13)
The landing gear torque blocks and 3/8” balsa triangle
braces are installed next with 15 minute epoxy. This can
all be accomplished at the same time. The torque blocks
have a angle sanded in them to match the firewall down
thrust. Let the triangle pieces extend slightly above the
firewall. They will be sanded flush with the firewall when
the glue cures.
NOTE:
cut two each 2” long pieces from the balsa
triangle for the firewall braces. The remaining piece will
be used for the pylon support.
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Tech note:
Draw a straight line on your building board approximately 36 inches long. This line will be used
to align the notches in the bottom of the firewall, F1, F2 and the rear end of the fuselage sides to help ensure a
straight airframe.
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Take your time with this step and build carefully. This is critical to a straight fuselage!
14)
Place the completed fuselage sub assembly on the line you drew on your building board. Ensure that the
small notch on the bottom of the firewall and formers F-1 and F-2 are directly over the drawn line. You will
need to secure the fuselage so that it does not move off of the line. Heavy weights placed along each side of the
fuselage work well. Also ensure that the fuselage stays firmly on top of the building board. Do not let it rise or
twist off of the surface. Now carefully bring the two fuselage sides together and meet them directly over the
drawn line. Be sure to use one or two small 'squares' at the rear end of the fuselage before the sides are glued
together! Otherwise it would be very easy to build a twist into the aft section of the fuselage resulting in a 'tilted'
tail section.
15)
Remove the tail wheel mount bracket from the 1/8” birch plywood
card. Glue it to the rear of the fuselage on the bottom side with 15
minute epoxy. Note that it is slightly oversize to allow for final sanding
to fit the fuselage.
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