I'm new to the building aspect of jets and was wondering if I could get some assistance with a build. Would really appreciate any information that may help me in my quest to finishing my first jet. My questions are:

from the pictures below:

1. Do I glue the Vertical fin onto the fuselage before gluing in the rudder OR glue the rudder in and then the fin to fuselage?
2. What would be the recommended glue for both processes. Aeroexpoxy or hysol, milled fiber?
3. What would be the best tip for gluing the rudder into the fin.

On the BVM F-16 you will need to glass the surfaces, prime and get them ready for paint. Once that is done, glue the hinges in and then glue the assembly onto the fuselage. I believe this is what the instructions say as well.

I have built a number of these airframes and this is the only way I could see to do it.

My F16 has the removeable fin option incorporated. It's a little more work but mkes the model much more manageable and will make repairs easier.
Regards, David Gladwin.

Hey, I recognize that f-16. The tail is already glassed and about 90% sanded when you received it. I might hit it with a little higher grit paper and check for any noticeable imperfections and fill them now. For the hinges, I take vaseline and fill the hinge joint. Then I mix up some 30 minute epoxy and put a little in each hole of the rudder and a little on the last third of the hinge. Install in the rudder only and make sure they are all seated equally. Let those dry before gluing the hinges and rudder into the vertical stab. I would glue the fin on with milled fibers and then come back with either an epoxy milled fiber mix or just auto filler to put a nice fillet around the joint. Jim

David Gladwin hit it as well. The removable fin option is a nice feature that isn't too much work.

Aeropoxy would work great for the glue job if you opt for the fixed fin system.

Thanks gentlemen for the tips, techniques and all the info you have provided. And a many thanks to Jim for selling me the very well crafted F16. Gentlemen, I will keep you posted as i progress in the build. And if I may, I will be picking your brains as I continue through with the completion.



-mike

Mike,

May I suggest Aeropoxy (Hysol) for hinging? What I do is use a small oil dropper (the kind you get at a LHS for RC cars) and drop one drop on the center of the hinge point (Robart style). I work the hinge back and forth to make sure the oil penetrates the hinge. I make sure not to allow any oil to get onto the two arms of the hinge--just the center. If a little wicks out onto the hinge, I wipe it away with alcohol. I use the pre-mix nozzles on the hysol gun and make sure it's pushed down into the slightly oversized hole at least 1/4". I pump a little glue into the hole (of the control surface--not the flight surface) and place the hinge in position. I don't worry about any glue that bubbles out, as this will be taken care of later. Let it sit overnight, then crack the hinges loose. Any glue that seeped out will normally break away, but you may need to pick some away with the tip of an exacto blade. Do the same for the other side, and tape everything in position. When it's dry, just work the joint (move the rudder back and forth) until it's swinging smoothly. Remove any excess dried glue, then you're off to the races.

This method has proven to be the tidiest, easiest and strongest that I've ever tried. Hope it works for you!