PROJECTS: MODEL AIRPLANE
makezine.com/17/model_airplane
4h. Spread glue generously over one
side of the dihedral brace and clamp
it into place, binding the 2 spars
together. Add the R1 ribs, ensuring
they assume an angle symmetrically
between the ribs on either side. Let
dry overnight. I accidentally cut the
inside ends of the leading edges too
short, so I filled the gap in between
with a bit of balsa.
4i. Use 5" balsa to sheet the topside
of the wings’ center sections, then
turn the wings over and add the
bottom center sheet piece forward
of the spar. Allow to dry.
5. TEST ASSEMBLY
5a. Use a foam-block sander to gently remove burrs and hard edges on all external surfaces, except for
the hard corners where the wings and tail will mate to the fuselage.
5b. Cut two 1"-long pegs out of the
spruce dowel and round the ends.
Insert the pegs into their holes in
the fuselage. Mount the wings to the
fuselage with rubber bands, using
the pegs as end posts. Check for
straightness both from the top and
(especially) from plumb center rear,
sanding where the wings meet the
fuselage if there’s a discrepancy.
5c. Pin the tail components temporarily
into place to check the fit, making small
adjustments where necessary.
5d. Step back and admire your work.
Hey, I built that! Have a beer and just
check it out. This is a moment to be
savored; allow yourself to do so.
116 Make: Volume 17
