 |
| The fuselage sides are joined together by applying thick Ca glue to the edge of formers F2, F3, F4 and F5 and then
laying the left-hand side in place. The formers fit in the "slots" created by the 1/16" balsa doublers. |
 |
| Bottom view of the forward fuselage. 1/4" triangular stock is added behind former F3 and in front of former F5.
The lower nose will have a removable hatch to access the motor. |
 |
| A view showing the bottom of the aft fuselage with the 1/2" triangular stock. Most of the 1/2" triangular stock
will be removed as the fuselage is shaped to a rounded contour after the bottom sheeting is installed.
Note the 1/4" triangular stock in front of former F5. |
 |
| The next step is to install the 1/16" balsa former F7. Align the former to the marks maded on the inside
of the fuselage side (or the laser etching if you are building from a short kit. Place the former in position gently pulling
the fuselage sides together (aligning over the top view of the plans) and secure in place with thin Ca glue. Note the relief
"slits" that were cut in the 1/2" triangular stock before gluing to the lower fuselage sides. These relief stress in the
stock to allow them to curve to the line of the fuselage side panel. |
 |
| The next step is to install the small 1/16" plywood former F8 (a triangle). With the fuselage aligned over
the top view of the plans, pull the tail together symetrically using an adjustable C-clamp. This applies only enough
pressure to pull the tail together so you can set the former in place and secure with thin Ca glue. |
 |
| Another view showing F8 being glued in place. |
 |
| Now that the tail has been joined together the other aft fuselage former F6. |
 |
| The minor formers F4TT1, F4T2, F4T3 and F5T are added. Align all formers with the marks on the inside of the
fuselage sides. After the formers are in place soak/wet the top part of the 1/16" fuselage sides with hot water and a sponge
or Windex to allow forming around the top part of the formers F5-F7. Use thin Ca to glue the wet balsa to
the formers while holding in place with your fingers. It is not that hard to do. Once the sheeting is dry, sand the top
edge flush with the flat top of the formers.
|
