First,
unpack all the components and lay them out on a large, flat surface. Make
sure you have everything you need before you break out the glue! The particular
model we will build here is the "radical".
First,
unpack all the components and lay them out on a large, flat surface. Make
sure you have everything you need before you break out the glue! The particular
model we will build here is the "radical".
Next,
check the fit of the wing spars. Using the tip of the spar, clean out any
stray foam particles from the spar slot so that the spar is flush with
the wing surface
apply
a good waterproof wood glue like Titebond II (slow drying epoxy is ok too)
to the center wing joint and bottom spar slots. Join the wings and insert
the bottom spar.
set the wing down to dry in the foam packing from the kit. Make sure the
wing is seperated from the packing by a layer of wax paper.
test
the fuselage-to-wing fit. It should be snug when the wing halves are level.
Measure and mark the length of the nose per your instructions. This particular
model is the radical and requires a length of 2 1/2 inches. This
would be a good time to place the engine bearers in place and check the
fit of the maple spacers. They will require some sanding for a good fit.
After
the fuselage and motor mount parts have been checked for fit, apply
glue liberally to the wing saddle and upper wing spar slot.
After
positioning the fuselage in the wing saddle, glue the engine bearers and
spacers in place and spread a bead of glue over the bearers where the top
spar will cross them. Insert the spar and weight it down with some plastic
bottles filled with water. Clamp the engine bearers and allow to dry. Cut
the wing saddle cutouts to fit and glue them in place.
With
a piece of medium sandpaper, rough up the elevator where it will be attached
to the fuselage. Medium Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue is perfect for this
task. Position the elevator on the fuselage as to maximize the contact
area without fouling the elevator travel. The elevator should be attached
to the bottom of the fuselage as shown here. Clamp until dry. on our plane,
a water-filled plastic bottle is used to Weight down the elevator.
to be continued .... installing the controls, mounting the engine and covering/finishing