ORIGINAL: RapTaz
I have a trainer, its a 60 size from Tower Hobbies, an ARF. I've got it built to the point where I am balancing the CG.
I have figured the amount of weight to balance the plane, using ounce size mixing cups and BBs with a balancing fixture. Now I am at the point I need to make the balace permanent.
I have read several methods of setting the weights. The easiest is to use adhesive ''Mag weights'' from the local tire shop. I don't want to do this, unattractive. Another way that I am leaning towards is to drill a hole, mix up some 30 minute epoxy, coat the required amount of BBs and insert them into the drilled hole. I actually like the sound of this method but am asking here if this is actually a good method.
I completely believe in ''paying it forward'' and expect to either use this trainer to teach others to fly or donate the airframe (minus engine) to others that will make good use of it to teach others to fly. Tat is why I am asking here for the best way to balance the plane, with consideration given to those that may need to balance it in the future.
Thank you,
Glenn<br type=''_moz'' />
In many years of flying FF, CL, and RC, I have used many methods to balance a model both laterally and longitudinally.
Using BBs (lead shot is better) can be long-life and easy to move if you make/use of a small plastic bag, dump the weight into said bag, fill it up/over with epoxy (5 min works) and have it in a tight corner with some wood around it. When it cures you have a weight that will stay-put. If needed the whole mess can be bolted with a screw and a T-nut and held in place.
One item to think about is that the CG point is not aft of 30% (25% is uch better) of the mean aerodynamic chord (MAC). Most of those trainners show the CG at around 33%. That assures the sellers will have repeat business. The "airplane drivers" will argue that point. The
pilots will abide by it.