weight issue
 

I am building a North Star kit. The engine in mounted at the back of the plane. The plans call for several oz. of weight in the nose. I have an idea on how to add the weight but I thought I would give you all a chance to give me suggestions on a better way. My idea is to put lead shot in a plastic bag with epoxy. While the epoxy is still soft I would set the bag in the front compartment allowing it to take the shape of its surroundings. When the glue cures I would secure the bag with its contents to the inside of the plane. What do you think?

RE: weight issue
 

My opinion?!

Dont' use the bag. You want the bulk of the 'added wieght', the lead, to be a part of the plane.

How would you secure it? if it came loose, you could have a potentially big problem!

Epoxy the lead in place (balance the plane on it's nose) and let cure. final balance with the radio and gear as far forward as possible. You might need to add some more afterwards, and that's easily done.

RE: weight issue
 

point well taken!;) Thank you, I had not thought of that.

RE: weight issue
 

Here is how to add ballast in a north star.

Figure out how much lead shot you need in the nose to make the plane balances slightly tail heavy on the cg (the epoxy will make up for the rest), a bored out nose block helps, place the plane on its nose and secure it to a chair or ladder, pour the lead in the nose area and then pour low viscosity epoxy over it. This has worked great on the North Star, Arrow and a Sea plane I designed

SGG