Tail Feathers
1.
Build the Rudder, Vertical Stabilizer, Elevator, and Horizontal Stabilizer. Parts are grouped according to tail
section component on the 1/8” balsa sheet. Work with each component separately. Assemble over plan sheet,
removing only those parts necessary to complete each individual component. Start each assembly by building
up the outside edges (just like a puzzle) – finish by inserting center truss parts. Though the parts fall together
and self jig, pay particular attention to orientation and making solid glue joints.
H. Stab
Sand the leading edge round square off trailing edge. Slot
the trailing edge for CA hinges where indicated.
B
B
Elevator (Build Two)
Sand the leading edge of counterbalance round. Square off trailing edge.
Sand a 45 deg. bevel in leading edge in preparation for CA hinges. Slot and
hinge the elevator to the H. Stab where indicated.
A
A
1/8" Aluminium tubing joiner bushing -
nests within elevator assembly as
illustrated.
3
32
" x 2.75" Wire Joiner
Trim to length if required and slight adjust shape so that
elevator assembly lays flat to your building surface with no
binding or interference to horiz. stabilizer.
1/32" Ply Doubles Top and Bottom of
Elevator Assembly - Align with notches
for control horn.
Rudder
Sand a 45 deg. bevel in leading edge in preparation for CA hinges. Square
off the trailing edge. Slot and hinge the rudder to the V. Stab where
indicated.
V. Stab
Sand the leading edge round.
Square off the trailing edge.
Slot trailing edge for CA hinges
where indicated.
AA
BB
2.
Elevator Joining Wire. Verify that the provided 1/8” aluminum bushings are of the appropriate length and nest
within the elevator assembly as indicated on the plan sheet. Capture the bushing within the elevator using the
1/32” ply elevator doublers as indicated on the plan sheet. Be careful to avoid getting glue inside the bushing.
Allow adequate time to dry then test fit the elevator joining wire. This wire is pre-formed but you will be required
to do some minor adjusting (use heavy pliers) to the wire joiner until your joined elevator assembly lies perfectly
flat on your work surface and there are no interference issues with the horizontal stabilizer.
3.
Sand all surfaces with fine grit sand paper, rounding leading edge pieces while leaving trailing edge parts
square, in preparation for your preferred hinging method (Centered CA Hinging is Recommended).
Fuselage
Fuselage components are exceptionally brittle until the entire assembly is complete – this is especially true aft of the wing
saddle. Handle parts accordingly and
do not force the fit! We recommend that as you move along through these
instructions that you first friction fit all of your parts for each step... then only tack glue the parts together at the
tab and notch point. Once the assembly is complete you can flow thin CA along the entire joint
.
1.
Assemble 3/32” Fuselage sides and formers F8, F9, F17 align parts with rolled plan sheet. Now is a good time
to install the cross brace in FB3 as well.
A
A
B
B
F9
F6D
F8
F9C
F17
F17B
F9
B
F8
C
F8A
F8B
F8
C
F9
B
F9A
F17A
FB3
© 2004 Stevens AeroModel.
Page 8 of 31
