Originally Posted by
VincentJ
Mike, your absolutely right that a traditional rib constructed fin planked would be lighter and strong as one made from solid Balsa. It may also resist warping and twisting better. In my case, the 3/8" Balsa used for the fin is pretty light. I don't mind sanding it to its final shape, I don't have to plank it and I don't have to add blocking for the hinges, so that's what I'm going with.
Tim, I got a laugh from that as well when I saw it. I'm glad I got all that sorted out because it was driving me batty!
When I saw your fist picture I couldn't help but wonder if the full scale Morrisey had a tail like my Ryan SC (see photos). The vertical fin has an aluminum skin at the root but the upper part of the vertical fin, rudder, horizontal fin and elevator are fabric covered. I plan on replicating this detail with Aero Foil (lighter thinner material like Flite Metal) and either Solartex with an aluminum paint or Aluminum Ultracote using Fourmost U-channel as the black gasket between them.
