Build Instructions
Wing Assembly
The wing assembly is built in three sections
(right/center/left)
that are later joined together to make one
single assembly. When working with symmetric parts, you must be careful not to inadvertently build two
right
or
left
sides
– you must build one
right
and one
left.
You’d be surprised at just how many
seasoned builders (like myself) have made (and continue to make) this mistake. To assist in preventing
this from happening on your build I offer the following advice:
The wing frame components are etched with a part number and alignment lines. When bonding the W2a
and W2b wing frame parts together make certain that the etched lines on the individual parts are
positioned to the same side. The etched side of the wing frame becomes the
bottom
of the wing panel.
When adding ribs to these assemblies always make certain you are working with the etched side
(bottom)
up. This assembly manual only shows the construction of the
right
wing assembly – I suggest you should
build the left side mirrored and alongside the right as you proceed. Finally, glue sparingly using just
enough
(a tiny drop)
to hold a part in position. Once until you are certain you are on the right track you
can revisit the assembly with a bit more glue – it’s much easier to recover from an error when there’s less
glue in play on the parts.
1.
Locate and join together over the plan sheet, parts W1a and W1b, to create the W1 wing
center section sheeting. Next, locate W2a and W2b and join together to create the W2
outer frame. Glue.
Note:
Join these parts together so that the etching on the frame is on
the same side.
2.
Build a
right
and
left
wing panel. Begin building by laying the right and left wing frames flat
on top of your work table with the ‘etched’ side facing
up
. The side of the wing facing
up
will
become the
bottom
and the ribs are assembled to the wing frame inverted. Locate and
install rib R2 to the wing panel – aligning the
forward
tab on the rib at the
forward
notch on
the wing. Glue the rib at the tab and notch point, then forward to the leading edge.
3.
Install ribs R3, R4, and R5. Install these first seated within the
forward
notch point cut along
the inside of the wing frame, then carefully aligning the leading edge of the ribs, between
the etched lines (on the wing frame) that run
forward
to the wing leading edge. Glue each
rib to the underside of the wing frame from the notch point to the leading edge.
4.
Now invert the assembly so that the
bottom
of the wing ribs rest along your flat work
surface. Use masking tape (or have an assistant help) to hold the leading edge of the wing
frame flat against the work surface. Wrap the wing frame down to meet the wing ribs at the
trailing edge. Align the panel and wing ribs at the trailing edge so that the ribs fall within the
etched lines at the trailing edge. Glue the ribs along the trailing edge and any points of
contact with the wing frame.
Tip:
Work over the full size detail sheet to assist in getting
your rib alignment spot on!
5.
Install the S2 and S3 balsa wing spars to the corresponding notched locations within the
W2 wing frame – position the spar to fit within the recesses at the tops of ribs R3 and R4.
Glue the spars.
6.
Build the wing center section from W1, ribs R1, and plywood spar S1. Locate the ribs to the
spar using the notches. Begin at the trailing edge, align the notches within the W1 center
section sheeting with the tabs on ribs R1, wrap the sheeting forward to the leading edge,
over the ribs and glue.
PuddleBug
TM
UM
- Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.
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