical plane as the trailing edge of the stab. It's not off by much out toward the tips but at the elevator roots, they are 1/8" less than the thickness of the stab.

I am at the point where I need to add the ribs to the elevators but thought I'd better find out if I need to add some balsa to the leading edges to fatten them up first. Please help if you've built this kit and can understand what I'm trying to describe!

Dan Hayward

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

I've just hit the same problem, only I thought it was me

In the end I sanded down the rear of the stab (and that damn thin 1/16th sheeting) to meet the elevator. You end up almost removing all the 1/16th off the back of the stab. You dont need it to be 100% the same, as it is normal on the real spit to have parts that dont match.

I've only put my fingers through the 1/16th sheeting twice when I was adjusting the hinges .

Danh4

My Feedback: (5)

I'm a little leery of sanding down the stab because it's already a good fit out toward the tips. I'd end up with a big curve in the top of my stab and then there's the sheeting to worry about. I'll probably add a little to the top and bottom of each elevator, hopefully it won't add too much weight. I think I might also email Top Flite to see what they suggest. I'll let you know what they say.

Dan

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

Hi Dan did you get a reply from Top-Flite ?

I'm just starting the wings.

Danh4

My Feedback: (5)

I've been goofing off with other things so I never got around to it until just now when I saw your post. The question has been sent to Top Flite. I've already decided to add some balsa to my elevators to bring them to the same thickness as the stab. It would probably fly OK as it is now, but I know I'll never be happy with it if it doesn't look right. I will pass on what Top Flite says as soon as I get a reply.

How's the wing building going? Are you planning on using retracts?

Dan

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

Hi Dan, thanks for the update.

I have only stuck the ply doublers on the ribs, but this morning I hope I should start building (I'll upload a picture latter today). Yes probably either Robart or Eurokit retracts. Still havent made my mind up on the engine yet though.

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

Here you go Dan

Danh4

My Feedback: (5)

That looks like fun! I really have to get going on mine.

Dan

TRP

My Feedback: (1)

I just picked my TF Spit kit up at the swap meet this weekend. 80.00!

I can't wait to get started on it.

TRP

Danh4

My Feedback: (5)

TRP,

You got a great deal! Mine is coming along slowly but surely. I just finished fitting the flaps to mine this weekend and all that's left for the wing are the ailerons and wingtips. Then its on to the fuselage!

Dan

dalombar

Hi Dan,
Just getting into the same elevator problem as you. Did Top Flite every reply to your email?
Thanks
Davide

Danh4

My Feedback: (5)

I never did hear from Top Flite but adding material to the elevators so that they better matched the rear face of the stab worked out well, at least it looked nicer when finshed.

-Dan

dalombar

Thanks!