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Old 04-03-2002 | 03:00 AM
  #16  
ChinookPilot
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From: Four Oaks, NC
Default SpaceWalker

Dave,
Be sure to CA the control surfaces with hinges installed in both surfaces at the same time. That is for example, the ailerons should have the hinges installed dry into both surfaces at the same time and the CA applied while holding them in close proximity. Put about 3-4 drops of glue on the topside of all hinges; turn the wing over and put about 3-4 drops on the bottom sides of all hinges. Watch how well the CA soaks into the hinge slots and that will give you an indication of just how many drops to use. When the wicking action slows down, they are about saturated and you should stop. I deflect the control surface to its usable maximum while keeping it tight against the fixed surface and hold it there while applying the CA. This will give the minimum usable gap spacing for the particular control surface. Most of the time I also seal the gaps on the ailerons to insure maximum effectiveness in the air. I generally to not seal the tail feathers unless it is a really aerobatic model--seems to be no need to. Another way to set the gap while hinging is to push a t-pin through the middle of the hinge so that when snugging the control surface up to the fixed surface you will end up with a pin's diameter of gap which most of the time is about right. This way you don't have to flex the surface to it's maximum thus making it a little easier to hold in place while CA'ing the indivudual hinges.
I also re-drilled the main wing hold down dowel holes in the forward fuse to correct for the overly positive wing incidence. If you will drill the same diameter hole exactly below (towards the belly) the existing ones about 1/4- 3/8 inch and fill the old ones with pieces of wooden dowels and epoxy, you will very much improve the climbing tendency at various speeds. I fill little wing-fuse gap that this creates with self-sticking wing mount tape. This cushions the wing where it meets the fuse and fills the gap.
Hope this helps.

Sam