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113.
Spray the leading edges of the wing with spray adhesive and let dry for 5 minutes (or
until aggressively tacky).
114.
Lay a length of filament tape along each of the four wing panels’ leading edges so
that half of the width is on the top surface and half on the bottom surface. Split and overlap
the tape at the panel joins and split and wrap the tape around at the nose and wing tips.
115.
It’s now time for covering. Use a
pen to define the lines around the ballast
tube access hatch (on the bottom surface)
and fin slots (on the top surface) so you’ll
be able to see exactly where to cut through
the covering.
116.
Spray the entire underside of the
glider with spray adhesive and let dry for 5
minutes (or until aggressively tacky).
117.
Bend over the elevons and cover
the hinge gap area using 48mm (2”) wide
coloured covering tape.
118.
Now start laying down strips of the
covering tape on the wing’s bottom surface starting at the trailing edge. Let the tape
overhang at the trailing edge (it will be trimmed later) and tape right over the gaps between
the elevons and fixed trailing edge (these
will be cut free later) but wrap around
25mm to 50mm (1” to 2”) overhangs at the
wing tips. Working your way forwards, lay
down each strip of tape span-wise (tip to
tip) overlapping the previous one by 5mm
to 10mm (3/16” to 3/8”). Don’t worry
about overlapping the leading edge of the
wing, just trim off flush for now (it will be
covered later). Stop short of the nose area,
you’ll cover this area later after the lead
balance weight has been embedded into the
nose.
119.
Temporarily lay some plastic over this uncovered nose area to protect it from dust.
120.
Turn the wing over and spray the entire top surface of the wing with spray adhesive
and let dry for 5 minutes (or until aggressively tacky). Cover as per bottom surface but
proceed covering all the way forwards to the tip of the nose on the top surface.
121.
Using a straight edge (ruler) and sharp knife, trim off the tape that is overhanging the
trailing edge of the wing and elevons. Leave about 3mm (1/8”) back from the trailing edges
so that the tape is sealed to each other (sticky side to sticky side).
122.
Cut the elevons free and then wrap a piece of covering tape around each exposed end
of the elevons and fixed trailing edges so that there is no balsa exposed.
123.
If you’ve installed a ballast tube, cut free the access hatch leaving one of its sides
intact as a hinge. Before each flight the hatch should be secured with a piece of coloured
covering tape or clear tape to minimize drag and prevent it from opening.
