ORIGINAL: chaz5500
Hi Steve, I'm building the Tiger 2 kit and am running into a similar problem, although I don't think it's as severe. I like your idea of the jig and clamps to keep things straight. From the pictures you posted it looks like you glued up the tail section first, then used the jig and clamps on the front - wing saddle forward. I would like to know since I may be placing a call to Goldberg myself [
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You are correct.
The tail section came together nice. I used titebong II and masking tape as a clamp, stretched tight over all the joints to pull them together.
then I built up the front end in stages. I glued in the bulkheads (is that a boating term?) 1st, with the jig/form I made placed inside the fuse and clamped from the outside. I could see that the clamping action against the jig pulled the fuse straight so the bulkheads were in the right position. then when that dried I started adding the horizontal "sheeting" ie. the nose spreader, the bottom of the nose where the front wheel comes through and the cockpit floor. Had to leave part of the cockpit out to drill the bolt holes in the wings. when all this dried over night I removed the 1/4" hardwood jig I had made and the fuse looks nice and straight. Sight down each side from the rear and both sides look even....
I can post more pics of the process if you would like???
Goldburg was great for replacing the whole kit when I sent in my crooked fuse but they didnt offer any help as far as assembly...
I'll build the 2nd wing from the extra kit and design my own fuselage to get a whole new plane! I'll use the plans to match the size and position of all the critical areas but I think I will change the turtle deck to be rounded over like a 4* and not boxed like the Tiger!!
Steve