Tail work

I'm back ... slowly.

I did some work on the rear tip of the vertical tail, namely on the elevator control linkage area. I added the PVC guides between the rear 1/4 x 0.035" tubes. Instead of just making a slurry of epoxy, I manufacturer a couple foam stand-offs to tie the guide tubes to the structural member. I 3M'd some 1" wide fiberglass tape around the foam, PVC, and aluminum tube, then I added some thickened epoxy to fillet the sharp intersection of the 1/4" tubes, then I 3M'd another glass wrap around the whole thing, on the outside of the fillet. I mashed epoxy into the fibers and thoroughly wet out enough to practically see through the fiberglass tape. A simple layer of peel-ply and clamps to ensure the fabric fit down in the fillets nicely, let cure overnight, and admire the handiwork. I'd say these aren't going ANYWHERE without some severe hammering. I remembered to add some shims/spacers inside the guide tubes while I was doing this bonding, so both guides are parallel and in good alignment. It's super smooth motion. Yes I couldn't resist putting the horizontal stab back on and seeing how the elevator stick felt ... 'bout the same as before.

While I had epoxy on the brain, I finished off the rudder ribs. I did two at once, pushing epoxy through the fibers of the 3M'd fiberglass tape, then using a wrap of peel-ply to get a nice finish. In the morning, I pulled off the peel-ply and knocked down the edges with an 80 grit sanding block. Two evenings' work, and the rudder is as good as done!

Oh I just checked the pictures of the elevator guides above. I guess I took the photo between layers. You can see the flox fillets around the 1/4" tube before putting the final wrap over them. Take my word for it, the next wrap actually went on rather well (3M is great stuff).