Feuerwehr

I would appreciate any advice on the method to use when installing top hinged ailerons. I am getting ready to cover an Albatros DIII and am not sure of the best way to proceed with the aileron hinges. I could just glue ca hinges to the top of the trailing edge and aileron and cover them with fabric, but I am not sure of how well they would hold. Since I am using super coverite for the wings I could make fabric hinges, but I don't want to run the whole length of the aileron which would spoil the scale looks.
Any advice would be appreciated!

hattend

My Feedback: (20)

You need to embed the CA hinges into something solid so gluing them on top and then covering them is asking for trouble.

Install a balsa block at each hinge position, about 3/4 as deep as the hinge and maybe 1/2" wider on each side, in the wing and aileron and then slit from the top corner on each downward about 30-45 degrees through the wing and aileron into the block. Then CA as normal.

Don

Feuerwehr

Thanks for the advice Don! I had not given any thought to installing the hinges at an angle, it is the best suggestion I have heard so far.
Jim

abufletcher

Why install the hinges at an angle? Just curious.

Feuerwehr

Better for strength that the hinges adhere to 2 surfaces rather than just one. I am concerned that the hinge would be more apt to separate if simply ca'd to the top surfaces of the wing trailing edge and aileron.

LesUyeda

I would use Robart Hinge points. Looks much more like a scale hinge, rather than a section of piano hings. But NO ca. You need to use epoxy.

Les

Feuerwehr

Robart hinges are without a doubt the best route!