Spitfire split flap mods
11-11-2003 | 04:34 PM
#1
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From: Montreal, CANADA
Spitfire split flap mods
hi, i am trying to find pics / examples for split flaps mods on a foam/skinned wing
a have the basic concept down: lithoplate/lite ply& some ribs
just wondering about the options for the controls:
1- typical torque rod(s)- don't know how to deal with the angle change (flaps hinge line) relative to the mid section of the wing (sweep forward&dihedrall)
2- using a servo/pushrod in each wing under the "radiators"- am not sure the best way to attach the radiators to make them removable (and still look scale)
i have seen (here on RCU) some pics for the 2nd option on a Y/A spit build thread- but did a search and can't locate it anymore. any pics (for the 1st or 2nd option) would help
THANX in advance for advice, Vasek
a have the basic concept down: lithoplate/lite ply& some ribs
just wondering about the options for the controls:
1- typical torque rod(s)- don't know how to deal with the angle change (flaps hinge line) relative to the mid section of the wing (sweep forward&dihedrall)
2- using a servo/pushrod in each wing under the "radiators"- am not sure the best way to attach the radiators to make them removable (and still look scale)
i have seen (here on RCU) some pics for the 2nd option on a Y/A spit build thread- but did a search and can't locate it anymore. any pics (for the 1st or 2nd option) would help
THANX in advance for advice, Vasek
11-11-2003 | 07:29 PM
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From: Sedona, AZ
RE: Spitfire split flap mods
ORIGINAL: vasek
hi, i am trying to find pics / examples for split flaps mods on a foam/skinned wing
a have the basic concept down: lithoplate/lite ply& some ribs
just wondering about the options for the controls:
1- typical torque rod(s)- don't know how to deal with the angle change (flaps hinge line) relative to the mid section of the wing (sweep forward&dihedrall)
2- using a servo/pushrod in each wing under the "radiators"- am not sure the best way to attach the radiators to make them removable (and still look scale)
i have seen (here on RCU) some pics for the 2nd option on a Y/A spit build thread- but did a search and can't locate it anymore. any pics (for the 1st or 2nd option) would help
THANX in advance for advice, Vasek
hi, i am trying to find pics / examples for split flaps mods on a foam/skinned wing
a have the basic concept down: lithoplate/lite ply& some ribs
just wondering about the options for the controls:
1- typical torque rod(s)- don't know how to deal with the angle change (flaps hinge line) relative to the mid section of the wing (sweep forward&dihedrall)
2- using a servo/pushrod in each wing under the "radiators"- am not sure the best way to attach the radiators to make them removable (and still look scale)
i have seen (here on RCU) some pics for the 2nd option on a Y/A spit build thread- but did a search and can't locate it anymore. any pics (for the 1st or 2nd option) would help
THANX in advance for advice, Vasek
11-12-2003 | 12:44 PM
#4
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RE: Spitfire split flap mods
I added the short inboard flap segment to my Yellow Spitfire. The flaps were driven per Yellow's design, ie, with a servo hidden in each radiator and a visible push rod. If I did it again I would make it internal as on JG's Taylor airplane above. The inboard flaps are slaved to the outboard flaps via a bowden cable which is simply a flexible cable that rides inside fixed sections of tubing mounted to each flap. About the only way to make the radiators removeable would be to secure them around their perimeter with some small, flush headed screws. Good luck with it.
11-12-2003 | 09:08 PM
#5
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RE: Spitfire split flap mods
I thought about this for a long time and determined that a reliable functional joint was better than something that is hidden and doesn't work well. The trouble you have is that it has to move so dramatically with the dihederal angle. You get the best mechanical advantage on the inner section if you go to the back edge of the flap, so that is what I did. I laminated plywood to make a fork that captures the inner section on the outside and on the inside. It is not a visible destraction and it works perfectly. You will also notice from my pictures that I hid my wing mount screws under the inner flap section as well. I used two 6-32 cap head screws on each side.
11-13-2003 | 01:41 PM
#8
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RE: Spitfire split flap mods
Well, my son Zach and I have constructed this arrangement exactly the same way on both our Yellow Spitfires. He has about 75 flights and I have about 65. All documented. Not a hint of degradation yet. We do not push on the short portion when opening and closing them manually. That would break it for sure. We also have never belly landed on them which would strip them off quickly. So in the scheme of things, I would say this is a very robust system.
thank you!
11-13-2003 | 07:27 PM
#11
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RE: leo
Regarding rivet. You prime the plane then burn them in with a soldering iron. 40-Watt on a reostat to cool it down a little. The tip is a sharpened piece of brass tubing. You make a 1/64th plywood template with holes in it to help you with the spacing. A wing takes about 15 hours per side to do it. A fuse takes about 10 hours per side. So 50 hours to rivet your airplane. No time at all!
