Lancair assembly problem
 

I was test fitting my completed wing onto the fuselage and hit a major snag. Somehow the mounting holes for the wing dowels are 2/32 of an inch off. The wing plugs into the fuse without problem but runs into the saddle around 3/4 " before it should preventing proper seating. I measured twice and confirmed that there is 2/32 " more distance from the edge of the dowel to the wing seat on the wing then there is on the fuse. (I have already followed the errata and drilled out the fuse as directed.) I have not yet glued in the dowels but the wing is otherwise finished. No significant work has yet been done to the fuselage.

Options that I see are as follows:
1) Enlarge the holes in the fuse.
2) Take off 2/32" from the dowels
3) Enlarge the dowel holes on the wing

I really don't like #3 since that will further weaken the wing. Number #2 has the advantage that if it doesn't work I can replace the dowels (at least until I glue them in) but it does weaken them. #1 is the most difficult to do since there's not a lot of room to work. I kind of like #2 since those dowels are pretty stout and the forces are essentially shear with no bending moment.

I sent an email to GP hoping for a quick answer but haven't yet heard. Did anyone else have this problem and if so how was it corrected? Does anyone have any any other ideas about how to fix this? I was hoping to get this plane ready to fly in the next week but now I'm not so sure.

RE: Lancair assembly problem
 

I had the same problem with my Lancair, I used a small file to enlarge the holes in the fus.
taking out the material just between the holes. Ended up with a very tight fit.

Hope this helps
Jim George

RE: Lancair assembly problem
 

I like the filing method. Had to do a little of that myself if I remember correctly. Should be fine. Like you said, it's all sheer force.

RE: Lancair assembly problem
 

I also enlarged the holes in the fuse with a round file until the fit was perfect.
;)

RE: Lancair info
 

EVERYBODY,
Go to the "Scale aircraft" forum (page 1)
Thread starter is "desertpig"
Thread title is "GS Lancair building tips"

All your questions will be answered, mine were.