Global Hobby AK-18, Instructions Manual

Page: 10 / 28

10
Figure # 5
q
3) When satisfied that the stabilizer is centered,
place a marks on each side of the top and bottom of
the stabilizer where it and the fuselage sides meet.
Doing this will help you realign the stabilizer later.
q
4) With the stabilizer centered in the fuselage,
use a couple of pieces of masking tape or a T-pin to
secure the stabilizer in place at the trailing edge only.
q
5) Align the stabilizer to the wing. When viewed
from the rear, the stabilizer should be level with the
wing. If it is not, remove the stabilizer and use 220 grit
sandpaper to sand down the high side of the stabilizer
mounting platform in the fuselage until the stabilizer is
level with the wing. Measure the distance from each
wing tip to each stabilizer tip. These distances should
be equal. See figures # 6 and # 7 below.
Figure # 6
Figure # 7
Photo # 10
When using the modeling knife, be careful not
to cut too deep. Only use enough pressure to
cut through the covering. Cutting deeper into the
wood can weaken the structure and possibly cause
the stabilizer to fail in flight.
q
9) When you are sure that everything is aligned
correctly, glue the horizontal stabilizer in place using
Kwik Bond 30 Minute Epoxy. Double check all of
your measurements once more before the epoxy cures.
Wipe away any excess epoxy using paper towels and
rubbing alcohol and hold the stabilizer in place using
masking tape or T-pins.
Because the stabilizer has to slide in place
through the fuselage, we suggest you apply a
liberal amount of epoxy to only the gluing surface of
the stabilizer. This will prevent spreading epoxy over
the entire length of one half of the stabilizer when
you slide it in place. After the epoxy has cured, use
more epoxy to fill in any gaps that may exist that were
not filled previously.
MOUNTING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
q
2) Slide the stabilizer into place in the precut
slot in the rear of the fuselage. To center the stabi-
lizer from side to side, measure the stabilizer from
the fuselage sides out to the stabilizer's tips. Both
measurements should be equal when the stabilizer is
centered. See figure # 5 below.
q
7) On the top and bottom of the stabilizer, draw
a line where it and the fuselage sides meet. Do this
on both the right and left sides.
q
8) Remove the stabilizer. Using the lines you
drew as a guide, remove the covering from between
them using a modeling knife. See photo # 10 below.
HINGING THE ELEVATOR HALVES
q
10) Hinge the two elevator halves using the same
technique as with the ailerons.
Be careful not to use too much C/A at one time
as the excess C/A may run down the length of
the hinge lines. Once cured, the elevators may be
stiff and difficult to move. This is normal. Gently
move them up and down about five to ten times to
free them up.
A A-1
Horizontal
Stabilizer
Fuselage
A=A-1
B B-1
B=B-1
C C-1
C=C-1
Draw
Line
Draw
Line
Remove
Covering
q
6) When you are satisfied with the alignment,
hold the stabilizer in place using a couple of pieces of
masking tape or a couple of T-pins.