I am having a problem with the ARF Senior Telemaster wing. When installing the two internal "V-shaped" braces into the wing halves and then sliding the wing together, it does not meet properly. The aft three or four inches is out of line with the opposite wing half.

Upon inspection I discovered the internal wing braces are made with one side longer than the other - on both pieces, the long one and the short one. Measuring from the end to the "V" center, one end is almost an inch longer than the other. Something like 10 7/8" on one side and 11 111/4" on the other side of the support. The other support is similarly disproportionate.

Does this make the wings not meet and match evenly at the join? It seems like maybe it shouldn't make any difference, as the internal braces shouldslide into the wing to their middle no matter how far into the wing they go?

I am considering cutting off the long end of the braces so they are both equal in length on either side of the "V" bottom.

Anyone have any ideas, suggestions, or plain know what the problem is, other than the whole thing being in the hands of a novice, that is....? Thanks very much. Mike.

The V shaped things are probably what we call "Joiners". If one is preventing the wing halves from aligning correctly, you can sand it a bit to get the wings to meet in alignment.

If I read you correctly, the joiners aren't too long, they're preventing the trailing edge on one side from aligning with the trailing edge on the other side. Take your time, sand off a little from whichever joiner you think is the culprit, and check the alignment again.

If the joiners were too long, the wing halves would not meet, there would be a gap between them.

Let us know how things come out. Check it several times before you epoxy the wing halves and joiners together.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

I'm not exactly sure of what you are saying, but it sounds like there are two wing joiners: A main one in the center of the wing, and a smaller one near the rear.

If it were me, the first thing I would do is mark a line at the center of the "V" - that is, not the center of the brace, but the spot where the angle changes.

Next, slide one end into one wing. Does it go in all the way to the line? Does it stop right at the line or go a shade past it? Now, remove it and insert the other end of the brace into the SAME wing and make the same observations.

Repeat the above with the other wing half. You may find that the longer end only goes into one side. If so, it may have been designed this way, so cutting the two sides even might be a mistake.

Next: When the braces are added and the wings are together, do they meet fully or is there a gap? If there is a gap, then I would remove just enough material from the longer side to close the gap.

If the two wings meet (no gap) but one wing is higher in the rear than the other, the next question is: Can you align them by putting finger pressure on them?

If they will align easily with only a little pressure, I would epoxy the wings together, but use no glue on the aft 3" or so. Then, before the epoxy cures, glue the aft ends together with medium CA, hold them in alignment and use kicker to cure the CA.

If the to halves will NOT align easily, the next thing to check is: Does the rear joiner seem to be the culprit? Can it be sanded to remove the pressure? How thick are these joiners? Can you sand the top, front and bottom, rear of the MAIN joiner so the wing can rotate a little with less pressure? If you can, do so and glue the wings together as I described above.

Thanks, MinnFlyer. That's a clear and logical process. I will do those things just as you suggest. I appreciate the input. I was getting frustrated. The wings are intended to remain in two parts, to allow easier transport, but if it takes it to get them properly aligned and with correct dihedral and no warp, epoxy them I will. Thank you again. Mike.

Ok, hold on... If the wings are meant to come apart, I wouldn't worry about the trailing edges not aligning. If the wing uses two hold-down screws at the trailing edge, the screws will hold the alignment for you

Well, its a rubber band arrangement that holds the wing on. All the photos of S.T.s have a smooth and even joining of the wings. I will try all you said and Scar said. I will not rush into the epoxy solution but will have it as a very nice last resort. Thanks again. Mike.