DECATHLON
Instruction Manual
16
VERTICAL STABILIZER
INSTALLATION
✑
7)
After the epoxy has fully cured, re-
move the masking tape or T-pins used to hold
the stabilizer in place. Carefully inspect the
glue joints. Use more epoxy to fill in any gaps
that may exist that were not filled previously
and clean up the excess using a paper towel
and rubbing alcohol.
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6) When you are sure that everything is
aligned correctly, mix up a generous amount
of Flash 30 Minute Epoxy. Apply a thin layer
to the top and bottom of the stabilizer mount-
ing area and to the stabilizer mounting plat-
form sides in the fuselage. Slide the stabi-
lizer in place and realign. Double check all of
your measurements once more before the ep-
oxy cures. Hold the stabilizer in place with T-
pins or masking tape and remove any excess
epoxy using a paper towel and rubbing alco-
hol.
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3) With the stabilizer held firmly in place,
use a pen and draw lines onto the stabilizer
where it and the fuselage sides meet. Do this
on both the right and left sides and top and
bottom of the stabilizer.
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4) Remove the stabilizer. Using the lines
you just drew as a guide, carefully remove the
covering from between them using a model-
ing knife.
Pen.
When cutting through the covering to re-
move it, cut with only enough pressure
to only cut through the covering itself. Cutting
into the balsa structure may weaken it.
move the covering that overlaps the stabilizer
mounting platform sides in the fuselage. Re-
move the covering from both the top and the
bottom of the platform sides.
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5) Using a modeling knife, carefully re-
✑
1) Using a modeling knife, remove the
covering from over the precut hinge slot cut
into the lower rear portion of the fuselage. This
slot accepts the lower rudder hinge.
Hinge.
Remove covering.
Hinge slot.
