Scale Pitts S1-T, S1-S, and a Challenger.

[acerc]

Thanks - I had in mind to leave the TE of the fin and stabs mostly square and round the LE of fin and stabs.
Will replace the post in the hinges with a single music wire.
Did you recess a pocket for the hinge barrel ????

Jaketab

No I did not make a recess, and I also use piano (.055) wire for the pins.

 

[acerc]

The other stab and the fin are covered. Doing this without the pink tapes requires a lot more care on the perimeter and cut, much slower than I had anticipated.

 

[acerc]

And here is what probably will be the easiest part of the covering job, the rudder servo fuse hatch.

 

[acerc]

I have the fuse prepped and the pieces cut, but, it is up to 90° in here. So, I am calling it a day, closing up the windows, and turning the A/C on. The wife went in early today and will be home early, so there will not be any evening work, maybe.

 

[acerc]

Hey! It's starting to look like an airplane.

 

[acerc]

The fuse is covered. Before I can shrink the covering fully I have to tie the fabric to the fin's bottom rib. Being I have no fabric tape, thread, or even a needle I will have to stop and go get it. I want the fuse finished so as to put the bottom wing on and check the fit, it may be to tight and require sanding which before I cover it.

 

[Jaketab]

Working on the tail sections of the Pitts. Have idea to add/paste a 1/32" basswood strips to raise the ribs and to make the ribs stab out and give the tail sections a slightly airfoil look. The basswood will sand smoother than balsa. Any thoughts on whether doing this could have adverse affects on covering or otherwise ??????

Thanks - Jaketab

 

[acerc]

I don't see any adverse affects, but the full scale used tubing and did not have an airfoil, just saying.
Back on the topic of rounding the T/E-L/E, as noted the full scale used tubing so those surfaces were rounded. But the full scale has access to a foam filler (see pic) to keep the gap from causing flutter of the control surfaces. This flutter is why I square the non functioning side, to cut down on the flutter. So far I have not seen any issue.

 

[Jaketab]

The truth might be that I got too aggressive with sanding and got into the balsa ribs.
The thin strips over the ribs will help conceal my aggression.

Jaketab

 

[acerc]

The fuse covering is complete, now to fit the lower wing halves then cover them.