The fever is back!

The UPS man dropped a package on my front porch a couple hours ago, and I am now deep into the first read of the instruction book for my new SSE.

I've built a few kits over the years; PT-40, Easy Sport, 4 Star 40. But today I am determined that this will be the best build ever!

So I'm going to need some advice along the way, right?

First detail that jumps out at me is these J-Hooks and rubber band to hold the wings onto the fuselage. Is that really a good idea?! I can't imagine I would ever feel secure while flying with just a rubber band between my plane's wings and and a serious re-kit incident.

There must be a more secure method.

Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks,

Fever

I use a Zip Tie on mine instead of a Rubber Band - never had an issue!

Here's an idea for you... I have never tried this, but I have seen it work well.

Considering that the forces involved in holding the wing halves together are very small, the rubber band will work with no problems. The only time there will be any considerable forces pulling the wing outward should be during a fast roll, still no concerns with the stock setup. As a matter of fact, I have heard stories (both good and bad) that the plane was flown without anything holding them together because the pilots forgot to put it on. However, I use a rubber band and a zip-tie just for redundency. Use what you feel confident with, but I see no reason for any big modifications. Like they say, If it aint broke, don't fix it!

I agree that there is really no problem with rubber bands being used and I am sure it would hold up fine. The zip tie is the easiest way to go for the added security. If you feel a change is neccesary, go for it and mod to your hearts content... something can always be improved.

Whenever there is a load on the wings the wing tube is pressed against the inside tube. The rubber band does nothing. I have floen several of these vary hard with no problems.

David

I guess i'm extra paranoid as i use a rubber band AND a zip tie. I've heard about people putting a small slice in the rubber band on the hooks, while installing them, compromising their strength

With a new found love for my SSE (for some reason i used to hate flying it ), i flip and flop this plane all over the sky w/o any problems. This plane is such a performer that i feel it is necessary for something stronger and more reliable than a rubber band. I'm sure a zip tie alone would be perfect, especially if you have fat fingers, as getting three loops on a rubber band inside the tight fuselage can be a pain!! [:@]

EDIT: Spelling [sm=49_49.gif]

I'm just finishing the construction of the SSE. Really nice plane to put together. I had the same concern, what I did was add blind nuts to the end rib at the location for the wing bolt. Easy to do and works great. Just drill out and add a 4-40 blind nut to the inside of the rib. I'll use rubber bands to hold it tight, but will zip tie it also for added measure-a small bag of a hundred cost nothing.

You will love the build.

The rubber bands will work just fine. You could also get a small spring at the hardware store to accomplish the same thing but with less worry of it breaking.

I used the blind nuts on the inside of the root ribs with the provided J hooks. I located a spring with loops on each end at the hardware store that was perfect for the job and very easy to put on at the field. Worked great.

Thanks all,

I like the zip tie idea. Simple and secure. And cheap.

Still reading thru the build instructions. Hope to start building this weekend.

Any recommendations for an engine? I really like four strokes.

Would a Saito 62A be a good match for this airplane?

Fever

I have not used that-but heard it was an excellant match. 46 two strokes work great so that should be fine.

Mine has a Saito 72. If you want to sport fly a 62 will be plenty. The 72 will hover it at 65% or 70% throttle with a 13x4W.

david

Just my 2 cents, but why not put a blind nut in the root rib and use a 1/4 20 nylon thumb screw? my showtime is that way, my 1/4 Yak is that way, never had the slightest problem, much easier than hooking the rubber bands.

That is a good idea. I still like the idea of a little give in the event of a less than steller landing, but then again the tube and everything would get wacked. How do you tighten the nylon nut, with a socket/rachet?

Thumb screws have a knurled head and you screw them in with your fingers.
http://www.smallparts.com/products/descriptions/tsn.cfm

I've had one with Webra.50 twostroke and now I have one with Saito .82. Both engines give enough power, pick your poison

A ziptie secure the wings.


video
[link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co1JhYK0wH0]Saito .82 / APC 14x4w[/link]









video
[link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNQuvkvpS5Y]Webra .50 / APC 12x4[/link]

Nice idea Carrell, do you ever worry that they may loosen with vibration or have they? I like the fact that they will tighten down and no slop.

A ziptie connecting the hooks will be slop free, guaranteed.

I use small alligator clips for added security. Awesome flier with O.S.Max 46FX!

My two SSE's have a blind nut in the root rib and nylon bolts hold them on.
Don't forget to strengthen the fuse side with some light ply as a load bearer, doesn't take much, but is a little more insurance.

I use a small square of 1/4 aircraft ply on the inside, tapped for 1/4 nylon bolt. I also replaced the small dowel anti-rotation pin with carbon fiber arrow shaft. Mine's got a Saito 82 on it.

I just use two rubber bands on mine, no problems, and I fly the crap out of mine!
Stick with 2-stroke power, I have an O.S. AX .46 on mine. It hovers all day on a
11x6 APC! That plane will be lighter than you think, and there isn't much room for
bigger props. It's a great kit, and an AWESOME airplane![sm=shades_smile.gif]