Memphis Belle

Can someone please tell me how to correctly make wing ribs using the sandwich method, the ones I need to make are actually for a rudder on a Vulcan & they vary in size, you are given the root & tip templates but how do you "sandwich these to give the correct profile as obviously there are spaces in between each rib, or is there a web site which explains it all. Thank you

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

See if these two articles help you any:

[link]http://www.airfieldmodels.com/information_source/how_to_articles_for_model_builders/construction/make_constant_chord_wing_ribs/index.htm[/link]

[link]http://www.airfieldmodels.com/information_source/how_to_articles_for_model_builders/construction/make_tapered_wing_ribs/index.htm[/link]

Ken

scratchonly

I would make a core of 1/16 or 3/32 balsa the outline of the rudder. Out of 1/8 lite ply cut 1/2 ribs; 2 root and 2 tip minus the thickness of the core. Glue onto core in the proper location. Glue on remaining ribs in correct locations. Make these of 3/32 or 1/8 balsa in a rectangular piece the height of the root rib and the correct length. Carefully sand these to shape with a sanding bar longer than the length of the rudder untill your bar is resting on the ply ribs. It took me longer to type this than it will take to sand the ribs. You can shape the ribs roughly with a plane or knife before sanding if you are carefull. You will first have to glue on pieces of perhaps 1/2 in wide by the proper thickness the length of the rudder and fin for hinging. I would use robart round hinges. You can cut/drill holes in the core if weight is a worry but remember paint is heavier than balsa.

Good luck.