I'm putting together a PT-40 and not noticeing that parts of the sides are bowed( not flat) , is there someting that can be done to correct this
or when I go and attch both sides together to form the fuse would straighten it out.
wattmeter

Ive built this plane. the slight bow should not be a problem after you install the formers ruberband the fuse and hit the joints with CA.

I agree, when you assemble with the formers, the sides will be straight. Caution, be sure the tip and tail are parallel when you assemble the fuse.

OK Thanks guys, just wasn't sure, you know what they say I would better be saft than sorry.

When you build the fuselage make sure that you put the sides so that the bow in the pieces DO NOT go in the same direction. This can lead to a bow being built into the fuselage. However, if you place the fuse sides so that bow in the sides are opposite each other is will have the effect of cancelling the bow out. It will help build the fuse straight if you do it this way.

Ken

I had the same problem with my second pt 40 and i did what rc ken said


john

I had a bow in my Tiger 60. Both sides bowed the same way and it was suggested to just rubber band the pieces together and that would pull it together. I did this and I did not like the way the front end ended up with a bow to the right. Now It may have flown just fine and I'm just to picky but I sent the fuse back to carl goldburg and they sent me a whole new tiger 60 kit.

The new kit had the exact same bow in the fuse side. After much thought I use the top view fuselage plans to cut 1/4" plywood to the exact shape of the inside of the fuse. As I glued up the fuse I clamped from the outside with the plywood template on the inside of the fuse. this forced the fuse into alignment. I did cut sections of the insert like a puzzle piece so they could be removed from the fuse after the glue dried. almost didnt do this and realized I would be able to remove it JUST before I glued it up!

I have an earlier post somewhere in here with pictures of the process.

I admit I may be over critical with alignments and balance but it bugs me...

Now if I pick the new fuse up and sight down the tail it looks symetrical and straight as an arrow. It may not affect the flight but I'm happy!

Minnflyer suggested that my unbalanced stabilizer is not a problem and to just balance the whole plane but I keep considering pulling the cover off and fixing.
He's probably right, maybe I need therapy?
Pop

I have built 2 PT-40s, as I recall you glue the fuse doublers to the inside of the fuse sides, this will cause the bow you are talking about, as the glue cures it will tighten up the balsa. No big deal at all. Move forward with the build, as others have said, when you are building the fuse make sure that the fuse sides are well secured to the bulk heads and they are glued tight. That will ensure that your fuse is the correct shape.

BTW - take a hint from me, DO NOT BUILD THE "A" WING! BUILD THE "B" SPORT WING FOR THIS PLANE!

thanks mamks, I was going to use the "B' wing anyway thanks for the remember since I have senors monents all the time
wattmeter (Bill)

If you're talking about a die cut fuse I don't see how you have much choice how to align the bow. It's not like you could put one backwards or upside down. If they're both bowed in the same direction there's not much you can do, but I have no doubt the top and bottom of the fuse will straighten it out.

Usually you will get two fuselage side pieces that are identical. It's up to you to build a right and left fuselage side (and make sure you don't build two of the same side). It's when you build these fuselage sides you can position the bow in the parts so that they are opposite each other.

Ken