Construction Manual
www.oldschoolmodels.com
Page 5
Step 16 - Wing Assembly (rear lower spar)
Measure and cut both
rear lower spars from a
single piece of 3/8” x
3/16” basswood.
These pieces run from
the middle of the center
section to the point
where it meets the front
spar as noted on the
plans. Take time to measure correctly before cutting. Starting with
the outside rib (R5), slide each spar in position into the pre-cut
pocket on the bottom of each rib. Be careful that you do not break
off the tabs as they are used to hold these spars in position.
Do not glue in place yet.
Step 17 - Wing Assembly (ribs R6-R8)
Locate both R6 and R7 ribs
from BP1 and both R8 ribs from
BP2. Carefully place these in
position. The rear tabs will fit
into the REJ jig and the front
tab will fit into the LEG jig.
Make sure the tabs are pushed
all the way into the jigs, so they
are resting on the plans.
Now take the time to make
sure all of the ribs are aligned
to the plans and standing straight (90° to the building board). Tack
glue the tabs of each rib to the LEJ and REJ jigs so they’ll stay in
place.
Step 18 - Wing Assembly (trailing edge)
Measure and cut each of the
5/16” x 1/2” balsa strips to
create the trailing edges for
each side of the Comet. Glue
to all the ribs with the 1/2”
side up against the ribs.
Step 19 - Wing Assembly (front lower spar)
Measure and cut both front
lower spars from 3/8” x 3/16”
basswood.
Take time to measure correctly
before cutting. Slide these spars
in position in the same manner
as you did with the rear spars,
making sure not to break off any
of the tabs.
When satisfied with the alignment, glue the front and rear spars in
place, making sure they are attached to all of the ribs and to each
other.
Step 20 - Wing Assembly (cut upper spar)
Now it’s time to measure and cut the upper spars (both front and
rear). Measure and cut one of the 3/16” x 3/8” basswood strips to
use as the upper spar. Apply glue to the top of the ribs where they
will contact the upper spar.
Take time to measure correctly
before cutting and then place
the spars in position, making
sure they are fully seated into
the cutouts of each rib.
When satisfied with the
alignment, glue the front and rear spars in place, making sure they
are attached to all of the ribs and to each other.
Step 21 - Wing Assembly (leading edge)
Locate the 5/16” square balsa
sticks as these are used for
the leading edge. Carefully
measure, cut and sand them
so they fit properly. When
satisfied, glue in position. We
recommend a thicker, gap-
filling C/A glue for this step.
Start at R1 and slowly work
your way to the tip. Also make sure the ribs are straight as you go
work your way across the wing.
Step 22 - Wing Assembly (rear sheer webs)
Locate sheer webs WR1-WR4
from BP6. These are glued in
place on the back edge of the
upper and lower rear spars.
Test fit each of these before
gluing in place, sanding as
necessary for a good fit.
Step 23 - Wing Assembly (front sheer webs)
Locate sheer webs WF1-WF5
from BP6. With the exception of
WF5, these are glued in place
on the back edge of the upper
and lower front spars. WF5 is
glued to the front of the spars.
The left and right edges of these sheer webs might have to be
beveled (angled) slightly to allow them to fit correctly.
Test fit each of these before gluing in place, sanding as necessary
for a good fit.
Step 24 - Wing Assembly (leading edge sheeting)
Locate the 4 SH1s from BP7 and
the 4 SH3’s from BP8. SH1 and
SH3 mate up with each other as
shown here. Glue these together
to make 4 SH1 sheets.
Step 25 - Wing Assembly (leading edge sheeting)
Locate the 4 SH2s from BP8.
These mate up with the SH1
assemblies as shown. Glue
these together to make 4
completed leading edge
sheets.
