ORIGINAL: SunDevilPilot
The vertical struts are called ''Jury Struts''. Their purpose is to prevent the main struts from bending or folding in the middle under load (Negative G's). They are easy to add and I wouldn't think of flying a larger model without them. Some of the smaller planes omit the jury struts due to the strength of the main strut and their relatively short length.
Phil
SunDevil...
Did you solder the brass couplings to what looks like aluminum or is it just crimped tightly? Is there anything inside the faired aluminum struts to increase stiffness?
Mike