Top Flite TOPA0120 - Manual (Page 11)

blend the LE and TE to the ribs as you did before
and sand the bottom edges of the ribs lightly with a
T-bar sander. Check all glue joints, adding glue as
necessary
❑ 22. Cut two 1/4” wide strips off the end of a
1/16” x 3” x 30” wing sheet. Glue these strips
between the two S-1 ribs flush with their bottom
edges.
❑ 23. It is important to get a good glue bond
between the stab structure and the bottom stab
skins. Apply a heavy bead of CA+ to all of the
upward facing edges of one side of the stab
structure. Place a skin on the structure and hold it
in place with your hands until the glue sets.
Repeat this for the other bottom skin. Be careful
not to bend or twist the stab during this step.
❑ 24. True up the ends of the stab with a
sanding block. Round the leading edge of the stab
to match the cross section on the plan.
❑ 25. Glue on the 5/8” thick shaped balsa Stab
Tips. Use a razor plane and a sanding block to
airfoil them to match the stab. You may contour
the tip to its final shape now, or wait until the model
is nearer completion.
❑ 26. Cut away the skin in the area of the
balance tabs. True up the skin with a T-bar.
❑ 27. Cut away the skin at the center of the stab
at the LE and TE as shown in the photo
BUILD THE FIN
❑ 1. Cut a 6-5/8” length of the tapered 1/4” balsa
stabilizer LE stock. Notice that the fin LE protrudes
through the stab.
❑ 2. Glue the die-cut 3/16” balsa Fwd and Aft
Fin TE’s together with CA. Since these pieces are
thick and die-cut, they will probably require a little
touch up and blending with a sanding block.
❑ 3. Punch out the die-cut 3/32” balsa ribs V-1
through V-4. Be sure to preserve their jig tabs.
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