.
4.
Use a toothpick or small dowel to apply epoxy into the elevator joiner holes and
channels in each elevator half. Press the wire elevator joiner into each elevator
half and lay the assembly on a flat work surface, protected with waxed paper.
Wipe off any excess glue with a paper towel and alcohol. Make sure the leading
edge of the entire elevator assembly is straight (we held the elevators against the
rear of the stabilizer for several minutes while the epoxy cured). Allow the epoxy
to cure completely before continuing.
5.
The elevators are now hinged to the
stabilizer. Install and glue the six
elevator hinges in place to the
horizontal stabilizer, using the same
method that you used for the ailerons.
6.
Use a felt tip pen and a small square to
mark the centerline on the top of the
stabilizer.
7.
Test fit the horizontal stabilizer in place onto the rear of the fuselage. Position the
stab accurately and make any final adjustments that might be needed. We have
found it helpful to attach the wing panels to the fuselage before gluing the stab in
place. This provides a good visual aid when checking the stab for level and also
for being square to the wings in the top view. Lay the stab in place, being careful
to align it squarely and that the slot at the rear of the stab is aligned with the
fuselage sides. With the fuselage on a flat surface, sight the model from the front.
The stab should be absolutely aligned with the wings, without leaning to one side
or the other. If it is leaning, use a small weight or a little masking tape to
straighten it out.
8.
Now use a felt tip pen to mark the
position of the fuselage onto the bottom
of the stabilizer.
9.
You must now carefully remove the
covering from the stabilizer in order to
expose the wooden structure for gluing.
The covering should be trimmed away
1/16” inside the drawn lines. It is
extremely important that you cut the
covering only and not the balsa
underneath.
Do not cut into the balsa.
10.
The horizontal stabilizer is now glued in
place onto the rear of the fuselage. We
suggest using 5-minute epoxy for this
job to allow time to position the stab
accurately and make any final
adjustments that might be needed.
Allow the glue to set completely.
11.
Place the fin and left & right fin gussets into position on the model. Use a felt tip pen to mark the position of the fin and
gussets onto the top of the stabilizer. You will also want to mark the location of the gussets on the side of the fin and top of
the stabilizer. Remove the fin and gussets from the model.