eration every few minutes as the glues sets wipe off any excess that oozes from the glue
joint.
It’s also a good idea to put some lite oil (like WD40) on a rag, and to wipe the edges of the
hinging surfaces with this rag. The oily residue will keep spilled glue from sticking to the
covering.
Whatever you use, put a drop of light oil (like 3-in-1) on the hinge knuckle after gluing. Be
careful that no oil get on the shaft of the hinge prior to gluing.
Make sure the hinges can be worked, and that the bent hinge is perpendicular to the edge
(see picture).
When the glue is dry, do the same thing with the mating surface, glue the hinge legs into the
holes provided. Work the surface back and forth to be sure it moves smoothly. Do this every
few minutes as the glue sets to be sure you haven’t glued the hinge solid, but be careful not
to pull the hinges loose. Keep the surfaces as close together as possible to minimize gaps.
When completed it’s a good idea to seal the hinge gaps by ironing a piece of Ultracoat cov-
ering material into the groove between the surfaces.
Repeat this on both elevators and both ailerons. For the rudder you may wish to wait until
later to do the final installation of the rudder, it makes it easier to handle the airplane.
To make the rudder removable, it is possible to remove the hinge pin from each hinge (grind
off the recessed end and push the pivot out) and one or two piece of wire as the pivot on all
the hinges. Use the largest wire that will fit through the hinge holes. Then to remove the
rudder you just remove the wire, but be sure the wire can’t fall out in flight. I have used a
very small wheel collar to retain the hinge wire.
Important note about hinging the ailerons. The beveled balsa strips at the back of the
wing are glued to the inner foam core. The foam is not very strong, so be sure that the
hinge is glued to the balsa all the way up to the surface. Glue the hinges into the wing
first, then glue the ailerons on later. Be very careful that the glue goes all the way down
and all the way up to the top of the hole and that it is contacting the hinge and the wood
all the way around. If you just glue the hinge to the inner foam eventually it will come
loose. Trim away any covering that is protruding into the hole, but don’t remove any
wood if you can help it. Don’t drill the holes bigger either.
