Adding Hatches to Open Framework  
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All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD >> Adding Hatches to Open Framework
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Adding Hatches to Open Framework - 6/1/2008 3:43:01 PM   
jetpack



Posts: 1563
Joined: 10/2/2002
From: Portage, IN, USA
Status: offline 		I am planning on building a "Schoolyard Citabria" and need to add a couple of hatches for the fuel tank and a battery storage.

The problem is the framework is all "open" covering in these areas. The balsa sheeting is thinner than the framework, and is recessed away from the covering. Usually hatches are built in on sheeted surfaces. This doesn't allow that.

To mount the radio battery down low inside the fuse is too small for hands.

The fuel tank could probably be built in, but being able to remove it would be kinda nice.

I need help with how to build these in. Thanks!!!

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< Message edited by jetpack -- 6/1/2008 3:51:16 PM >

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RE: Adding Hatches to Open Framework - 6/1/2008 11:06:01 PM   
Campy



Posts: 3396
Joined: 1/2/2002
From: Baltic, CT, USA
Status: offline 		One possibility for the battery is to fit the battery during construction, then mount some velcro on the battery. Use a pair of LONG needle nose pliers to hold the battery (by the cell, not by the wire) and insert it so that the sticky part of the other half of the velcro contacts the wood and adheres to it. Then remove the battery making sure the other half remains in the plane. Use a long piece of micro tubing attached to a thin CA bottle and go around the edges of the velcro in the plane to hold it in place. When dry, use the needle nose pliers to "reconnect" the velcro pieces.


Hatches

First of all, what you need to do to the plane is going to add weight. I want to make you aware of that before going any further.

What you are going to have to do for the hatches is add balsa from the interior sheeting so that it is flush with the longerons that the covering attaches to. You will need the grain of the wood to run forward and aft AND wet the wood with an ammonia/water mix so you can form the proper curve(s). Pin/clamp or otherwise fasten the wood in position until it is dry, THEN do your final trimming and cement in position. I suggest using an alphetic glue for this (Titebond, Elmer's WOOD glue [not the white glue], etc). After everything is dry, cut your hatch(s) out. On the inside (interior of the plane) use some scrap balsa about 1/8" - 3/16" thick and make a lip that over hangs the opening. You will want to imbed a small magnet into the lip. On the inside of the hatch imbed a piece of STEEL about 1/4" wide x 1/2" long so it is flush. (Radio Shack sells very tiny rare earth magnets) The magnets will hold your hatches on (I use this method on 40 - 60 size planes and the hatches have not come off or shifted even doing a 90+ mph power dive).

Tank

Use some balsa and glue a set of "rails" to the fuselage formers. You want to be able to slide the tank in and out on the rails. Stuff some foam between the top of the tank and the sheeting to stop the tank from bouncing. To keep the tank from shifting. glue a piece of scrap wood across the back of the tank to the fuselage formers. All you will need is a SMALL DROP of ca to hold the rear brace in place. If you ever need to pull the tank just grab the brace wit a pair of pliers and rotate it to pop the glue joint - worse case scenario is you break the the brace and have to make up a new one when you put the tank back in.

Ideally, you want to fit the tank, hatches, battery DURING construction. These things can be done afterwards, but it will be more difficult and may not be as neat.

(in reply to jetpack)
       Post #: 2

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