3
First, use the heated iron to go over all the seams and color joints
in the covering, making they are all sealed down and well adhered.
Then use the heated iron to lightly shrink the material - do not
press on it. Once the covering is tight, lightly iron the material back
down to the wood. You can also use a hobby-type heat gun to
re-shrink the covering, but you must be extra careful around the
seams. Re-heating seams may cause them to "creep", making
them unsightly.
MODELER'S TIP: One of the most common problems associated
with shrinking any covering film is controlling the heat around
seams. Heat applied close to or directly onto seams re-heats the
covering adhesive and the seam will often "crawl". This is easy to
control. Just tear a few paper towels into strips and soak them in
cool tap water. Lay the wet strips over any covering seam and use
your heat gun or iron as you normally would. The wet strips keep
the seam cool while the covering immediately next to it shrinks.
WARPS!
Light weight is a key ingrediant in the MAYHEM'S flight profile.
Because of their light weight construction, the ailerons, elevators,
and rudder of the MAYHEM can become warped whenever the
covering material is heated for shrinking. Care must be used to
make sure that the control surfaces remain straight as the covering
cools. Avoid putting a twist in the part while taking out wrinkles.
If you find a warp in one of your parts, the warp can almost always
be removed by twisting the surface in the opposite direction and
holding it there while heat is applied to the covering material. After
the covering cools, release the control surface and recheck for the
warp. The amount of reverse twist and heat that you apply, will
determine where the control surface ends up after it cools.
Note: When trying to remove a warp, an extra set of hands are
needed. Have someone assist you. While one person holds the
reverse twist in the control surface, the other person applies the
heat by passing a covering iron over both sides of the part.
WING ASSEMBLY - OVERVIEW
The wing of the MAYHEM comes in two pieces, a right wing panel
and a left wing panel, which will be permanently glued together to
make a strong one-piece wing.
For precise control of the ailerons, there is one aileron servo
mounted in each wing panel.
To avoid unnecessary dents, dings, or scuffing of the airplane
parts, we suggest that you cover your workbench with a soft
household blanket or foam sheet while assemblying your model.
WING ASSEMBLY, PART I: Joining the wing panels
For the following steps you will need these parts:
•
1 - Right Wing Panel
•
1 - Left Wing Panel
•
1 - Hardwood Wing Joiner
❑
1) Trial fit both wing panels onto the Hardwood Wing Joiner.
Check to see that the wing panels fit together in proper alignment,
and that both root ribs come into firm contact with each other. If
the Hardwood Wing Joiner requires a little trimming to achieve this
fit, do so now. When satisfied with the fit, take back apart.
❑
2) Use slow drying epoxy glue to permanently join the two wing
panels together. Apply the glue generously to the end ribs, Work
some glue into the joiner slots, and coat the joiner itself.
Carefully slide the wing panels together on the joiner. Press them
together tight. Wipe away any excess epoxy that oozes from the
joint with a paper towel or a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol.
Be careful that the leading and trailing edges of the two wing
panels are perfectly aligned and that there is no built in twist.
Secure the joint in perfect alignment with tape until the glue dries.
NOTE: It's very important to use plenty of epoxy when gluing the
wing panels together. The strength of your wing joint depends on
it! Don't worry if the excess glue oozes out and gets on the