Need Help!fuselage problem
 

Hi guys,im currently building my first model from plans,all has gone well until today,im in the process of mounting the stab and fin when i realized something was'nt lining up properly,i rechecked my centerline on the fuselage and to my surprise the tail of the plane is a 1/4" off center!It was straight before i started to sheet the plane with balsa,i dont know what i did wrong,but im wondering if i should scrap the whole fuse,tear it apart,which would be very hard,or let it go.Any help would be appreciated.[&o]

RE: Need Help!fuselage problem
 

Now i measured from the outer corners of the stab to the front center of the fuselage and its right on!i also lined the stab to the wing so i know im good there,im baffled,should i just line the fin up as best i can and leave it be,or will the plane fly like crap!

RE: Need Help!fuselage problem
 

Oh, bummer, sorry to hear that discusmike. I'm sure you have put a lot of work into it already. Well, in my opinion, you wont be happy with it crooked - it just wont fly like it was meant to and might even be dangerous. Probably not what you want to hear but I feel it should be corrected before you proceed. Depending on the type of construction and how far along you are with the sheeting it may be as simple as popping apart some spreaders and regluing. But if it is further along, you may have to determine which would be the path of least resistance - adjustment or rebuild. But take heart, even if you have to rebuild the fuse, it will go twice as fast simply becuase it will be your second time around.

The best remedy is a good flat dedicated building board, lots of pins and measuring. A hard straightedge securly fastened to the board down the length on each side of the fuse makes for good reference lines. Clamps clamps clamps. Also, try and sheet the fuse while it is firmly attached to the board. I have built in warps and twists trying to sheet it in my hands. Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

RE: Need Help!fuselage problem
 

Thanks!

RE: Need Help!fuselage problem
 

Not sure you have to tear things apart. If the horizontal stab is aligned properly as you say, But the vertical is off center by a 1/4", it may fly okay as is. (So long as the vertical is in line with the centerline of the fuse.)

Can you post a couple pics, like from directly above, and from the rear?

I think whether or not you tear it apart will depend on the type of plane, and your "vested interest" in it. It may fly fine even if it looks a bit odd. ;)
Dennis-