ORIGINAL: Malcolm H

Hi Jack,

1) I agree with ual767 you don't need to reinforce the stock bulkhead, I used it for my Plett outrunner installation and it is fine. I also don't think the softmount will do anything but add weight but assuming you positioned the bulkhead with it in place you are going to have problems removing it now. I am also a little concerned that you haven't any air outlet holes through the bulkhead. These are needed for proper cooling.

2) You absolutely must have an outer tube to hold the sides apart as you describe. This being missing or damaged seems to be a feature of many Impact kits. Its easy to make one as the finish on the outside is unimportant. Wax your tail tube and wind a thin strip of glass cloth round it for several layers impregnating with 30 min epoxy as you go. When cured slip off and trim the ends.

3) Like you I didn't want slots and installed a small piece of plastic tube through the fuz sides where the cable exits. This has been fine on both my models.

4) I installed the rudder and hinges onto the hinge post before fitting to the fuz. Its easier make sure that the hinge points are properly glued and filleted if done this way and there have been some suggestion that improperly hinged rudders have contributed to fuz failures. Don't forget to install the spacer pieces on the sides of the hinge post as per the instructions and when glueing it use a couple of stiff wooden battens down either side of the fin to spread the load of your clamps and ensure the sides of the fin remain straight. Be careful not to push the finpost in too far which will restrict the available rudder movement. Get the depth correct by deflecting the rudder fully before the glue dries and once happy with the depth tape the rudder straight before fitting the battens and clamps.

Good job so far!

Malcolm