I am trying to figure out the best way to move the receiver battery around in the fuse of my planes to take better advantage of the weight for balancing. I have an Avistar and a 4*40, both of which have a TT Pro .46. Both planes required a butt load of weight on the tail to balance and I am trying to find the best method for getting the battery to the rear so I can get rid of the lead and clean up the planes a bit.

I have a few ideas but am hoping to get a better answer from those in the know.

Let me know what you think.

T.

I just wrap it in 1/2 inch foam and velcro strap it in the desired location, running the velcro strap under some liteply glued to the wood surface.....but i have always had plenty of space available

Yes, I have done that, but it doesn't give me enough. Actually, If I use just the battery for balance, it would have to be about 2 to 3 inches in front of the vertical stab. There is really no way to get it back that far without cutting a hatch or some other method.

Both planes are 40 size so there really isn't alot of internal room. I would have to start from the exterior, either through a hatch or through the lightening holes to accomplish it. I figure I would have to make a hatch or door through the fuse, but am unsure on the best way to go about it.

T.

I pretty much do as KadetBuilder does, but I'll do anything to not add additional ballast.

I have (4*60) cut out the covering over the bottom lightening hole two formers back from the servos, installed a piece of lite ply and velcro'ed two battery packs there. Perfect balance.

I think you have to be open to cutting covering. If you have a match to the covering material just patch it afterwords, otherwise any color will work fine and you can make a pattern out of it if you want.

Short-coupled planes that are tail heavy don't give you the same options, but nose heavy ones invite a rearward battery placement.

Good luck!

Just cut the leads to the battery and solder an extension in between the cuts. Then cut a hatch in the bottom, install the battery, and re-seal the hole with an Ultracote patch. That way, when you need to get inside again, just heat it and peal it off. I've done it many times.

Don't mess with the battery. Instead, drop a servo in the tail for the elevator or rudder and that'll take care of your cg issue.

Attach the battery to a long piece of ply and slide it into the fuse, then anchor the front of the ply with screws to something solid. if you need to get to the battery, you undo the screws and slide it out.

I like that idea! Easier than trying to make a balsa hatch cover!