Step 10. To prepare to mount the tail wire
Step 10. To prepare to mount the tail wire
Step 10. To prepare to mount the tail wire
Step 10. To prepare to mount the tail wire
Step 10. To prepare to mount the tail wire
To prepare to mount the tail wire strut for the tail wheel, match the wire strut to the plans and make a mark on
the fuselage where the strut will exit the fuselage. It is best to position the wire strut so the bottom surface of the
strut rests slightly above the floor of the fuselage. It is important to make this slot taller than necessary to allow
the wire to flex or deflect when landing. A wooden block needs to be prepared to mount the wire, using 1/8”
plywood (not included) cut a 1/2” wide strip 2” long. Measure 3/8” from one end and mark and drill a 1/8” hole
straight through. Mark a line from the hole to the end furthest from the hole. Cut a 1/8” slot along this line to
receive the wire strut, remember to test fit the strut to make sure the wire fits flush into the plywood block. Test
fit the length of the block with the wire strut into the fuselage, some sanding or grinding may be necessary to get a
good fit. Trim the length of the wooden block if necessary. Using a sanding block, sand the bottom of the block
into a “V” to match the bottom surface of the fuselage. Once satisfied, permanently glue the wooden block in
place using Epoxy capturing the wire tail strut.
Step 11.
Step 11.
Step 11.
Step 11.
Step 11.
Compare, measure and mark the final position of the F14 former, corresponding to (F8) on the full size plans, on the
outside of the fuselage. Remember to do a final wipe down with acetone on the internal fiberglass section before
gluing, to clean and get the best bonding possible. Following the chosen gluing method, permanently bond the F14
former in place.
Step 12.
Step 12.
Step 12.
Step 12.
Step 12.
Although not detailed on the full size plans, the rudder pushrod needs to be supported along the tail section of the
fuselage. Mark 2-3 additional locations similar to the brass housing formers for the pushrod on the full size plan
matching the height of the rudder pushrod. Using 1/8” plywood (not included) cut out these formers to a height
of 1/4”-1/2” above the top of the pushrod from the plan. These need not be the full width of the inside of the
fuselage but can be 1 1/4” wide using a triangular reinforcement to add stability when bonded in place. Mark
and drill the hole for the rudder pushrod. Stop here and decide the location of the rudder servo. Once this is
finalized, permanently bond the pushrod formers in place. Fillet one side of the former as they are glued into
position.
Step 13.
Step 13.
Step 13.
Step 13.
Step 13.
Carefully feed the brass housing through the F14 former, up and out through the opening in the top of the elevated tail
section. Do not bond the brass housing to F14 at this time. Similarly, feed the rudder pushrod through the support
formers and out the top.
Step 14.
Step 14.
Step 14.
Step 14.
Step 14.
Before the end of the flexible cable can be used, the last 5/8-3/4” of the cable needs to be “tinned”. Silver Solder is
highly recommended but Rosin Core Solder can be substituted, heat the end of the cable with a soldering iron until the
solder takes to the cable. Continue until an even silver coating has been applied. If the end will no longer fit into the
coupler, gently file along the length of the end until it can be fully inserted into the coupler.
Step 15.
Step 15.
Step 15.
Step 15.
Step 15.
With both the brass housing and the pushrod extended through the top opening in the elevated tail, test fit the tail
components one last time. Assemble the tail gearbox with the coupler and attach the prepared end of the cable. Slide
the end of the brass housing into the modified F15 former and insert the pushrod housing. Make the connection for the
end of the rudder pushrod to the ball on the tail pitch lever. Inspect and verify that the end of the brass housing has a
gap of 3/16-1/4” before contacting the coupler, measure and write down the exact position, noting the amount if any,
that the brass housing is protruding past the F15 former. Measure and write down the same information for the rudder
pushrod housing, remember that the final position must allow complete end to end travel of the pitch plate assembly.
Step 16.
Step 16.
Step 16.
Step 16.
Step 16.
Depending on the type of tail gearbox used, one may have to modify the order of the following instructions before
