SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

Hey y'all...
I've been building my second Sig Somethin Extra (first one shot down by radio hit... liked it so much I decided to build another), and I'm basically now finished. I don't know what happened because I checked and rechecked when I was building, but the left wing panel doesn't seat flush now that the wing and fuse are covered. It seems to bow out a little at the leading and trailing edges by about 1/16th to 1/8 of an inch.

1. If I use a zip tie to hold the wings on as I did in the last one, will this affect the flight performance? I kinda doubt it'll be noticeable, but if anyone has experience with something like this I'd appreciate it.

2. How would you fix this if it causes problems, now that the plane is covered and finished and all?

Thanks for the help...
Mike

RE: SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

Come on guys, I know at least one of you has an opinion on this!

RE: SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

I had the same problem on mine -- and after 5 years, three engines, two owners, and hundreds of flights I can tell you it won't cause a problem.

If you want to fix it I think that a small bead of silicon along the top and bottom of the wing root to seal the gap would be sufficient. Cover the fuse with cling (Saran) wrap, put a little silicon sealant along the top and bottom of the wing root and mount the wing on the fuse. Clean off any silicone that squishes out along the top and bottom of the wing and let it set up. Remove the cling wrap and remount the wing and the you'll have a custom gasket that will prevent any air leaking between the fuse and the wing root.

RE: SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

Galen,
that's the perfect answer to my question--I couldn't have asked for better. How bad was your wing? I like your solution--did you do this on yours or did you just leave the gap?
mike

RE: SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

I left the gap...

RE: SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

maidened the plane yesterday. The wing gap didn't cause any problems at all, just as you said--thanks for the good info.

But I think the rudder counterbalance modification I made is too big, and the engine isn't running well so it ain't all good yet!
I'll post some pics--you gotta see the covering job I did on this beast, its awesome!
mike

RE: SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

If it bother you just glue on some balsa and sand to fit fuse. It may correct itself if you fly it awhile. Use the rubberbands they will hold.

RE: SSE: Wing Root Problem... Help?
 

hey, had the same problem..thanks for clarifying guys!