Well .. I am soooo close to finishing my 1st plane. However, the wing isn't quite sitting in the saddle (perfectly). There is a small gap running about three quarters of the length of the wing in the saddle (both sides). Also, there is a gap between the bulkhead on the body and the leading edge of the wing.

I was thinking of using some scrap balsa to close the gap between the leading edge and the bulkhead. I was also thinking of using some silicon sealant to close the gap on the sides.

Would this be a good way of rectifying the problem?? Or does anybody have any better ideas?? Lastly, if I do use the silicon sealant to close the gap, should I do it before I skin it (hence applying skin over the sealant) or after I have skinned the plane??

Thanks,

Dan

Small gap between wing and saddle might be normal... As long as the wing sit in place and doesn't want to rock, beig held up at 2 corners of the saddle its fine.

The idea of filing the gaps with balsa or other hard material is best. I like to use a paste filler, such as mixing "microballoons" and 30 min epoxy to the consistency of drywall joint compound. Cover the wing center section with Monokote, or clear packing tape, and after applying the filler, set the wing in place, then from the outside you can shape or remove the excess filler. (the inside doesn't have to look neat) The filler will pop free of Monokote or clear tape. (pops free a little easier if you wax it too. Common paste floor wax works. Don't buff the wax.)

Epoxy based fillers, you have to sand (400 grit) to break the surface "glaze" or the iron-on coverings won't stick well.