It has been a long time since I last covered a plan and I am just
about ready to start the Sig SE.

The directions recomend covering the stab, and fin after they have
been glued to the fuse.... It looks like it would be much easier
to cover them first, then insall them.

Wich way do you think is best?

It is easier to cover them separately, but then the tail section wouldn't be as strong. If it was me, I'd glue the section to plane then cover. Hate to see the SE fall apart in the air. They are wild fliers and the tail section may just deside to come off in a wild manuver. my .02

I do not see any problem covering first.

I just finished covering SE #2 and did it separately. I did a bit of thinking first and don't feel that I have compromised strength in any way.

First covered the fuse leaving the stab mount uncovered. I had already shaped the filler blocks as per instructions. Then placed the stab and marked where to cover to and where to leave uncovered. After covering epoxied the stab in place.

Worked in a similar way with the fin, doing plenty of trying before glueing. Covered the filler blocks before fitting and left an overlap at the front which I ironed down over the back of the fuse.

With all the ironwork in place I don't expect to lose the tail! Will let you know

Terry

I also did them separately. Then just trim the cover where it's epoxied and thats it. No problem with the tail feathers done this way IMHO.

Make that another that covered them separately, then marked where the covering needed to be removed, cut it out (without damaging the wood underneath) and glued the stab and fin in place. I have never had a problem with strength. You just have to remember not to glue it on with the covering still in place. My process was just like 'redback's above, your still attaching wood to wood if done right and you won't lose any strength.

Did mine separate as well with no problems.

Jason

http://www.bugleboy.rchomepage.com/se.php

wouldnt doing them separate be the same as if it was an ARF kit ? I did mine separate because thats how I looked at it .

That's exactly how I looked at it. I figured if the professionals did it that way I might as well too.

Also, if my memory serves me correctly, the manual actually says you can do it either way.

Jason

Well.... I was thinking it would be simpler to do it after, but
I decided to follow the instructions on this one and glued
them in place.

It will be a little harder to do, but thats ok!

Yes, manual says glue then cover. I thought about it (dangerous, I know) and decided easier to cover then glue. Builder's choice. I always have an awful time covering over corners.

Manual??? hummmmm never thought of reading that

The plane is so good that I'm sure you could cover by either method as long as the wires are on. I have work out 3 of them and unless you are ready to redesign the surface to movable surface ratio, the wires are key to holding it on.

I really don't see what the difference is as long as you are not gluing covering to wood. As long as you ensure wood to wood gluing, there is no difference. Even ARFs instruct you to remove covering without cutting the wood underneath before gluing and installing the hor. and vert. stab.

After reading some flight reports, the flying wires are a must! Plus it looks like a large scale model with them.

Jason