Top Flite TOPA0130 - Manual (Page 32)

ATTACH THE STAB AND FIN
❏
1. Referring to the plans, measure and cut
the holes for the Fin LE through the top and
bottom of the Stab.
❏
2. Check the fit of the Stab with the Stab
Saddle. Make any adjustments to the Fuse
S i d e s ve r y c a r e f u l l y, s o t h a t yo u d o n ' t
change the incidence angle set by the inner
Stab Saddles. If sanding is necessary, put
masking tape over the top edge of the inner
Stab Saddles.
❏
3. Inser t a 1/4" x 1/4" scrap balsa stick
through the Fin slot in the Stab into the notch in
F-8. Put the stab on the saddle and add a
weight to hold it in place. Measure the height of
each tip above the work surface and if not
identical, make small adjustments to the Saddle
and Fuse Sides. Use a string, pinned to the
center of the top stringer at F-1, to equalize the
distance of the Stab tips to the nose.
❏
4. When the Stab is aligned with the Fuse,
use pins in the Fuse and light reference marks
on the Stab to help you put it back in the same
position after the glue has been applied.
❏
5. Apply 30 minute epoxy only to the inner
Stab Saddle pieces (don't glue the Stab to the
Fuse Sides until the Fin has been installed and
the top has been sheeted) then fit the Stab in
place. Apply a weight to hold the Stab in
position until the epoxy cures. Double check
alignment.
❏
6. Block up the extreme aft end of the fuse
on a 1/4" thick scrap of balsa. Trim the bottom
edge of the Fin Skin to fit the contour of the
stab. The Fin Post will touch the work surface
and be flush with the Stab Saddles when the fit
is correct. The Leading Edge should fit through
the Stab and touch the bottom of the notch in
F-8.
❏
7. Accurately draw a centerline along the
length of the Fin Post.
❏
8. Apply 30 minute epoxy to the inside of the
Fuse Sides where the Fin Post will attach and
also along the Stab Saddle edges. Apply
another dab of epoxy to the bottom of the LE tip.
Work the fin into position, then use a triangle to
align the fin centerline at right angles to the
work surface. Masking tape may be used to
hold the fin in position while the epoxy cures.
❏
9. When the epoxy has cured, sand the
excess aft Fuse Side balsa flush with the Fin
Post.
COMPLETE THE FUSE TOP
❏
1. If you haven't already done so, glue two
3/16" x 3/16" Stringers from F-6 to the top of the
Stab. Refer to the plans for the angle that the
Stringers need to be trimmed to blend with the
top of the stab.
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