Resurrection U Can Do 60 Repair

[Stevendavis]

Taking a break from the Cub to get some work done on one of my favorite planes to fly, my UCD 60, with a DLE 20. I've been flying it for a few years now and because of the extra-large control surfaces, the tail feathers take a beating. I've already re-hinged the elevators and rudder a few times so far. I decided to build a new fin/rudder from 3/8 balsa to give the hinge area more bite. The rudder was also broken, from knife edge flight. It's just too tall for the balsa used originally.

 

[Stevendavis]

I was able to remove the fin buy using a hacksaw blade and blade holder. It wasn't too bad. I also wanted to make the fin post longer, and extend down towards the bottom of the fuse, so I cut that portion out as well.

 

[Stevendavis]

I used my Byrnes saw to rip some 3/8 balsa sheet to the stick size I wanted to use to build the new fin and rudder, which is 3/8 x 1/2 and 3/8 x 3/16 stock. I've also set my old harbor freight saw just Infront of the Byrnes saw. I've found that It saves me a lot of time, as I can cut the longer sticks to size on the old harbor freight saw, while using the Byrnes saw with the fence attached to rip the material I needed. Worked out great.

 

[Stevendavis]

Took the measurements from the old parts and made some new ones, though I shorted the rudder by 2.25 inches.

 

[Stevendavis]

And the rudder.

 

[Stevendavis]

Fit turned out good. I just have to hinge and final sand before I get some covering on them and glue the fin in. Down the road, I'm planning on doing a full scratch build on a UCD 60.

 

[pawnshopmike]

Cool project.

 

[TonyHallo]

What hinges are you using?

 

[Stevendavis]

Cool project.

Thanks Mike!

 

[Stevendavis]

What hinges are you using?

I'm going to use the Robart hinges. I ended up putting them in the elevators after a couple tries with the others and they are still holding up. I like to use Gorilla Glue on them as well.