Tony Nijhuis 1/6 Scale Lancaster

[Craig Green]

For the vertical stab, I constructed them as for the plans. Glueing soft balsa together, forming two pieces which get glued together which will prevent warping.
Before I glued them together, I mixed up some West Systems resin, and made a "sandwich" with carbon fiber, this is super strong and should have no issues with it warping. Once dry I cut the fin profile out on my scroll saw.
Now the fun part of sanding down the balsa to the size I need, and tapper the fin.

More to follow as I work on this stage.

[Craig Green]

I began the sanding process of the verticle stabilizer tonight.
I am happy with the way it is turning out, as well with the weight.
Next stage is to taper the trailing edge of the rudders, then I will remove them from the stab. It will be much easier to sand them while it is still one piece.
The carbon fiber in the center is a great guide as I progress.

Craig

[Robert_Greenwood]

Very nice Craig, have you had any thoughts on making them removable?

KR

Rob

[Craig Green]

Rob
Have been thinking about that, but am concerned with wear and tear, and am thinking a permanent solution might be the best.
The tail is manageable at it current size, just a bit awkward.
Besides I think I would always be wondering if they are getting loose, and it will be one less thing that needs to be checked.
Have not totally ruled it out as of yet.

Craig

[Craig Green]

Started sanding down the trailing edge of the verticle stab. Much easier at this point while it is still attached.
Used a balsa sheet as a guide and sanded down to a fairly tapered edge. Will clean up better after it is removed.
In the last picture you can see the size difference from the leading edge and the trailing edge.

Craig

[Craig Green]

A bit more completed on the tail tonight.
Cut off the rudders, and cleaned out holes for the hinges. Much more to do on this piece. It all takes time.
Hinges need to be sunken deep into the rudders, as well the gap between the two surfaces needs to be covered.
Craig

[Steve Morris]

Nice job Craig

[Craig Green]

Thanks Steve, still so much to do.
Worked on the trailing edges of the verticle stab.
Made up a few layers of glass cloth, then cut them to size.
Made a sanding tool with a guide to remove the balsa so the trailing edge glass pieces will be flush with the fin.
Positioned the glass, taped it in location, folded the glass back, applied medium CA, then pressed the glass down. All glued in and am happy with the results.

Craig

[Craig Green]

Started working on the rudder hinges.
I am using Robart hinges and a music wire for the hinge.
First task was to remove the rivet pin from the hinges.
I will need to cut a recess in the rudder leading edge for the hinge pin to sit lower, as my hinge needs to be set deeper in the rudder.
I also soldered on a threaded coupler at one end, this is so it can be removed.
I will glue in the rudder side first, the pin keeps it all straight and true.

Craig

[Craig Green]

Did some more work on the tail section.
Made two braces to support the vertical fin.
It will be epoxied, and pinned into the main spar acting as a sheer web.
The other piece will be inserted into the fin. I will cut out an opening so it can slide right into location.
The vertIcal piece also allows me to ensure I am square with the horizontal stab.
More to follow as i progress.

Craig

[Robert_Greenwood]

Evening, I've just been reading your whole thread. It's turning out to be a fantastic model. I love your detail on the cotpit, the fibreglass gives it depth!

I can't wait to see the rest of the model come to life, :-)

[Craig Green]

Thanks Rob, I like the way the canopy frame turned out. It is a bit of extra weight, but it is forward of the C of G, so it will be worth it.

Have been working on the elevators. I deviated from the plans. It calls for 1/8 balsa bottom with the ribs, then covered. I am doing scale hinge locations.
So I will do 3/32 balsa on the bottom and top of the ribs, I will glass the elevators after.

Craig.

[Craig Green]

Started on the elevators. The plans call for 1/8 in sheeting on the bottom, with the ribs glued on, then covered with fabric. I will use 3/32 in balsa top and bottom, and will end up glassing the control surface.

Made up hinges. Going with the same method as I did for the ailerons.
Using 1/4 in poplar, I cut out 12 pieces, 6 spacers.

Made a drilling jig, so all my 1/8 holes are in the same location on all 12 pieces, as well drilled and pinned the hinges together for added strength.

[Craig Green]

Made up the 6 tabs that will be secured to the trailing edge. These are longer than I need but I will cut them to length after to ensure I have enough length.
Drilled the ends out 1/8 of an inch as well to take the 1/8 music wire guide for alignment.

[Craig Green]

With the hinges all glued, drilled and ready, I inserted a 1/8 piece of music wire into them and placed them into the locations.
Placed all the ribs in, and checked alignment and ensured that I can maintain the taper of the airfoil.
Had to trim down the back portions of the hinges to match the profile. Got rid of the extra pieces, just useless weight.
I still need to secure the leading edges of the ribs to the front, using the one supplied, but have changed up the elevators from the plans.
Nothing is glued yet, just checking alignment at this point.


Craig

[Craig Green]

More work on the elevators.
Added some extra balsa on the ribs, they are pretty thin, and this will help when I sheets the top.
All the ribs are glued into location, as well as the small tube for the hinge pin.
Made up two control horns, drilled the ends to except a 440 ball links. The horns will be secured just prior to sheeting the top. I still need to sand the tops so they are all the same.

Craig

[Steve Morris]

Craig, nice work, just one question, why don't the ribs go all the way to the leading edge. I assume the leading edge on the plan is angled back to be top hinged, but you have modified it?

Steve

[Craig Green]

Steve
That is exactly how the plans are. I wanted the elevators hinged for a more scaled look.
As it sits right now they are pretty solid. I can always put light balsa in to secure it better.

Had to build up the hing pockets, so when it is sheeted, there will be no voids. Taped off the ribs and have begun to sand everything flush. You will notice in the last pic, I have to bring it down level with the ribs.

Craig

[Alan Cantwell 1131]

If you look few pics up, it shows the rib E8, with the leading edge at the angle of the rib?

[Craig Green]

Good eye Alan

Started the sanding and hope to make up the top sheeting, before bed.

Craig