Hi Alex:
I am about to maiden mine. Great kit. No complaints. Paintwork is outstanding.


In reference to your observation regarding the angle of the flap hinges (slots pre cut perpendicular to the flaps), I observed same thing on mine.
Now, be aware that there is almost no clearance between the flaps and the ailerons and fuselage. Also, the flaps are in close contact with the fuse and the ailerons during almost its entire deployment. I simulated the deployment of the flaps with the hinges aligned with the fuse centerline, and they wouldn't move unless you shorten them big time.
Also, the servo to flap linkage will have a side movement that will require ball links (I am not sure if they will fit). Same concept applies to the aileron linkage if you align it with the fuse centerline.
I am not saying it can't be done as you are suggesting. Just try it before doing anything permanent.
I ended up installing them as they came. Works great. The fairings orientation does look weird, but only when you peep underneath..... LOL.

(Probably on the full size the hinges are perpendicular with the flaps, and the fairings are somehow aligned with the centerline (just guessing)).

On another subject: each wings is held in place by a screw that joins the fuse with the root rib. The main gear is massive, and when dropped tends to pull the wings outwards really hard (by inertia, when the gear stops suddenly in the down position). This outwards force is transmitted to the screw. My suggestion is to reinforce the fuselage with 1/8 ply at the screw location; and reinforce the root rib with 1/4 ply joining the upper and lower skins with the rib at the nut location (glued perpendicular to the rib). To visualize what I am saying, drop the gear with the wing installed without the screw, and see how the wing gets shot out....

To avoid the gear to drop so hard, and since I am using the EV5UPRO valve (no individual air flow control), I did the following:
-Install a check valve in the gear down line, oriented so that it stops the flow of air towards the gear cylinders.
-Bypass the check valve with a Dreamworks flow control valve, and adjust the flow to the minimum necessary for gear deployment.
-At the gear up command, the cylinders pressure will return via the check valve.
BTW, I understand you need over 110 psi to get the gear up in flight!!! I will let you know soon.

Last for now: if you are going to work or assembly the plane on a cradle, reinforce the area of contact with the cradle with carbon cloth and 1/4 ply. The bottom front part of the fuse is very soft and will deform and crack.

I almost forgot: "Reinforce the area of the canopy frame that receives the locking pin". On mine, I am sure is was going to pop out on the first flight. Pin was held by about 2mm of fiber, at the most.


Good luck
Jack