Top Flite TOPA0405 - Manual (Page 12)

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6. Sand the LE to match the ribs on the upward
facing side (left side). Sand the ends of the TE
flush with the ribs.
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7. Make a fin skin for each side of the fin using
two 3/32" x 3" x 30" balsa sheets. Cut each sheet
into two 12" pieces. Edge glue the two pieces
together and trim the corner of one piece as shown
in the sketch.
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8. With the structure flat on the building surface,
apply medium CA to the top of the ribs, the LE up
to rib V-1 and the TE up to the notch just after rib
V-1. Place the fin skin on the structure with the
bottom edge overhanging V-1 by at least 1/2" and
hold in place until the glue sets.
Important: Make sure to remove the pins holding the
ribs to the building surface before gluing the skin on.
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9. Trim off the jig tabs and blend the LE and TE
to the ribs on the right side of the fin.
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10. If you want to modify the fin for the scale
balance tab, now is the time to add the appropriate
structure. Refer to the plan for the location and
size of the balance tab (parts not included).
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11. From the 3/4" x 3/4" x 30" balsa stick cut
3/4" long hinge point backups. Glue the backups
in position as shown on the plan and sand them
flush with the top of the stab ribs.
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12. Glue the right fin skin in position with the
bottom edge overhanging V-1 by at least 1/2" .
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13. Trim the skins flush with the LE, TE and top
of the fin. Shape the LE to match the cross-section
on the fin plan.
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14. Glue the shaped 7/8" balsa fin tip to the top
of the fin. Use a razor plane and sanding bar to do
the initial shaping. The final shaping will be done
after the rudder is taped to the fin.
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15. If you are building the fin with an opening
for the balance tab, trim the opening at this time.
BUILD THE RUDDER
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1. Glue the two die-cut 1/4" balsa rudder LE’s
together. Even up the edges with a sanding bar,
but save any tapering for later.
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2. Glue the die-cut 1/8" balsa forward (RPF)
and aft (RPR) rudder plates together.
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3. Draw a centerline on the aft surface of the
rudder LE. Draw two parallel lines 1/16" on both
sides of the centerline.
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