Oh man, the directions for this kit are really giving me a hard time. I have run into numerous questions/problems while working on this thing. I decided to stop working on the fuselage until I have a motor to put into it. I have a os 61fx on its way to go in. I started to mock it up some with a 91fx I have since they are the same size. I found that if I have the firewall in its correct location then the engine sticks out about 1/4" too far. Is it acceptable to move the firewall back some to accomodate it or is there something that would cause a problem later?

I am stuck a little installing the tri-stock in the fuel tank area. Where the directions say to put it doesnt match where they are on the plans, plus the dimensions differ from the plans and the directions. Not sure what to do thee quite yet.

I stopped on the fuselage there and went to the horiz stab and elevator. That went together without any problems and it got rid of some parts out of the box. I also did the vert stab and rudder. Pretty simple there just a bit of sanding. I think they are both looking good.

Now I am working on the first wing panel. I marked centerlines on all the ribs, LE, and TE. I have glued all but rib 1 to the bottom spar per the directions and I have glued the TE to all ribs. Now I am in the process of leveling the ribs to sand the TE flush with them. I am cutting 1 block per rib to place under the TE. I'm using a self leveling lazer to ensure they are all level. I went ahead an put in the top spar (without glue) so I can clamp the entire assembly down at the spar to ensure it remains flat to the table.

I noticed the ribs have slots on the LE and TE. I couldnt fine anywhere in the directions what they are used for. I have a lot of 1/16 stock like what was used in the Horiz stab. I was thinking they might be used for the ribs also but wasnt sure. Can someone help me out?

Another Q about the fuselage assembly. when glueing the sides to the top block, in the engine area, should the sides curve to follow the plans or should they stay square? I can't tell by the directions if they stay square and are sanded to shape or not.

A few things I am trying:

I am taking dbacque's idea and putting a battery compartment in the tail.

I have also installed the elevator servo in the tail. I am using a single control horn for both elevators. I saned each elevator individually then using sandpaper wrapped around the 3/8 dowel I sanded a groove in the elevators. I then put the elevators against a straight edge ane epoxied the dowel in with weight holding the elevator surfaces aligned. It turned out well but I am going to epoxy some 1/8" dowel throught the 3/8 dowel into the elevators for extra support.

I think I will used pinned hinges for all surfaces.

I am using 4-40 rods everywhere with ball links on the servos and soldered clevises on the horns.

I will have a servo in in each wing for insurance.

I have JR DS821 digital seervos for all control surfaces.


Speak up if any of you think any of this is not a good setup, inadequate, overkill, etc.

Maybe tonight I can take some pics and post them so you can see my progress.

Thanks