12
place a mark. Using a builder's triangle, extend this mark
from front to back across the top of the stabilizer. See
photo # 10 below.
Photo # 10
❑
4)
Mount the wing to the fuselage and slide the sta-
bilizer into the stabilizer mounting slot. Push the stabilizer
forward until the trailing edge of the stabilizer is even
with the back edge of the fuselage.
❑
5)
Align the centerline mark on the trailing edge of
the stabilizer with the center of the back edge of the fuse-
lage. When that is aligned, hold the trailing edge of the
stabilizer in that position using a piece of masking tape.
❑
6)
With the stabilizer in place, look carefully from
the front of the fuselage at both the wing and the stabi-
lizer. When aligned properly, the stabilizer should be level
with the wing. If it is not level, use 220 grit sandpaper
with a sanding block and sand down the higher stabilizer
mounting side until the correct alignment is achieved. See
figure # 3 below.
Figure # 3
❑
7)
Now check to make sure that the tips of the sta-
bilizer are equal distances from the tips of the wing. Use
a ruler and measure from one wing tip to the
stabilizer tip on the same side. Do this for both sides.
When the stabilizer is aligned properly, both of these mea-
surements should be the same. See figure # 4 below.
Figure # 4
❑
8)
When you are satisfied with the alignment, hold
the stabilizer firmly in place using a couple of pieces of
masking tape. Do not glue it into place yet!
❑
9)
With the stabilizer held firmly in place, use a pen
to draw lines onto the top and bottom of the stabilizer
where it and the fuselage sides meet. Do this on both the
right and left sides.
❑
10) Remove the stabilizer from the fuselage. Us-
ing the lines you drew as a guide, carefully cut away and
remove the covering from between them with a modeling
knife. See photo # 11 below.
MOUNTING THE
HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
Photo # 11
☛
When cutting through the covering to remove it, cut
with only enough pressure to cut through only the cover-
ing itself. Cutting into the balsa will weaken the stabilizer.
❑
11)
Mix a generous amount of Kwik Bond 5 Minute
Epoxy. Apply a thin layer to the mounting area on the top
and bottom of the stabilizer and to the top and bottom of
the stabilizer mounting sides in the fuselage.
❑
12) Slide the stabilizer back into place and realign
it, double checking all of your measurements once more.
See photo # 12 below.
❑
13) When you are satisfied with the alignment, hold
the stabilizer in place using several pieces of masking
tape and remove any excess epoxy using a paper towel
and rubbing alcohol before it cures. Allow the epoxy to
fully cure before proceeding.
Photo # 12
B=B-1
C=C-1