Hey Guys,

Sorry to bug you again, but I'm in a quandry over what to do with a problem with my Sig Kadet ARF.

I am test fitting my horizontal stab and vertical fin on the fuse, and have noticed that the rudder is overhanging the elevator. A condition that would stop the elevator from deflecting up because the rudder has no cut out in the bottom to allow it.

The vertical stab is mounted and aligned via a hole in the fuse forward of the elevator in which a tab on the stab fits into. It seems as though maybe this hole isn't placed properly, or that maybe the rudder is too large.

Should I

1) Notch the rudder to allow for elevator movement?
2) Try to move the hole forward the 3/8 inch or so to fix the problem while filling in the old hole?
3) Or Punt?

Any advice would be most welcome. Thanks

Just measured mine. The rudder extends 3/16" past the aft end of the horizontal stab. Never had a problem with it hitting.

I do remember having to finesse the small hole. Had to do it so the fin would fit tight to the fuse and stab at the same time.

I've measured the overhang. Its about 3/8 of an inch, causing the rudder to impede the elevators upward deflection.

I've also noticed that the small alignment hole in the fuse doesn't really fit the tab all that well, or vice versa. There is a decent amound of play, so no matter what I do, I'll problably have to shim it to tighten it up to give support.

Auger

the elevater will only go up 9/16 of an inch with the servo and arm at the outer limits. I thought I was going to have that problem, and rounded the bottom corner of my rudder. turned out after radio installation that it really wasn't necessary.. I just finished mine tonight. did my engine break in. now I wait for mother nature to calm down a bit for it's maiden flight.

FW

Had that problem last year. To stop any chance of trouble, lay a sheet of low-grit sandpaper on the elevator, lift it until contact is made, and swish the rudder back & forth a few times.
EASY FIX!
Good luck to all.
Happy flying!

Same with mine. I just applied a generous amount of epoxy and left a small fillet along all edges. Don't worry about shimming. It's only a thin balsa sheet around the hole. More of a locator than a structural support.

Sig just responded to an e-mail I sent them last night about this subject.

They said that I could either move the hole forward, or they could replace the fuse. And they also gave me an 800 number to contact them by.

As far as the overhang goes, I'll look into the feasibility of sanding via the elevator/sandpaper trick, as well as possibly trimming the rudder as a possible alternative.

Guess I'll call Sig and see what they have to say.

About the alignment hole, thanks for the insights. Yet another thing I need to look deeper into.

-Auger

If it comes down to a rudder mod, i would just slice a small bit off the corner, then seal it by soaking with thin CA. A good amount of oil ends up back there after a good flying session.

Since I was already using some white dope for the engine and fuel tank area, I dabbed a bit on the exposed wood from my rudder trimming.. you couldn't tell it was trimmed. I would also dope up your wing attacments. fuel residue will weaken those over time.. good luck

FW