I am going to sheet the turtle back on the SSE that I am rebuilding and would like to remove all but the top balsa pc that runs from the cockpit to the tail and just use three formers to get the proper form and then fill with the foam for strength. Anyone done this? What are the pros and con's?

Gary

I wouldn't do it. That stuff is relatively heavy and messy. It also might deform the turtle deck when it expands.

I sheeted the turtle deck of my Four Star 40 after it was built stock, and it was pretty easy to do.

Good luck

I have used it for strengthening things like turtle decks and it works well. The trick is not to use too much! As mclina said, it's heavy (not too heavy, but heavier than styrofoam) and messy (Don't touch it!), so just run 3 or 4 "Ribs" around the inside and you'll be ok

what Minnflyer said, 100%

not too much and have a few small holes for pressure release.

i have used the foam for both wing and turtledeck reinforcement with great success.

ThanksMike
for the Flag background on the avator- wish more would remember what this Day is about less the picnik and dogs and such-which are great also
Old Vet I am
Don

I use the foam but I haven't done it on that plane. If you use 1/32 ply for sheeting there isn't any need for it. I think I have been using 1/32, it could be thinner?? I would have to go look. Anyway, it bends just as well as balsa.

Thanks all.

I think I will use as minflyer sugested.

Gary

Alternative method

Use a chunk of blue [ urethane ] foam carve and sand to shape. Use wet and dry to sand and light pressure to avoid tearing. cover with brown paper using 50% strength PVA three coats will give a good finish ready to paint.

Lighter and quicker IMHO.

If you use spray foam, get the kind that only mildly expands. The high expansion stuff may tear your plane apart.[:@]

Gorilla glue mixed with water expands to a very "lightweight" foam... experiment with amount of glue and water.. it doesnt take much water... measured in drops..

Vague instructions. Kinda like saying to add a cup of water to cement mix without saying if it's a 5 lb bag or 50 lb bag of cement.

What part of experiment don't you understand? You example is stating a set amount of one substance and a non stated amount of another... not the same thing at all!

just wanted to say thank you to all the vets past and present. for keeping our freedom alive.
happy flying

Kitbuilder,

Thanks for the idea, I use Gorilla glue all the time when making cabinets, etc. By the way, your instructions were more than adequate.

Gary

What kind of Gorilla glue are we talking about? When I go to the hardware store Isee several varieties and types of Gorilla glue.

Thank you.

The "original" Gorilla glue was intended to replace white or yellow glue for wood working. It is activated by moisture [when using you wet one part and apply the glue to the other then attach and clamp]. When it is setting up, it expands and some usually oozes out in the form of foam. It works very well on mortice and tennon joints.

Gary