.
The main goal was always to create a smooth-flying, aileron-and-elevator-controlled aerobatic ship. The design in this box is
definately the best of the Wonder bunch!
The Sig Wonder kit has been engineered to provide the builder with four optional versions as shown above. The basic structure
of each version is identical - the dfifferences are cosmetic. There's no perceptible difference in the flying qualities of one over
another, so pick the version that "turns you on" the most.
If you're feeling creative, go ahead and mix fins from one version with ailerons from another and a canopy from a third to create
your own, personal version. All of the decals are provided, so you can intermix those as well.
Incidentally, if you get a chance to see a rerun of "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", be sure to check it out. Somehow the
stories seem dumber than they were so many years ago, but the Flying Sub is still pretty cool.
ENGINES, PROPELLERS, AND MUFFLERS
The recommended engine range for the Wonder is .09 to .19 cu. in. There is a tremendous variety of engines available in this
range. Remember that weight is the mortal enemy of small models like this Wonder, and as you go up in power you also wind
up increasing the weight. That's not to say than an .09 powered Wonder performs as well as a ,19 powered Wonder, but the
difference is probably less than you would expect. Most modellers will be completely satisified with a good .15 in the nose. The
real power lovers who enjoy ballistics over aerodynamics will have to install a .19. Anything bigger is not recommended by Sig.
Use only those propellers recommended in the instructions supplied with your engine. And use a muffler! A loud engine may
cost you (and possibly your club) the use of your flying field if it annoys a non-flying neighbour. Use the muffler that came with
the engine or one of the many after-market mufflers that are available.
RADIO REQUIREMENTS
The Sig Wonder uses only two flight controls: ailerons and elevator (there is no rudder). Throttle control is optional but is highly
recommended. Standard size servos can be used (see plan), but do yourself a favour and buy some mini or micro servos that
are compatible with your radio system. The smaller servos will be much easier to install in the Wonder and will save some
weight, too. A small, flat 225 maH to 300 maH battery pack is a must. Be certain your radio system frequency is approved for
use in R/C model aircraft.
GLUES
There are many different glues available today for model construction that it can be confusing to even the experienced modeler.
To simplify matters, most glues can be classified as one of four basic types: Fast cyanoacrylate adhesives (abbreviated as CA)
such as Sig CA, easy to use water-based wood glues such as Sig-Bond (yellow) and Sig Super-Weld (white), super strong (but
heavier) two-part epoxy glues such as Sig Kwik-Set (5 minute cure) and Sig Epoxy (3 hour cure), and traditional solvent-base
model cements such as Sig-Ment.
Each of these types has different characteristics and advantages. Often times, the choice of which type to use is strictly a matter
of personal preference based on your experience with previous models. CA is recommended as our first choice because of it's
ability to penetrate an already assembled joint. In other words, parts can be assembled dry (without glue). the alignment
checked and adjusted, and then the glue can be applied to the joints. You should also have on hand some epoxy (both 5-minute
and slow dry) and Sig-Bond because these glues are called out in several of the steps in these instructions.
Sig CA, like mose brands of cyanoacrylates, come in three viscosities- thin, medium, and thick. Odorless CA is generally more
expensive, but it is ideal for people who can't tolerate the fumes of normal CA. An accellerator spray and debonder are also
available and are described below.
Sig CA Thin
- Watery consistency, thin CA should only be used when the two parts to be joined are in perfect contact
with zero gap. Capilliary action pulls this glue deep into the wood resulting in a very strong bond and it dries in just a few
seconds. Thin CA can be used to tack assemblies together, but these joints should be glued again later with medium or
thick CA. Thin CA is also necessary for installing Easy Hinges.
Sig CA Plus
- Our medium thickness CA is excellent for almost any step during construction. The extra thickness allows
the glue to fill small gaps, but it does dry a little slower than a thin CA.
Sig CA Slow
- This thickest formula is good for filling large gaps and building up strong fillets at joints requiring extra
strength. It also dries slow enough to allow you to apply it to one part and position it on another before it dries. This
feature is useful when laminating large sheeted areas like a fuselage side and a fuselage doubler.
Sig Kwik-Shot Accellerator
- Spraying accellerator on CA (any thickness) will cure it almost instantly. Although CA is
fast, it's sometimes nice to speed it up even more.
Debonder
- This can be used to separate parts, but you'll probably use it for unsticking your fingers more than anything
else!