ORIGINAL: bbbair
ORIGINAL: andrew66
another question: a little off topic, but should i balance my model before covering it and then rechecking after or just do it after? my instructions dont reccomend wich is better. i personally think that adding weight if necessary before covering would be better cosmetically speaking. just my opinion, but if its better the other way, ill just do that
Balancing it before you cover is the best way - if you can do it.
Then cover and recheck.
This keeps the AC clean and neat. Any extra weight that you add afterwards will be minimal.
Lateral balance should always be checked before covering. install the engine, all servos, receiver (not battery), and temporarily install the control hinges (do not glue in) and balance it laterally. This is important.
However, balancing it fore and aft at this point is useless. Take everything out, cover it, and then re-install everything. Use the battery and rx to help adjust the CG balance. If that is not possible, then consider moving some servos (which might in turn knock your lateral balance back off). Try not to add dead weight. Planes will typically always be noseheavy until covered. Covering adds more weight than one would think, and most of the covering is behind the CG in a typical model.