Tweet
I can't begin to tell you how many time we've all cracked the winglets on our big expensive all glass ships. For unknown reasons, some manufacturers feel the need to make the winglets, with their long thin airfoil, part of the outer wing panel and not removable, while others make them removable.
This is the case with my Arcus, Quintus and ASH-31.. hmm, I guess that means H-model is one of those who makes them part of the wing.
After picking up a 12yr old H-model 7.2 - 8.4m ASH31 from a friend, I needed to do some repairs on the winglets of both the extend and short tips. Three out of four were cracked or have been repaired over the years so I feel it's time to make the move to removable winglets. Since the damage occurs mostly from transporting the model, making them removable has to help!
Here is a quick look at how I did mine.
Supplies needed were epoxy, and the telescoping rod and sleeve.
To get the sleeves and rod I made a quick call the my supplier, Kirkessner Aeroworks in PA. Two days later the parts were on my doorstep and I'm ready to go. Thanks Timmy.
This is the shorter tip panel for the ASH31
As you can see, cracks and repairs
Inside view
Tools needed for the first step
I use a metal ruler with cork back to help prevent it from sliding
Lined up the edge of the aileron cutout to make the parting line
Simply cut through the skins, be careful and take your time
I used carbon fiber tube with the appropriate solid rod to slide inside for the front....
but due to the size, I needed aluminum tube for the rear sleeve because I needed a smaller outside diameter to fit between the skins. The inner rod stays the same.
After cutting the outer sleeve to approximate size, you need to plug the end to prevent epoxy from entering the end. I simply use a piece of balsa and zap.
This is the case with my Arcus, Quintus and ASH-31.. hmm, I guess that means H-model is one of those who makes them part of the wing.
After picking up a 12yr old H-model 7.2 - 8.4m ASH31 from a friend, I needed to do some repairs on the winglets of both the extend and short tips. Three out of four were cracked or have been repaired over the years so I feel it's time to make the move to removable winglets. Since the damage occurs mostly from transporting the model, making them removable has to help!
Here is a quick look at how I did mine.
Supplies needed were epoxy, and the telescoping rod and sleeve.
To get the sleeves and rod I made a quick call the my supplier, Kirkessner Aeroworks in PA. Two days later the parts were on my doorstep and I'm ready to go. Thanks Timmy.
This is the shorter tip panel for the ASH31
As you can see, cracks and repairs
Inside view
Tools needed for the first step
I use a metal ruler with cork back to help prevent it from sliding
Lined up the edge of the aileron cutout to make the parting line
Simply cut through the skins, be careful and take your time
I used carbon fiber tube with the appropriate solid rod to slide inside for the front....
but due to the size, I needed aluminum tube for the rear sleeve because I needed a smaller outside diameter to fit between the skins. The inner rod stays the same.
After cutting the outer sleeve to approximate size, you need to plug the end to prevent epoxy from entering the end. I simply use a piece of balsa and zap.
Attached Files
Comment