G'Day Fellow RC'ers

This is my first Rc post so please be gentle. Anyhow I am posting from Brisbane, Australia.......... so G'Day from Downunder!

I just purchased a World Models Super Stunts 40 ARF kit and I am feeling quite perplexed about it. I have built 4 previous ARF kits from various manufacturer's, but this kit, although well put together, is quite lacking in some area's.

1. No side walls on fuselage ( I understand they want to keep it light) but I have no where to install my ON/OFF Charger switch. Have other owners built it up themselves?

2. The horizontal stabilizer needs to be epoxied to the base of the fuselage, it has a cutout for a small lower fin, but there is not enough "meat" for the fin to go through the stabilizer and fuselage. I cannot get it to sit flush without exerting to much pressure with fear of breaking the fuselage. How can I hold it in place while I square it up and let the expoxy dry so that it is flush?

3. The instructions are a little "light" when it comes to required actions. I have had cheaper kits with better instructions (VMAR).

What I am really asking for, is some help from fellow Super Stunts 40 builders with some hints and tips for the building process.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,


Dash.

I mounted the on/off switch using the Dubro "Kwik
Switch" mount, part number 203. I put it low in
the fuse, at the landing gear gusset on the left
side.

The tail skid can be trimmed just a little to fit.
I think it is better to trim the skid than weaken
the stab/fuse by opening their holes.

The directions on *ALL* World Models are the weak
point.


The SS40 and it's BIG brother SS60 are both excellent planes. I have two teens that soloed
on these. One at 12 and one at 14.

Well first of all, you could build in some light ply on one side of the fuse for the switch to mount to. You will also do well to use a little glass or epoxy to the wing joint. As you have noticed, the fuse sides are pretty light. Reinforcement along the wing saddle is advisable, as well as the wings where they contact the saddle. This plane flies great with a 40 size engine, but you might consider something a little bigger. As for the lower fin on the rear, mine came to me already mounted. My left wing half was a bit warped though. I never was able to get the warp completely out but it is hardly noticeable in flight. A little trim adjustment to compensate was all that was needed. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine. As mentioned by BBJohn, I also soloed on this plane. Easy flyer.

Hi Aeronaut and Big_Bad_John,

Thank you for your replies. I am pretty nervous about putting the horizontal stabilizer on, in case I ruin it. Unfortunately She Who Must Be Obeyed (wife) has stated that I can't spend any "extra" money on the kit. Makes it a bit difficult.

Aeronaut: I joined the two wing halves together using 30 min Epoxy, not to sure if I used enough though, not much came out when I pressed the to halves together. You suggested to glass the wing? Did you mean along the upper and lower centre wing joint?

From all accounts it appears that most owners have had to do a fair bit of re-enforcing for the wings and fuselage. Pitty.

Did either of you pin the hinges in place for the moving controls? I just followed the instructions and used CA glue.

All in all pretty dissapointed so far, more probably got to do with my experience level than anything else I suppose. This is the 5th ARF kit I have put together, others included: Vmar Arrow and PC9, Kyosho P51 Mustang and Seagull Classic Trainer.

I will be using an OS 46 FX as this is the only engine that I own.

Might be time to take it back to the shop and ask for some assistance. Will let you know how it goes.


Regards,


Dash.

As I mentioned I sought the help of an experienced modeller. He got the tail feathers on without a problem, all eyeballed, all within 1mm of true.............. not bad really.

Completed some re-inforcing on the fuse including a sidewall for the off/on/charge switch. It has yet to be fitted.

Engine mount is in, the plans show the installation of a block on the bottom of the firewall near the nose wheel steering arm, unfortunately the block is to big preventing the steering arm to go on the nose wheel spring. Damn. Dont know what they changed, it was the correct size block.

Been at it solid now for a couple of days, gonna take a breather, gather my thoughts before I continue on.

Thank you for your input.

Regards,

Dash.

Well the day finally arrived. Checked all the throws last night, CoG and control movement etc. Cycled all my batteries, then slowed charged them and finally had a friend (thanks Andy!) help me run my OS 46fx in properly.

The afternoon was getting on, no wind, sun getting low on the western horizon (heaps of mozzies) perfect weather in Brisbane, Australia (set to be the same all weekend, with no work, Yahoo!)

I completed a range check, refuelled the beast and Andy had the honours of getting it airborne for its maiden flight.

Needed some up elevator and right aileron trim other than that all ok!

Another SS40 is born to reach the sky.

Thanks for the assistance.


Regards,


Dash