hi all

i'm making a big 3m 3D model but i need a bit of advice. I'm making it from scratch and was wondering if having the tail and rudder airfoiled is essential? Would it matter if i just made it conventially like smaller models without airfoil cross section in rudder and tail?

I would think a stick built tail would be just fine, just make sure that you use thicker sticks.

make it out of thick sticks, then sand to an aproximate airofoil.

The monster 46% H9 ultimate has a non-airfoiled tail section. I was suprised, having never seen one untill refently but it does. Honestly I prefer the airfoiled stuff but apperently it dont matter either way.

Full size Pitts has a non-airfoiled tail[8D]

good good, less work for me!

oh and ian...shush! [:-] its supposed to be kept quiet silly boy! lol

airfoiled tails are more efficient at high angles of attack, i e when you have a lot of deflection going, they dont stall as much. i would highly reccomend airfoiling it.

airofoil is also much stronger. Edited post Sam

cheers ian

think ill make it out of sticks but not totally decided yet, ill see when it comes to making it, gotta buy the wood for the fuselage tommorow! 8 sheets of 1/8 ply 4ft x 1ft should do it lol

64 squared feet of ply, bloody hell it'll be a monster!

as far as i am concerned, if you are making a 3m model you should at least five it airfoiled tailsections. looks better, is stronger, works better. no negative points besides an ounce or two in weight.