I know what regular balance and lateral balance is, but just what is vertical balance? I have read where some CG test will tell you, you might need to add heavier wheels or move the battery pack up vertically in the fuselage for knife edge flight and such. How do you know weather you should add heavier wheels or to move the battery closer to the canopy? Is that what they are talking about when they refer to vertical balance?

put your plane in a knife edge position and see which way it rolls out........but this could also be dihedral. I say dont worry about it unless your flying pattern.

Vertical balance is what you try to maintain while at a bar. [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

Minn....

This is really all very simple, and is THE key to performing 3D.

1)Hold the plane by the left wheel after you remove the fuel tank.
2)Hold the plane high above your head with your right hand and reach for the tail with your left.
3)The coriolis effect will cause the plane to spin counter clockwise and whistle. If the plane does not spin it is unbalanced.
4)Add lead to the servo arms until you reach the right spinning speed, which is inversly proportional to your lattitude.

This all depends on the plane being a tail dragger, a tri-gear setup is much more complicated. And heaven help if it's covered in red....

Hey LDuck
That is exactly the way I do it. Except I am left handed so the process is backwards.

Goirish has brought up a good point. Lefties are indeed backwards on this task, but can simulate right handedness if you cross your eyes and stick out your tongue.

Uhhh... Yup. what they said. [sm=bananahead.gif] And the tongue position is the key here.. [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

I like Minn's reply better.