Top Flite TOPA0155 - Manual (Page 15)

How to cut hinge slots with a hobby knife
When using a hobby knife to cut hinge slots, one of
the most common mistakes made by modelers is
making the slots too tight. This restricts the flow of
CA to the back of the hinges. Another mistake made
when installing hinges is not using enough glue to
fully secure the hinge over its entire surface area.
This results in hinges that are only
tack glued. Follow
these steps to cut hinge slots with a hobby knife:
A. Using the centerline as a guide, cut one of the
hinge slots in the fin or rudder where shown on the
plan with a #11 blade. Begin by cutting a shallow slit.
Make three or four cuts along the same line, going
slightly deeper each time. As you proceed, be
certain to go straight into the wood and move the
knife from side to side until the blade has reached
the correct depth for the hinge.
B. Test fit a hinge into the slot. If the hinge does not
slide into the slot easily, remove the hinge and
reinsert the knife working the blade back and forth a
few times to provide more clearance (it’s the back
edge of the blade that does the widening).
C. Cut the rest of the hinge slots the same way.
❏
11. Temporarily join the rudder to the fin with the
hinges. If necessary, sand the fin and rudder so they
match up well.
❏
12. Use a razor plane followed by a bar sander to
shape the LE of the rudder to a “V” for control throw.
Make certain 1-5/8" [41mm] of right and left rudder
throw can be achieved. Increase the angle of the “V”
if necessary.
Hey, now all that has to be done on the rudder is
make the counter balance...
❏
13. True the edges of the fin sheeting around the
cut-out for the counter balance where indicated by
the arrows in the photo. Notch the LE of the rudder
to accommodate the 3/4" x 1" x 1-1/4" [19.1 x 25.4 x
32mm] balsa counter balance where it will align
with the cut-out in the fin. Test fit the counter balance
into the notch and see how it matches up to the cut-
out in the fin. Make adjustments where necessary.
❏
14. Securely glue the counter balance to the
rudder. Sand the counter balance to match the
rudder, then round the leading edge just enough to
clear the fin.
❏
15. Fill the small notches in the upper and lower
TE spars on the left side of the fin with lightweight
balsa filler. Allow to dry, then final-sand.
Full-Size Sea Fury Specifications:
Wingspan: 38'4" [11.7m]
Wing area: 280 sq ft [260 sq m]
Overall length (from tip of spinner to end of
rudder): 34'7" [10.5m]
Stab span: 14' [4.3m]
Max. gross weight: 14,600 lbs [6,623kg]
Normal weight: 12,316 lbs [5,587kg]
NOTES ABOUT CA HINGES
This kit is supplied with CA hinge material
consisting of a 3-layer lamination of mylar and
polyester specially made for hinging model
airplanes. When properly installed, this type of
CA hinge provides the best combination of
strength, durability and easy installation. We use
these hinges on all our Gold Edition warbirds, but
it is essential to install them correctly. Follow
the hinging instructions in this manual for the
best result. The techniques shown have been
developed to ensure thorough and secure gluing.
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