Is there a reason to cross rudder cables, such as mechanical advantage. I see it in some planes and not in others, I was wondering why.

When crossing the cables the exit hole can be closer to the rudder thereby less cable showing on the outside of the fuselage.

it all depends on the setup...most arfs come with cable exit holes made...from my experience some installations benefit from crossing the cables, to eliminate friction ..over time the cables with friction can cut into the plane if no exit tubes are present

It does depend on the type of aircraft. Aerobatic, 3D planes will have the crossed over pull-pull as it offers better geometry for maximum rudder travel.

i have seen tons of 3D airplanes and i can say that almost all use normal pull pull, not cross. At least all the aeroworks, etc manuals doesnt show a setup like that.

It depends on the model in question.
Some I cross, some I don't.

It's all down to the position of the rudder servo output arm and the rudder control horns.
In some models not crossing can lead to the cables sawing their way through the fuz sides over time.

Thanks for the replies..........

It is so that you do not see all the wire. I cross all of mine.

has anyone developed a technique for protecting the wires from each other where they cross? i've had the same experience where some cross and some don't but never thought about the the wires against each other.
fwiw, the more narrow the fuselage is the more likely you'll want to cross the wires.
thanks
bart

I've been using 40 lb breaking strength, plastic coated stainless steel fishing trace cable for years, You "figure 8 double loop it" through the servoor control surface horn holeand use a crimp, then cover it with a piece of heat shrink. That way it wont slip out from the plastic coating.
The plastic coating prevents any wear problems where the cables cross. For largeplanes you can 60 or 90lb cable (i.e for BUSASopwith Pup).

Cheers