I have the VMAR Twin Otter ARF which has some design issues. The one I am most concerned about is the light build design of the tail feathers. The horizontal stab is VERY thin and flat. It is constructed to slide into a slot in the vertical stab and then expoxed in place. The problem is that it is very thin and only connected at part off its cord to a relatively small area on the vertical stab. This results in a very flemsy horizontal stab which even flexes when you run up the motors on the ground (static run-up).

My plan is to drill a hole through the vertical stab and attach (Epoxy) a carbon fiber tube (1/4 inch OD) to the bottom of the horizontal stab from one end to the other. I am thinking of installing the tube near the leading edge since it is not attached to the horizontal stab.

I would like some other suggestions on how to build up and strengthen the horizontal stab without altering the scale look of the model. all suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Vic

I'm not exactly sure what you're thinking of doing. If the stab is very thin, you won't have room for a 1/4" tube.

I would remove the LE, drill a horizontal hole throught the vertical fin and replace the LE with a CF tube the same diameter as the thickness of the stab (If the stab is 1/4" thick, use a 1/4" tube) then use filler to get the shape back and re-cover with black (The black may have to extend slightly further aft than it does now to hide the work)

That is a better idea than what I had. I was just going to place the tube along the bottom on the horizontal stab just behind the leading edge and epoxy it in place.
thanks for the GREAT idea....

just to jump in here . i built the same kit and never changed anything . just tightened up the covering and when flying . it's been banged around in the truck and no problems . it flies very well. don't over think it , it might look flimzey and light but it's okay no issues . have fun with it it flies very scale .....

Nice build, could you please tell me what motors and ESC's you are using, and how do you connect two esc's to one battery?

I might get one soon and I was thinking E-flite motors and ESC's but, I don't know If they will be powerful enough