other wing tip. Apply two more strips of tape between
this strip and the trailing edge of the wing and the fourth
strip should be added between the first strip and the
leading edge of the wing The photo shows where the
strips should be located. Try to get this tape stuck down
as tightly as possible because it adds a tremendous
amount of strength to the wing when properly applied.
Make sure you do not change the washout (twist) or
dihedral of the wing when applying the tape strips If
you are planning on doing some aerobatics or combat
with your STURDY BIRDY you should also put three
strips of tape on the top surface of the wing.
INSTALLING THE HINGES
D 28. After covering the tail surfaces, the hinges can be
installed Use your hobby knife to find the slots you cut
earlier and make slits in the covering so you can push the
hinges into place and trial fit the pieces together again.
D 29. Cut the supplied 2" x 9" CA Hinge Strip into 24
individual 3/4" x 1" hinges and bevel the corners as
shown in the sketch Install the control surfaces with the
hinges centered in place Make sure the surface operates
smoothly Deflect the surface all the way in one
direction, then apply several drops of thin CA onto the
center of each hinge The CA will wick throughout the
entire hinge joint and into the wood Deflect the surface
the other direction and glue the same way. Flex the
surface to loosen it up.
D 25. Trim the plastic center section protector to size by
using either scissors or your hobby knife to cut along the
scribe lines Use some coarse grit sandpaper to scratch
up the inner surface of the protector so the glue will
adhere better Test fit it on the wing and then use epoxy
to glue it in place.
COVERING
D 26. The tail surfaces (fin, rudder, stabilizer and
elevator) should be covered with one of the iron-on
coverings to help protect them from becoming fuel
soaked and ruined If you are also going to cover the
wing, which will help it look nicer longer (and add a
small amount of strength), you can save a little money
by only buying one roll of low temperature covering
(Top Flite Econokote is recommended) and using it for
both the wing and the tail surfaces Otherwise you can
use any type of covering for the tail surfaces, but,
remember to use a low heat covering for the wing A
few stripes or your AMA number can really add to the
looks of your STURDY BIRDY.
D 27. Follow the instructions that come with the
covering and cover the tail surfaces at this time It is a
good idea to cover the bottom surfaces first to get
familiar with the covering since these surfaces will
normally not be seen When covering the wing, cover
right over the tape and plastic wing protector, just try
to use as little heat as possible.
ATTACHING CONTROL HORNS
D 30. Position the nylon control horn on the left side of
the rudder about 1" up from the bottom with the four
holes lined up with the leading edge. Use a drop of Thin
C/A to tack glue the horn in place.
9
