Hi Tom,


The crutch is made from depron and balsa. I used 1/4 square balsa along each edge of the crutch running down the entire length of the fuse. There is also balsa supports across the depron crutch to minimise buckling. The front of the crutch (section were rudder servo is mounted is 1/16 ply with carbon which really stiffens this area of the fuse.


I also have a small balsa crutch between the tailplane tube and the rudder post. I have employed Eric's tail fin support and support behind the canopy which has really locked everthing in. Rudder weighs 60grams and I have relocated rudder horn to the middle of the rudder to minimise flex. I have also reinforced the tail fin seam. I used the rudder hinge method they suggested but the exposed parts of the hinge itself has been supported with wooden dowel (approx 3/8 inch with hole in middle - robart hinge slides into)


Thanks for the compliment with the paint scheme. I have used a similar scheme on the Alliance I built previously. Looks quite striking on the ground. Cant wait to get the clear coat on it as they come to life when it has a gloss over it.


I dont think I can do anymore to stop these failures. I hope to have addressed the issues with at least one of the mods I have made. I know some people are saying you shouldnt need to doo all of this but I look at positives - The model is by far the stiffest model I have ever built. This can only be good for flight performance and noise.



Here is photo of my Alliance with siilmar paint scheme.