unusually large hinge gaps. Other profiles utilize a very tight double beveled hinge line and do not
04
time and transportation. EG recommends lightly going over all the covering with a covering iron
AIRCRAFT COVERING:
1. With all ARFs, varying temperatures and storage delays can cause covering material to loosen over
set at medium temperatures. Be sure to use a soft cover over your iron so you do not scratch the
covering surface. Be sure you go over all seams and edges of the covering to assure it is secure to the
airframe and other covering. Be careful not to apply too much heat or you may cause bubbles or
damage to the covering. A heat gun may also be used along with a soft cotton cloth to shrink and
adhere the covering. Again, be extremely careful when using a heat gun.
2. Carefully cut the covering away from the various openings on both sides of the fuselage. Servo
openings should be cut from corner to corner and the covering ironed down on the inside. Only cut
the throttle servo opening on the right side of the fuselage. Other holes can be cut out using either a
sharp hobby knife or the tip of a hot soldering iron. The latter technique acts to seal the covering
edges as you cut away.
3. Be sure to seal any exposed wood with a thin coating of epoxy to prevent engine oil from soaking in.
This is especially important around the engine compartment and servo openings with exposed areas.
4. Some modelers prefer to seal the hinge gaps using strips of appropriate covering or clear trim tape.
We have found this to be helpful with models intended for higher speed flight or models with
normally require this step. Sealing the hinge gaps is therefore left as an option for the modeler.
RUDDER INSTALLATION:
1. It is much easier to install the twin control horns before installing the rudder. Locate the fiberglass
rudder control horns, ball links, and associated bolts and nylon-insert lock nuts. Use some fine sandpaper
to roughen up the center areas of the two control horns so that the glue adheres better. Using a sharp
hobby knife cut the covering away from the slots in the rudder and trial fit the two control horns.
2. Mix up some 30 minute epoxy and coat the inside of the slots and the center of the control horns.
Hint: a scrap piece of 1/16” ply, toothpick, or old hobby blade can be used to coat the inside of the rudder
slots. Slide the control horns in place and make sure they are centered perfectly by using a ruler to
measure between the pivot holes and the hinge line. Wipe any excess glue off with isopropyl alcohol and
paper towels. Install the ball links, bolts and nuts into the holes to help assure alignment of both control
horns while the glue cures. Set aside until cured.
