I've added some steps to this build that don't appear in the original kit instructions.
First off, some CWF is applied to all of the small gaps in the wing and fuselage joints, then sanded smooth.
I've also chosen to round the leading and trailing edges of all the wings and stabs, as well as the fuselages.
These embellishments are quite time consuming, but they make for a cleaner, more attractive build. They also help to cut down on overall drag.
All of the balsa surfaces are then given a 400 grit smoothing operation to complete the cleanup.
I think the original instructions, which show all the edges squared and unfinished, were geared more toward getting this bird built and out on the flying field as quickly as possible, rather than taking the time to finish it properly.
What's wrong with this picture?
Yep, boys and girls, you guessed it. When I was laying out all of the parts on the balsa sheet, I failed to pay attention to grain direction on the vertical stabs.
D'oh !!!!!
A rookie mistake.
I didn't even notice this until I started all the sanding. As a workaround fix, I applied some CA to all of the end-grain edges in the hopes that this will be enough to strengthen them.
If not, I'll probably have to break them off, and make a new set. I'll see how things go with trim testing and powered flight, first.
Anyway, this upcoming week promises to be pretty decent, weather wise, so I should be able to get these babies outside to shoot on some thin primer coats.
