Top Flite TOPA0951 - Manual (Page 17)

17
B = B' B
B'
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5. Hold the tape on the line to one side of the stab,
then swing it over to the same location on the other
side of the stab to check the rotational alignment. Slide
the tape along the line and rotate the stab until it is
rotationally centered.
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6. Tack-glue the plywood straight-edge supports to
the inner edges of the wing saddle where shown—be
certain that both supports are positioned in the
same
location along the wing saddle by aligning the front
edge of the supports with the aft edge of the notch as
shown. Place a straightedge into the supports across
the bottom of the stab saddle.
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7. Finally, view the model from behind, making sure
the stab is parallel with the straightedge. If necessary,
place an ounce or so of weight over the high side of
the stab to get it aligned horizontally.
There’s no way around it. The next step will get
messy with epoxy, so have plenty of paper towel
squares and denatured alcohol on hand for cleanup.
Do not use 5-minute epoxy for this step!
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8. Once you have the stab aligned, remove the T-pins
and slide the stab part way out. Mix approximately 1/2
oz. of 30-minute epoxy. Use a piece of wire or a small
dowel to apply epoxy to the exposed balsa all the way
around the top and bottom of the stab. Then, slide it
partway through the other way and apply more epoxy
to the exposed balsa all the way around the other side.
Slide the stab back into position and use your fi nger
or a piece of balsa to work the epoxy
thoroughly into
the joint all the way around both sides. Stick the T-pins
back into the trailing edge of the stab, use the pin and
string to realign the stab rotationally and make sure
the stab is aligned horizontally. Continuing to check the
stab alignment as you proceed, wipe away epoxy with
your paper towel squares dampened with denatured
alcohol. Once the stab is fi nally aligned and all the
epoxy has been cleaned, leave the model alone until
the epoxy has hardened.