Great Planes Spectra Electric Sailplane Kit - GPMA0540 - Manual (Page 7)

D 2. Using the plan as a guide, cut pieces of 3/16" x 3/8"
balsa (from the 30" sticks, SPRTS02) to make the Rudder
and Fin Framework. NOTE: Cut the Fin L.E, the Rudder
L.E. and the Rudder T.E. from a single SPRTS02 (this will
leave enough long pieces for the stab frame). Punch out the
die-cut Fin Tip, Rudder Tip, Fin Base and Rudder Base
from SPRTS01. Sand any rough edges on these pieces and
then pin them in place on the plan. Glue the parts together
using thin CA glue. CAUTION: Do not glue the fin to the
rudder!
D 3. From the 1/8" x 3/16" x 30" sticks (SPRTS03), cut
the diagonal "ribs" to fit between the rudder and fin frame-
work, and glue them in place. NOTE: It is not necessary to
get these ribs in the exact position shown on the plan.
D 4. Remove the fin and rudder assemblies from the plan
and examine them for any open or bad joints. Fill any gaps
with thick CA, then use your sanding block with medium grit
sandpaper to sand both sides of the framework smooth.
D 5. Carefully draw a centerline all around the edges of
the rudder (this will help to maintain symmetry when sand-
ing).
D 6. Cut 4-1/8" off of the 3/16" Balsa Triangle (SPECF08)
and glue them along the bottom of the fin. The bottom edges
of the triangle should be flush with the bottom of the fin.
D 7. Using a sanding block and coarse (50 or 80-grit)
sandpaper, sand the leading edge of the rudder to the V-shape
as shown on the plans (a small razor plane works great for
initial shaping). Sand the three remaining edges to a smooth
rounded shape. Sand the top and the leading edge of the fin
to a nice rounded shape*. NOTE: The trailing edge of the
FIN must remain square, do not round it! Sand the triangle
stock to blend with the leading and trailing edges of the fin.
Also, cut or sand the bottom of the triangle stock to match the
contour of the 3/16" die-cut fin bottom.
* MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE TIP - Sand both sides of
the rudder to a taper as shown on the plans. This requires a
little more work but will help to reduce drag and thus increase
performance of the sailplane.
BUILD THE STABILIZER AND ELEVATOR
You'll need the following parts:
SPRTS02 3/16" x 3/8" x 30" Balsa Sticks
SPRTS03 1/8" x 3/16" x 30" Balsa Slicks
SPRTS01 3/16" Die-Cut Tail Parts
SPRTS04 Tapered Elevator
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