Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can make this work? I have an old Ugly Stick (15 years) that has been recovered a few times, I have a Super Tigre 45 and a flight pack that need a new home, so I removed the control surfaces and stripped the covering again. Everything went back together well except the elevator, there aren't too many places left to put a new hinge in. I have heard of iron on hinges but I have never seen them. Has anyone used these or maybe have a homemade way to do this with Monokote? I know I should just toss the plane, but it is just in too good of shape and it flies great, plus I'm cheap! Thanks for any help you can give.

I this case I'd suggest using pivot point hinges and epoxy them in. just put a little vasoline on the pivot to keep the glue out and it'll work ok
[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK115&P=7]pivot point[/link]

Ditto, but MonoKote hinges will work too (See pic)

MinnFlyer,

Thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for! Do you have any recommendations as to the width of the hinges and how many I should put on? This is a 40 size stick and I am using Oracover. Thanks for the help.

Will,

I have used a product from Granite State called "iron-on gapless hinge" for many years. Last time I purchased it, the packaging was obviously quite old. I don't know if it is still manufactured, but you could check with your lhs.

It is basically two strips of woven nylon fabric with adhesive that are sewn together down the hinge line. Easy to use and quite effective.

The largest a/c I will use it on is a .40 sport plane.


For what it's worth, hope it helps.

the Iron on hinges by granite state are no longer made. However, you can make these hinges very easily on your own. I use these almost exclusivly as I think they are the best. to make simple cut two strips of fabric covering such as worldtex. I like to use about 1 1/4 inch wide strips, but you can adjust the width. place the two strips back to back with the covering facing out. Then run a straight seam down the middle for the length of the strips on a sewing machine. End result is now just like the iron hinges you used to buy. remove the plastic over the sticky side and iron them in place.

Will, just make them about 3/8" - 1/2" wide and use them in groups of 3 as pictured.

For a 40 size Stik, two groups of 3 will be good on each elevator half, and maybe three or four groups of 3 on each aileron.

I use the monocote (or any other covering) hinges on most of mine. I make them about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide and put them full length of the moving surface. This forms a hinge with absolutely no gaps and is absolutely frictionless. I use them on 1/4 scale which is very overpowered and have never had a failure.

Thanks for all the information! I will give the Monokote hinges a shot, it certainly lookslike it will solve my problem and keep an old plane in the air just a little longer. Thanks again.