Great Planes Patriot XL Kit - GPMA0450 - Manual (Page 10)

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1. Cut the rudder to the length shown on the plan from the
shaped 25" [635mm] balsa rudder/elevator stick. (Note: The
elevators are also cut from this stick, so be careful with the
measurements.) Remember, measure twice, cut once!
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2. Use a Great Planes Precision Hinge Marking Tool or
measure and mark a centerline on the LE of the rudder and
the TE of the fin.
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3. Mark the hinge locations where shown on the plan.
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4. Cut nine 3/4" x 1" [20 x 25mm] hinges for the elevators
and rudder from the supplied 2" x 9" [51 x 230mm] CA hinge
strip, and then snip off the corners so they go in easier.
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5. Using the centerlines as a guide, cut the hinge slots
where shown on the plan with a Great Planes Slot Machine,
then proceed to step 7. If you do not have a Slot Machine,
or cannot access one of the hinge locations with it, you will
need to follow the procedure for cutting hinge slots with a
hobby knife and #11 blades.
HOW TO CUT HINGE SLOTS WITH A HOBBY KNIFE
When using a hobby knife to cut hinge slots, one of the most
common mistakes made by modelers is making the slots too
tight. This restricts the flow of CA to the back of the hinges.
Another mistake made when installing hinges is not using
enough glue to fully secure the hinge over its entire surface
area. This will result in hinges that are only
tack glued. Follow
these steps to cut hinge slots with a hobby knife:
A. Using the centerline as a guide, cut one of the hinge slots
in the fin or rudder where shown on the plan with a #11
blade. Begin by cutting a shallow slit. Make three or four cuts
along the same line, going slightly deeper each time. As you
proceed, be certain to go straight into the wood and move
the knife from side-to-side until the blade has reached the
correct depth for the hinge.
B. Test fit a hinge into the slot. If the hinge does not slide into
the slot easily, remove the hinge and reinsert the knife,
working the blade back and forth a few times to provide
more clearance (it’s the back edge of the blade that does
the widening).
C. Cut the rest of the hinge slots the same way.
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6. Temporarily join the elevators to the stab with the hinges,
adjusting any hinge slots if necessary so they all align. Do not
glue in the hinges until you are instructed to do so.
Notes about CA hinges: This kit is supplied with CA
hinge material consisting of a 3-layer lamination of Mylar
and polyester specifically made for hinging model
airplanes. When properly installed, this type of CA hinge
provides the best combination of strength, durability, and
easy installation. It is essential to install them correctly.
Follow the hinging instructions in this manual for the best
result. The techniques shown have been developed to
ensure thorough and secure gluing.
1"
1"
3/4"
Build the Rudder and Elevators
10