Fit the tail plane support blocks and the small triangular blocks the form the
bottom of the rear fuselage (not shown here). Note that they will sit either
side of the fin base when the vertical fin is slid into position. Then create a
little frame as shown from 1/4” scrap balsa. This duplicates the space that
will be occupied by the fin and tail plane.
Glue the tapered soft balsa fin blocks in place and when dry sand them into
a streamlined wedge shape which will form a continuous shape from the rear
deck. When you feel you have created a continuous fillet to give a smoothing
effect around the fin, cut them away from the temporary frame. Remove the
1/4 scrap frame and clean of any lumps of glue so that the tail mount is flat
and ready for the tail surfaces.
The tail parts are all pre cut from 1/4’’ balsa sheet and with a quick glance at
the plan should be self explanatory. It is a good idea to dry fit the elevator
joiner while the two elevator parts are lying on a flat surface. That way they
will not be twisted relative to each other.
31
32
31
32
33
35
Drill four small holes (about 1/16”) in all four corners of the cowl where the
battery hatch will be, this will stop the cowl splitting at stress points.
I removed the hatch with a razor saw, but you can also use a junior hacksaw
blade or a dremel disc. It is worth taking your time here to get a neat joint.
Using the 10mm wide plastic strip provided glue two side flanges to the
hatch and one at the front.
You can now do a dry fit with all of the tail surfaces with the wing bolted on
properly check the model from behind to see if the tail is correctly aligned
with the wing. If it is not quite correct you can sand a little of the tail mount
top away to tilt the tail plane one way or the other. Once everything looks
symmetrical, remove the tail surfaces and sand all of the edges round. You
may wish to cover the model before finally gluing them in position. It is also
easier to fit the control runs now while the tail is off.
34
35
HINTS & TIPS
1
Keeping these controls as rigid and slop
free as possible will produce more positive
flight response
Final assembly - Supermarine Spitfire IX
Final assembly - Supermarine Spitfire IX
34
33