Spectra ARF Wing Joiner Needed
03-11-2007, 07:12 PM
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Spectra ARF Wing Joiner Needed
During a recent massive thermal I almost lost my Spectra, had a heck of a time getting it out. Like a high speed elevator going up and this without motor power. The updraft created so much lift that the wings to my Spectra literally folded up at the Diheadral Joiner. I was able to safely land though the wings were pointed up at about 50 degrees on both sides. Bent the heck out of the joiner. Does anyone have one from a wrecked spectre? It is a plywood and aluminum sandwich.
Thermal also broke the leading edge of the vertical stab but is fixable.
Thanks!
Thermal also broke the leading edge of the vertical stab but is fixable.
Thanks!
03-11-2007, 09:52 PM
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03-13-2007, 04:53 AM
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RE: Spectra ARF Wing Joiner Needed
Im suprised a thermal would do that. Overspeed/stressed trying to escape a strong thermall I could understand, but actually hitting a thermall strong enough to damage the glider [X(] And how does lifting air damage a vertical surface?
03-13-2007, 07:39 AM
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RE: Spectra ARF Wing Joiner Needed
CellTech, How about a little more info. Was this an ARF Spectra or kit build ?. Reason I ask is that my ARF version also folded up on on one wing right at the end of the joiner. Balsa main spars were the problem. Kit build can be made a lot stronger with Basswood. MM
03-16-2007, 08:23 PM
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RE: Spectra ARF Wing Joiner Needed
My Spectra is an ARF. The vertical stab broke at the leading edge where it is glued to the base. I added a triangle brace so hopefully it will now hold. I have no idea why the vertical stab broke, however it is the second time. The leading edge is too soft of balsa. I will say that the thermal was so strong that I had to resort to both rudder and down elevator to finally get the model free from the up draft, and even then it was not easy. I'm sure that is why the spar joiner bent. Model looked real funny flying with the wings folded way up.
The spar joiner is deffinetely a weak point on the model. Just a balsa and light aluminum sandwich
The spar joiner is deffinetely a weak point on the model. Just a balsa and light aluminum sandwich
