I am in the process of building my first Lanier Ripper .15 combat plane. I started yesterday and the build is going very smooth except for two things:

1) the wing didn't fit in the wing cradle and I had to remove some of the fuselage near the rear of the wing sadle. Is this normal?

2) I can't understand the method used to attach the ailerons. It says to use bi-directional tape but this doesn't seem like a good method. if it is I don't understand how to do it. Can anyone offer me futher directions on how to install the ailerons with bi-directional tape and/or a better method.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

I don't know about the wing vs wing saddle thing.

As for hinging, I use a combination of bi-di tape strips and regular packing tape on my hinges and it works great.

What most people do is set the aileron on top of the wing, with the TEs flush, or the aileron hanging off maybe 1/16th of an inch. Now run a strip of tape from root to tip. You're taping the aileron on to the wing. Now, flip the aileron down, hold at full-down, and run another strip of tape from root to tip over the top of the wing and aileron. In an ideal world, the tape just touches the tape from the bottom, and you get a decent aileron hinge.

My way of doing things takes more steps, but I think gives a stronger and more stable hinge.

I cut 18 strips of bidi. I use 2" wide tape, so the strips are 2" by about 3/4" to 1", but the width isn't critical. Take two strips, and overlap them glue-to-glue about 1/4" or so. This gives you a 9 strips of tape with sticky "up" at one end and "down" at the other. Now, put one strip on the bottom of the aileron at the tip and one at the root. You want hte overlap or non-sticky side to be at the aileron LE, but it's not crtical. Hold the aileron against the TE of the wing, and pull the tape up and stick it to the top of the wing. So the tape is now stuck to the top of the wing and the bottom of the aileron. Now add two more strips, alternating direction. Finally, add a set of 3 in the middle of the aileron. Once that is done, flip the aileron up on top of the wing, run a strip of packing tape from root to tip. Flip the aileron down, and run another strip on top. These strips are to help protect the bi-di from fuel and UV, and to make things look better. They also seal the hinge gaps.

There are some pictures on my Rapier build instructions at www.midatlanticcombat.com, around step 20.

Ive done it both ways, Kirks suggestion is how I do all mine. Same as the old school way of doing it with Iron on covering material but using the tape. It makes the aileron much more rigid for a little more time investment.

Thanks Montague,

I think I get it and the pictures are great. The last step with the packing tape, after you have the bi-directional tape strips on, do you put the colored packing tape half on the wing and half on the ailerons?

I am picturing folding the packing tape in half sticky side down and almost (and I do mean almost so that gaps aren't created) inserting it into the space between the ailerons and wing.

Am I on the right track?

Thanks
Dan

Another thing I just thought of. I have some .gif images that I want to use to adorn my Ripper. Anyone know of a good "sticky" paper I can use to print the .gif onto using an inkjet printer. I guess my only concern is will the paper and ink be fuel-proof. I don't want to spend lots of cash. Just looking for something I can buy at an office supply store or maybe Tower or something.

TIA

Anyhelp appreciated,

Dan

Print on standard paper, cut out, lay on wing, cover with clear packing tape.

Not sure what you mean, I take 2 pieces and overlap the sticky to sticky. insert it between the wing and aileron and stick one side to the top of the wing and other side to the bottom of the aileron then reverse the process right next to the first one so the it results in an X. Folding the bi di in half would make it harder to insert If im following you correctly...

You can pull the aileron away just a little to insert the tape then pull it tight and stick the tape. I have even put all 6 tapes in place then inserted the aileron and stuck everything fast. takes a little more planning but seems to save time.

I am almost finished. I appreciate all the assistance. I think all I need to do is install the fuel tank. The pictures came out great. I printed them on some transparent sticky paper I bought at staples. I'll post some pictures later. Good thing I don't plan on doing combat with this beast it looks waaaaay too good!!!!!!

Finished the ripper. As promised here are some pics. Took it out this weekend. It was a little windy but it took right off. I am considering putting a .25 on it as it seems a little under powered. The wind threw it around a lot. Also, i think my CG is on the edge of being to far back so the elevator was very responsive. The flight ended in a flat spin to the ground with no damage other than a broken prop. That is why I purchased this plane, strong as steel and when I get the kinks knocked out I think it will be a lot of fun. Any advice on the CG, elevator throw, or engine would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
Dan

I'm not sure I follow your question about the colored packing tape.

I think the answer is "yes". You put it on the bottom of the wing first. The ailerons are beveled only on the bottom, so they touch the wing at the top, rather than in the middle. So you flip the ailerons up on top of the wing, and put the tape root-to-tip, half on the aileron half on the wing. This helps give more hinge material, and seals the hinge gap.

By flipping the aileron up on top of the wing, you don't have to fold the tape at all, that would be a real tricky operation.

The ripper, i love that plane, well... my only combat plane!! I really like the way it flys, you should enjoy it. Not as nimble as some other kits but, very stable.