The rudder is built up using 3/32” balsa ribs, 3/16” balsa leading edge, 1/8” balsa trailing edge, sheeted with 1/16” balsa. I use a jig that is incorporated in the structure for alignment. The leading and trailing edges are cut in 1” strips. I mark the centerline on the leading and trailing edges. The ribs are glued to the leading and trailing edges, lining up the centerline of each rib with the centerlines I had drawn. Then the entire assembly lays flat on the building board, the excess LE and TE are sanded flush, and the sheeting is glued on. Once dry, I tack glue balsa blocks on the LE and TE to make the jig for the other side.

Up next, everyone's favorite part of the first Lightning, the balsa canopy.