Blitzer Assembly Manual
Page 17 of 21
Photo 55
EMPENNAGE ASSEMBLY:
74) Tape the two elevator halves to the stabilizer so that they are in the tips align properly. The tape should
be on the top side (signified by the center line on the stab). Insert the 1/16” ply joiner between them.
You may need to very lightly sand it to get a good, snug fit.
75) Using thick CA or epoxy, glue the ply joiner to the balsa panels. Note that the balsa is much thicker –
this allows you to make a good fillet at the joint. Be careful not to glue the elevator to the stabilizer.
76) When the glue has cured, trim the tape back about ¼” from the edge of the wood. Sand the outside
perimeter of the elevator and stab to round the edges.
77) While you have this taped together, drill the holes which will mount the elevator control horn. Remember
that the horn is on the bottom left side. It should be angled so that it is not quite parallel to the cut-out
section between the elevator halves, as close as possible to the center. You will have one whole in ply,
the other in balsa.
78) Remove the tape. Sand a bevel on the elevator portion to about a 30 degree angle. This will allow the
elevator (which will be hinged at the top) to bend down.
79) Tape the vertical fin and rudder together, then drip some thin CA into the joint. Remove the tape and
sand the edges round. Do not sand the places where this will be glued to the fuselage or elevator.
80) Using the building square, line up the stabilizer
with the fin and glue in place. Use the center
line on the stab to position the fin properly. It
should be centered on the line.
81) Set the fuselage on a table top, using blocks to
make sure the sides are vertical. Set the
empennage assembly onto the model, and tack
glue the front to the top of the fuse. Using cans
or large squares, make the rudder vertical, as
shown in Photo 55.
82) Ensure again that the wings are level (same
dihedral) and that the tail is level (same
measurement right and left). When everything is
lined up, carefully glue this together. Take care
to ensure that the stab is against the wood saddle.
83) As is customary, hold the fully assembled airplane in your dominant hand and “fly” it around the room,
making airplane noises. It is acceptable to strafe the household pets and any other airplanes in your shop
should you find this necessary.
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