19
Step 5.
Now you can install the wing and sight the horizontal
stabilizer alignment from the rear of the aircraft. Make sure the
horizontal stabilizer is level with reference to the wing.
Step 6.
Trial fit the vertical fin in position. Make sure the fin is
inserted completely — some slight trimming to the bottom of
the fin may be necessary. Carefully check the fin to be sure it’s
aligned 90 degrees to the horizontal stabilizer (a 90 degree trian-
gle is helpful in this step).
Hint:
When installing the vertical fin, use the rudder to check
for proper height. It may be necessary to cut off a
small amount from the bottom of the fin to get the
rudder to drop down to the proper position.
Step 7.
Double check the horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin align-
ment. It may be necessary to slightly trim the balsa wood on the
fuselage or fin with a sharp hobby knife to achieve exact alignment.
Step 8.
When you’re satisfied with the alignment, carefully
mark the position with a pencil at the junction where the hori-
zontal stabilizer meets the fuselage top and bottom, and where
the vertical fin meets the fuselage top. The pencil should make a
light indentation in the covering.
Step 9.
Remove the horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin from
the fuselage and cut away the covering on the vertical fin with a
sharp hobby knife, being very careful not to cut the wood
underneath. The covering must be removed so the epoxy will
adhere to the balsa of the fuselage and the vertical fin. Cut
approximately 1/8" inside the line drawn on the vertical fin.
Again, make sure no bare balsa wood shows when the fin is
repositioned.
CAUTION:
Do not cut into the wood if at all pos-
sible, as doing so will weaken the structure.
Section 6: Installing the Tail (Vertical Fin &
Horizontal Stabilizer)
Fin Tab
CONTINUED
