SeamusG

I'm sure that I'm not the FIRST novice builder to straighten the first inch of the rib from the leading edge back. Honest officer, I was just sitting there with a sanding block in my hand and BLAM - there was a brilliant flash of light. When I could see again the ribs were straight! I swear - I didn't do a thing.

OK, damage is done.

The wing is a 4Star60. The damage is between the leading edge and the 1st of 2 forward spars (3/16). I messed up 4 ribs.

Oh great peanut gallery - lay your corrective suggestions on me.

Many thanks,

HighPlains

My Feedback: (1)

Sand flat, glue on new pieces, sand to curve.

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

Trace a template from the plans to compare to see when you are getting them close

SeamusG

1. Sand the compromised area flat between the LE and the forward spar.
2. Fab pieces of balsa from scrap using the plans with the correct curve and the straight edge per step 1.
3. CA the pieces on.
4. DON'T sand 'em flat again.

Did I get it right?

Thanks very much.

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

I use one of these to get them all the same

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXK317&P=7

SeamusG

What I did:
1. sand the problem ribs flat
2. glue balsa stick of same thickness - pic 1
3. fabricate a template for the proper profile - pic 2
4. transfer profile to rib - pic 3
5. sand the rib to the new profile - pic 4

Thanks for the help.

w8ye - I use a fairly long sanding block myself - I just wasn't paying enough attention when I was rounding the leading edge to match the ribs.

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

It is not extremely critical. You can just make it look about right and the plane will still fly good if you make them all the same

rainedave

My Feedback: (1)

I have done that many times, and I've used the same remedy.[sm=red_smile.gif] Your repair job looks great. FWIW, the plane would still fly fine, it would just look a bit odd. On models without forward sheeting the shrunken covering cups between the ribs anyway, dipping below the ribs' airfoil.

David

SeamusG

This is what my 1st 4*60 looked like covered. I understand what you're saying about covering and "open" covering between the LE and the main spar.

Charlie P.

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

Glue 1/8" X 1/8" strips (or whatever the rib thickness) strips over the edges of the ribs and start again.

I get them to shape as a group and then once on the spars use a 24" sanding block with fine grit for the final smoothing.

SeamusG

Charlie - about the stack of ribs in your photo - are those scratch-built ribs? Reason I'm asking - I have a wingless Sea Dancer. I have the plans for the wing & engine nacelle. Some time I will attack that challenge - just looking for information to squirrel away until then.

notruthless

Outstanding 4*. I really like your color / pattern scheme.

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

The sharp contrast using primary colors as well as the absolute difference between top and bottom is what does it