Laser Mini 3D
 

I am looking into this model for a friend (IC powered version)

What do people have to say about this model building and flying wise?

Cheers!

Shahid

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

Well I'm building it now, and was wondering. The instructions say nothing on how to hinge the alierons but the pictures show top hinging so I suppose thats what they want me to do. But how have you chaps hinged the elevator and rudder?

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

selotape shahid, works great ;)

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

So the rudder is top hinged as well?

Well sellotape is ok but this is a fuel model and someone elses plane, so need to be extra careful. What I will do is hinge it with Solarflim then cover over that, should last alot.

This is a quick kit or I'm on steroids, either way. I got the kit yesterday, finished the wings and alierons (including UC) today.:D

Shahid

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

i dont like top hinging.[&:] if i was building it i would hinge it like the capiche with centre hinges and mylar hinges but it personal preference.:)

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

Thats my preference as well, but the the TE is only 1/8th balsa and may split all the way along if I tried to make a slot. This has happened to me before so I'd rather not take the risk.

Alot of 3D planes are top hinged, shockflyers for example or the Composite-Arf planes. I might double bevel the surfaces for more throw, trying to get the magic 90 degree mark :D

I spoke to the my mate who I'm building it for and top hinged it will be. The rudder may be bevelled like the Capiche, but would be hinged with a strip of flim.

Shahid

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

Shahid,
I have top hinged a plane before and am doing the same with my next plane. For the actual hinge, what I did was:
Cover all the ends of the ailerons, and the small area on the wing before the aileron starts (ie all the places that will be impossible to Iron down later when the surfaces are attached)
Cut out and inch long strip of pro film.
With the surface deflected fully down, I taped with masking tape the aileron to the wing on the top surface. I then deflected it the other way, and ironed on the film. I then covered the top of the wing and aileron (with no cuts down the hinge line, so the aileron and wing are covered together) followed by the bottom. Make sure you always deflect the surface either way to ensure you have clean travel to the end of the bevel with no binding. With this method you have three layers of covering acting as a hinge, and to tell you the truth I was quite pleased with the results, it looks quite good. I still have to fly the damn thing (tomorrow hopefully).

i used this for both ailerons and elevator, but for rudder I went the old fasioned way. Oh and also be carefull to make sure that the aileron and wing tips match up evenly, as does the gap at the root. i nearly missed that one.

Good luck!
Robert.

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

Robert you a truly fantastic. So you used hinges on the rudder? It didn't split did it....

I got CA hinges and I'm fine with those, did you double bevel the surfaces for more throw? Is yours the IC or electric version? What did you do with the hatch in the belly pan.

Shahid

RE: Laser Mini 3D
 

Sorry but it ain't a Laser, but a 90 size plane. Experiment a little, use scrap wood to see if it splits, play around with hooks, band, or screws for the hatch, etc. I did double bevel the surfaces, it came out nice.

BTW in my previous post that should be an inch wide piece of profilm the length of the aileron/elevator.