How to Straighten Horizontal Stabilizer?

[ASH.]

Just bought a low wing sports model and realized the tail plane is seriously out of line and not parallel with the wing. It is also very flimsy. I want to cut it out and fix it squarely and securely. The glue used is yellow so I presume Araldite or something similar

Has anyone attempted this and how easy is it to do?

I just don't want to start hacking away and make a mess of it all. I was also thinking of using triangular stock underneath for more support.

Your thoughts and opinions appreciated.

[Andy Hat]

I've done it a few times. I had most success with a flexible hacksaw blade. Once you can get it through, you can saw parallel to the slot and minimise damage to the stab.

Edited By Andy Hat on 05/08/2019 20:40:18

[alex nicol]

Hi Ash, I agree with Andy. Assuming it's a solid tail and not out by much, you could try the blade on one side only. The blade will create a gap which may be enough to let you flex the tail (Good Luck)

Cheers

Alex

[ASH.]

Thanks Andy, Alex. Unfortunately it's out by quite a lot. The left side needs lifting so was thinking of sawing underneath that wing half and perhaps wedging a thin strip of ply there and see if that makes much difference. Very fiddly! Otherwise I'll have to cut it all out and realign. A fine hacksaw blade is the answer.

I am so particular on getting everything squared and lined up whenever I've put together a model. It's a basic. Now I find myself having to fix someone else's handiwork. It has to be done I can't live with it as it is. The model has a beautiful long tail moment and so deserves it.

[alex nicol]

If the tail sits on top of the fuselage it might be simpler to do a vertical cut at the tail LE and a single cut under the tail and remove the fin and tail as one unit. This would allow easier access to the fuselage for any remedial work.

Do you have the name of the model or a picture of the tail end by any chance

Cheers

Alex

[ASH.]

The stab is slotted in from the rear a third of the way up. It is meant to be secured by two screws underneath which were not used. Only a small triangular section in front of the stab has the film removed so I presume it's glued there too and slots in somewhere. The fin comes fixed to the fuse. The underneath of the fuse is sheeted so not really keen on opening it up there unless I have to. The stab is out about 2cm at the tips - very noticeable.

What do you think about triangular stock underneath for support - bit naff? An alternative is bracing rods if there is anywhere secure to fix them.

The model is the Kyosho Calamato 60, the older version. I'll try and get some pics up tomorrow.

 

Edited By ASH. on 05/08/2019 22:30:22

[Bob Cotsford]

I've done it a couple of times, it really puts you off buying other peoples models! I used a couple of layers of masking tape on the tailplane and fuselage to protect them, then work a razor saw into the joint. I'd really suggest cutting both sides top and bottom rather than just separating one glued joint, otherwise you may end up with a dihedraled tail. Not bad in itself other than straining the elevator joiner. With the tail loose, trim the top edge of the low fuselage side then shim the gap left underneath where the packing won't show as much.

[ASH.]

Cheers Bob, I know you're a master model maker.. Glad to know it's been done before.

It's funny, I've never had a problem before buying used models. Usually it's minor work to do, re-plumb fuel lines, strenghten in places etc etc. Wings have always been square!

I bought the Calamato outdoors, checked everything else but didn't think of attaching the wing and viewing. Never mind. Apart from this it's a cracking model. It has a SC61 up front, may run it for a few flights just to hear it scream - it's been a long while, then replace with a nice 91 4st. Just don't want to risk a dead stick with the 2st. Thinking of putting an intelligent onboard glow on to avoid that. What do you think?

Taking your suggestions on board Bob, I will make the necessary cuts and do the job properly. I was thinking of making it an anhedral tail like the classic pattern planes

PS. doesn't look like it has an elevator joiner. the rudder definitely doesn't have enough movement for knife-edge loops etc.

 

Edited By ASH. on 05/08/2019 23:28:03

[PatMc]

Instead of cutting along a glue joint I suggest placing a straight metal edge about 3 - 5 mm thick on the top of the tailplane then using that as a guide carefully cutting through the fuselage using a scalpel from about 5 mm in front of the LE to the same behind TE. Repeat below the tailplane, then cut vertically to join the two horizontal cuts. One side of the TP should now be hanging on a loose rectangle of wood. Carefully trim one of the horizontal sides until the tailplane can be aligned then add the same amount to the opposite horizontal cut. Glue up then if you have no matching colour film disguise the surgery with contrasting decor repeating the decor on the uncut side.

[ASH.]

Cheers Pat, that's some serious surgery you're talking about!.. I'll think on that. I'm trying to visualize the '..loose rectangle of wood'.

The whole joint is weak both sides, maybe the film wasn't even removed. The instructions say to only screw the tailplane on.

Edited By ASH. on 05/08/2019 23:43:05