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With the stabilizer properly aligned, use a pencil to draw a
line on each side of the stabilizer where it meets the fuselage
sides. Do this on both the top and the bottom.
STEP 2: MOUNTING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
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Mix and apply a generous amount of 30 minute epoxy to
ONLY the top and bottom
gluing surfaces of the stabilizer.
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IMPORTANT
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Because the stabilizer has to slide into place through the fuselage, apply epoxy only to the stabilizer.
This will prevent the epoxy from spreading over the entire length of one half of the stabilizer when you slide it into place.
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Slide the stabilizer back into place and realign it, double-checking all of your measurements once more before the
epoxy sets up. Quickly remove any excess epoxy and use pieces of masking tape or T-Pins to hold the stabilizer in place
and aligned until the epoxy has fully cured.
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After the epoxy has fully cured, remove the masking tape and look closely at the glue joint. If there are any gaps
between the stabilizer and the fuselage, fill them using 30 minute epoxy for added strength. Again, before the epoxy sets
up, remove any excess epoxy, using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.
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Remove the stabilizer from the fuselage.
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Using a modeling knife, carefully cut away and remove the
covering material from between the lines you drew. Do this on
both the top and the bottom.
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WARNING
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When cutting through the covering to remove
it, cut with only enough pressure to cut through only the
covering itself. Cutting down into the balsa structure could
weaken the stabilizer and cause it to fail during flight.
STEP 3: INSTALLING THE ELEVATOR TORQUE RODS
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IMPORTANT
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Do not glue the elevator torque rods into
place yet. It's important to test-fit them first to ensure they
line up correctly.
❑
Notice that there are left and right elevator torque rods.
Working on the left side for now, slide the nylon bearing up
against the threaded end of the torque rod, then slide the
threaded end of the torque rod through the slot behind the
stabilizer trailing edge. At the same time, pivot the nylon
bearing into the slot in the trailing edge, as shown.
Continued On Next Page
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