After pottering around for a couple of evenings, I finally got the tail linkages sorted out.

I went ahead and worked in some 4-40 bolts into the elevators that I installed into small hardwood cylinders. I then epoxied these into the elevators flush with the top and re-covered. I found it helpful to drill the cylinders for the bolt diameter and then open up the hole to the depth of the bolt head to recess the head into the block. The rudder was done in a similar fashion by threading a 1-1/4" bolt through the block in the rudder and then cutting off the bolt head once it was even on both sides. These control horns, although a tad heavier, are very effective and make for a clean surface.

I made my forked elevator pushrod from the standard arrow shaft and 2-56 threaded rods. Unfortunately, the 9" shaft lengthened to 17-1/2" by the 2 rods on the elevator end and the single rod at the servo end came in weighing 20g or 0.7 oz. This is rather heavy (the equivalent of 2 servos) for a model of this size and I'd like to find a 10g alternative to also remove weight from the tail which is now needed. The rudder was setup with light P-P wires, 2-56 rigging couplers and nylon clevises at both ends. I also ended up using nylon clevises on the elevators as ball links were not needed. The linearity of the pushrod is good and it is sufficient to put a ball link at the servo end to prevent adverse torque on the servo. Both the elevator and rudder linkages exit the fuse from the same opening covered by pushrod exit guides (painted to match the white MK).

I received the new 25C lipo's which come with nice 3.5mm EC3 bullet connectors. Unfortunately, my other electric stuff is all rigged with Deans so I'll have to change them. This wouldn't normally be an issue however, it appears that my three soldering devices have all packed it in! Time to pick up something robust that can also weld soldering clevises and threaded couplers. The aileron linkages are basically done except for two soldering clevises which need to be attached to the control rods. These will be used at the torque rod end with ball links on the servos.

Few things left to do! Some soldering work, glue in the hinges and a little tidy up work on the canopy. I obtained some magnets and will probably use one for the canopy as the screw tends to lift up the paint. I'll also need add some clear to the paint to protect it. Final cosmetics can probably wait until after the maiden.

I'll take some pictures of the radio compartment and interior next time.

David.