Seagull Spacewalker - Elevator Weak?
 

I am assembling the elevator and about to epoxy the little connecting bar, joining both halves. This seems like a large point of failure. I pealed back the covering, and CA'd the balsa all around the area for the little bar, harding it. Still makes me worry. What are my other options?

Thanks!

RE: Seagull Spacewalker - Elevator Weak?
 

Am unfamiliar with the model's construction.. Can you post pics?

RE: Seagull Spacewalker - Elevator Weak?
 

The connection using thick wire is very common and usually doesn't cause a problem. The holes for the wire must fit it snug and not be so large as to break through the surface. Most of the ARFs I've seen have this done properly. Your idea has just strenghtened things up a bit.

More concern when building ARFs is the method used to cut away the covering in the area where the stabilizer is to be inserted and glued into the fuselage. If yoou use a razor or knife you must be VERY careful not to score the wood very much if at all. Most people know when they want to break sometning along a line, a score mark will make the break much easier and cleaner; you sure don't want that on your stab!! A much better way is to use a wood burning pen or pencil soldering iron to melt away the covering. You can pull this quickley across the covering without making much of a mark at alll on the wood.

Good luck with your Seagull Spacewalker. Mine fies well and really looks nice in the air.

RE: Seagull Spacewalker - Elevator Weak?
 

So, if the split elevator breaks apart during flight, but both sides stay hinged, and my control horn is still attached.....how will the airplane perform? Controllable?

RE: Seagull Spacewalker - Elevator Weak?
 

I doubt you'll be able to control it. But like I said, the technique is sound; ithas and is being used on thousands of radio control and control line airplanes.

If you are still concerned, don't use the connector, use a wye'd pushrod with a horn on each side. You can even leave the connector in place; belts and suspenders. If you do make up a wye puchrod, I'd bind the joint with copper wire and solder it. If you use wheelcollars and CA you are in deeper water than with the connector!

RE: Seagull Spacewalker - Elevator Weak?
 

I have flown with only 1 half of my elevator, had a mid air and it took out the whole starboard side elevator. The plane was flyable to come around the airfield and land properly. Like what was said, make sure its a snug fit, the elevator will not be taking that much load. Its a Space Walker ... :)

RE: Seagull Spacewalker - Elevator Weak?
 

Thanks to all for the help!