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Top Flite DC-3 Horizontal Stabilizer - 2/6/2012 8:22 PM   
TEBerg



Posts: 430
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Joined: 1/20/2004
Last Login: 5/31/2013
From: Clovis, CA, USA
Status: offline 		I am starting to build the DC-3 kit. After removing all the parts, I found the Stab TE seemed to be very "crooked" looking, kinda bananna-shaped with the bottom a pretty consistant curve and the top seeming to undulate a bit. I attached a very rough JPG to show my impression.

This part came from sheet DC3TS03 and is 1/8-inch balsa.

The instructions (Page 11, step 2) says to gule the TE to the spar and notes these pieces are SYMMETRICAL, so it does not matter how you join them.

However, if I line them up at the tips, the parts are VERY different. One way bulges out at the bottom and does not cover the top of the spar, if turned over, it is bulged on top with the "wavy" side exposed on the bottom. It looks like the di-cut was actually bent out of shape on one side or both.

My question - Should I just use the Ribs to "size" and make my own symmetrical stab TE?

Do you happen to have a line drawing of this part? That would make it much easier to cut out.

Otherwise, I will start at the center, use the stab spar to space the ribs and then mark each rib thickness centered out to the tips to creat my own "symmetrical" trailing edge.

Thanks for any help. I don't want to start with a weird bow in the horizontal stab and have it look like a flying bannana.

Tom

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RE: Top Flite DC-3 Horizontal Stabilizer - 2/7/2012 4:48 PM   
Bax


 

Posts: 17341
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Joined: 4/26/2002
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Champaign, IL, USA
Status: offline 		If the die-cut piece isn't usable, you can make one as you suggest. However, check the part. You may be able to sand it to shape once it's part of the structure. You could also email to get a new piece to see if it's a on-off difficulty:

partssupport@greatplanes.com

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Bill Baxter, Manager Hobby Services/Futaba Service/North America
3002 N. Apollo Dr. Ste. 1 Champaign, IL 61822 USA
Service Phone: 217 398-0007
Email: hobbyservices@hobbico.com

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RE: Top Flite DC-3 Horizontal Stabilizer - 2/7/2012 6:08 PM   
TEBerg



Posts: 430
Score: 113
Joined: 1/20/2004
Last Login: 5/31/2013
From: Clovis, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks Bill,

I tried to line things up and they won't overlap enough to sand anything off. One side is always undercut, the other hangs over no matter which side or end I turn over.

I will contact the e-mail you gave me to hear their suggestions.

Tom

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Tom B.

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RE: Top Flite DC-3 Horizontal Stabilizer - 3/20/2012 1:17 AM   
TEBerg



Posts: 430
Score: 113
Joined: 1/20/2004
Last Login: 5/31/2013
From: Clovis, CA, USA
Status: offline 		I just wanted to follow-up for anyone interested.

I contacted Top Flite and they were great and sent me a replacement part free of charge and no shipping cost...

That is the best service.

However, I was sad to see the replacement part had the very same problem and was not symmetrical at all. So I ended up cutting my own trailing edge.

After I had finished the stab, I lined up the di-cut part from the kit and noticed it did not even fill the space between the top and bottom sheet. That is probably why I had no idea on how to line things up so it was centered or evenly "offset" that when I sanded the required shape, it would work - because it just won't work.

I attached a photo showing where I had lined up the bottom of the trailing edge with the sheeting. I marked where the bottom was aligned (on both sides) just outside of the center. Then you can see the "gap" on top where the trailing edge marks are showing on my fabricated piece. If I had tried to use the di-cut part, the stab would have been way off.

So, I know you do have to "build" kits to make them work and I'm very willing to do that.

I just wanted to post this to let anyone interested or who searches for the same problem, that it appears the di-cutting is just off in this case..

OK, on to more building fun...


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All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Kit Building >> Kit Manufacturer Direct Support Forum >> Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore >> Top Flite DC-3 Horizontal Stabilizer
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