A Collection of R/C Modelling Tips - RC World

Q.Wing-Tail AlignmentA.Get an old (but straight) telescopic antenna, the same type as on transmitters. Use it as an adjustable-lengthmeasuring rod to compare critical measurements on planes during construction. I use this idea to compare thedistance from one wingtip to the stabilizer, and to make sure this distance is equal on both sides of the plane. Thisensures that the stabilizer is parallel to the wing.Q.New Pilot TipA.Something to pay attention to when learning to fly is control reversal. Control reversal is when the inputs on thetransmitter sticks must be reversed when your plane is flying toward you, rather than away from you.When flying away from you, there is no problem, just move the stick in the direction you want to turn.Many new pilots become disoriented when their plane is approaching them. To help with this, move the stick intowards the low wingtip. This will level the wing when your plane is coming toward you, avoiding a sharp bank, andpossibly a crash.Example: Say your plane is coming toward you, and the right wingtip is low, as if banked to the right. Move the stickto your left, toward the low wingtip. This will bring the plane's right wingtip up, and level the wing.Q.Installing Triangle StockA.For me, triangle reinforcements have always been difficult to handle due to their shape, especially if they're coatedwith epoxy.Try sticking your Xacto knife loosely into one end of the triangle. Then lay it on the bench so that the wide part ofthe triangle (the hypotenuse) is against the bench top. Now apply the epoxy or other adhesive to the sides that willcontact the airframe.Next, by using the knife handle, insert the triangle into position in the airframe. Press down with your finger onto thewide side that has no glue, and carefully slide the knife out of the piece.This way you can cleanly install triangle stock, and not get any glue on your fingers.Q.Ralph's Rib MakerA.Here's what Ralph did to make all those wing ribs for the Joker's Wild planes:Cut two ribs from 1/16-inch steel. Drill two holes along the center line, one near the leading edge, one near thetrailing edge, for 1/4-inch bolts to pass through. Make sure both steel ribs are identical.Use a steel rib as a template to draw ribs onto balsa sheet. Leave room around each rib. Cut each rib "block" out ofthe sheeting, and drill the holes in each.Assemble all ribs on the correct length bolts, and sandwich all between the steel ribs. Using nuts, tighten theassembly down, making sure it's straight.