INSTALL TRIM STRIPS ON
LEADING EDGES OF BOTH
FIN AND STAB TO COVER
FLUTES EXPOSED TO AIR FLOW
USE CLEAR ADHESIVE/SEALANT
TO SEAL JOINTS BETWEEN THE
FIN AND STAB, FIN AND FUSE AND
STAB AND FUSE
BOTTOM OF FIN SHOULD BE
FLUSH WITH TOP OF STAB
FIGURE 14 - MOUNTING THE VERTICAL FIN
2.25 Locate the plastic edge trim for the tail section and cut it to fit the leading edges of the stab and fin. We only install
it on the leading edges, leaving the side flutes exposed. The exposed flutes do not have an adverse affect on the
aerodynamics of the aircraft.
2.26 Install the turtle deck and canopy on the fuselage. Locate the turtledeck and "work" the scores to flex them so
they will cooperate with you during installation. You want the scores to bend evenly so as to make a nice, uniform curve
once installed. The bottom tabs of the turtledeck fit against the top of the fuselage. Heavily crease the tab scores so the
bottom of the turtledeck will sit flat on the top of the fuselage. If necessary, "slit" the insides of the tab scores to provide a
flexible bend. Locate the turtledeck bulkhead and trial fit it to the turtle deck as you practice shaping it before gluing.
2.27 Once satisfied with the way your
turtledeck will fit, trial fit it to the fuselage and mark
its outside edges on the fuselage with a felt tip pen
(one that will wash off the AirCore later). Remove
the turtledeck and apply contact cement to the
bottom tabs of the turtledeck and its location on the
fuse. Glue the turtledeck bulkhead to the inside of
the turtledeck and the tops of the turtledeck tabs.
(We use double stick tape to glue the bulkhead into
the turtledeck). When ready, glue the turtledeck to
the fuse, one side at a time, and apply pressure for
a good bond.
BUILDER'S HINT - This is the time to decide if you
want to have an instrument panel or pilot. We use
spare AirCore to make a seat and instrument panel.
FIGURE 16 • TURTLEDECK DETAIL
FUSELAGE
TURTLEDECK
OVERLAP CANOPY 1/4"
TURTLEDECK
BULKHEAD
2.28 Install the canopy. Cut the canopy so that it overlaps your turtledeck about 1/4" and glue it to the fuse and
turtledeck using a thin layer of "dries clear" epoxy cement or clear adhesive/sealant.
This completes the construction of the fuselage. We will leave installation of control rods for the final evening of assembly.
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