Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

I have a green question concerning adding extra length to my wing tips on a newly built Beercat. As I just mentioned this plane has already been built and has been flying. The reason I want to add length to the tips on the wings, it will put me in the 1/4 scale catogory. As of right now the wings are 47" its full scale version is 16'. The wings are sheeted foam.

Is there anyway at all I can add 1/2 inch to the tip of each wing to get me where I want to be. I have included images of the plane for viewing.

Thanks Blackie

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Second image.

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Sure you could but why. Will the length be 1/4 scale. Are you trying to meet an IMAA measurment. You can simply cut off the wingtips cut new outborad ribs out of 1/4" or 1/2" balsa. Lighten them with some holes, glue the wingtips back on and recover. I dont think you will see any difference in flying charechteristics

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Smallfly, yes to your questions, the added length would bring me up to 1/4 scale and thus would allow me to compete in the IMAA meets, now here's the glitch I did not build this kit I had it built and the reason why was that I have not yet had any building experience. I attempted the build but was making mistakes, as it was an early 80's builders Midwest. What you just told me I kind of understand but I don't think I would attempt it with out some professional help. I have just completed a shop and am now ready to further my skills in building.

Thanks
Blackie

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Blackie,
Have you talked with the guys running the IMAA meet? Just maybe they would look the other way and let you fly even thought you are 1/4" short. It seems such a shame to do all this work for so little.

Or maybe some more research will turn up a full scale plane that measured only 15'8".

Tom

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

You know I can see that 15'8" already. :) Thats worth a try, thanks.


I have the blue print of the full scale and there were no others made smaller, so I would have to either lie or see if they would turn their heads.

Blackie

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Cut the wing tips off so you are back to a flat rib, put the required thickness of Divinycell foam on the tip of that rib with 5 minute epoxy and micro balloons, sand to the desired rib shape, then round the tips as needed to get the final shape and cover with whatever you covered the plane with. Noone but you will ever know it was done.

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Doesn't 1/4 scale apply to overall (fuselage) length also?

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Hi Blackie, do you still have the old original wing parts (ribs, etc.) and if so, would you like to sell them?

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Blackie,

Leave it as is. Your aircraft meets the 1/4 scale rule without modification. By modeling rules, any single dimension can be varied by up to plus or minus 10% and still be acceptable.

I have attended numerous IMAA events and I have NEVER had anyone question the scale or wing span of any of my birds. These events are for fun, not tight control of qualification, or competition.

Have fun with it!

Bedford

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Bedford, you don't know how glad I am to hear you say that. I'll leave it as is.

Thanks!!

Adding 1/2 inch extra length to each wing tip
 

Geez, thats the best mod I have seen. Glad you don't have to butcher it. Looks good.