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Old 04-29-2004 | 01:47 PM
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CrazyHerb
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From: IlwacoWA
Default RE: New plane out of foam

Looks like it's gonna be a winner!

Just personal opinion...I think you could take almost an inch off the top of that fin (or more) and it would give it a little more streamlined look.
It will also help with tail heavy situation too...if you happen to have that arise...

My fins heights are usually around 3/4 to 2/3 of half the horz stab.

Taller rudders have a way of inducing roll and pitch coupling in knife edge too..(kinda acts like an aileron or elevator in knife edge)....so the less rudder you have away from your aircraft centerline the better you'll be.

Ailerons - I usually just cut them from the foam...trim down the top and bottom at the leading edge of the aileron to accomidate sheeting, so the leading edge of the aileron ends up the same thickness as the trailing edge of the wing (where I cut the aileron out) (airfoiled surface) then top-hinge them with packing tape/covering.
I use the thickness of the sheeting to act as a guide to do my cut at the leading edge (leaving the trailing edge the same thickness) then just flipping it over and doing it on the other side:
http://www.crazyherb.com/PLANK/IMG_1250.JPG


Here's a pic of the results:
http://www.crazyherb.com/PLANK/IMG_1264.jpg

I have not had a hinge failure yet.....even on the big ones...

Good Luck!
CrazyHerb