Final assembly of a flapped, full fuselage stunter

Can somebody explain teh best technique for fianl assembly of a stunter. I'm on the verge of building one and wan to do better.

In the past I assembled an Ambroid Stuka, Midwest PT-19, Jetco Sabre, and Top Flite Nobler. In all cases I built the wing first, then assembled the body around the wing. This was easy for hooking up the flap and elevators pusrods inside the plane.

However, the big downnside was assembling, carving, and sanding the fuselage, including motor mounts with the finished wing in place.

On the profile planes I usually build, it goes better. I can fully complete the body seperate from the wing. Of course, this does not work with the controls indoors.

I lot of schemes I have imagined involve cutting the fuselage and therby weakening the structure.

Does everybody build the body around the wing and take their chances on damage??

Talk to Windy Urtnowski as he put together a series of I think three videos on building a '57 Nobler. The videos would be a big help to you.

I explain that in the Legacy 40 construction article that appeared in 7/8 2003 issue of Stunt News. Here is a link to it on my website. It includes pictures. Also check out the other pictures I have of the Legacy 40 and other airplanes under construction.

http://www.clguy.com/legacy/article.html

Hi Paul,
If I am reading your question correctly, the final assembly usually consists of building all the sub-structures, fuse, wing, stab, rudder, etc., and then doing the assembly. That is how all that i have seen do it. The fuse is cut on the top or bottom to allow installation of the wing and sometimes stab.
Windy will have these parts "in Silver" before he completes assembly.
I find it much easier to block every thing up for alignment purposes this way.
Suitable reinforcement is made when the fuse parts are rejoined.
Bill <><

Paul,

Cutting out the bottom of the fuselage to install the wing is pretty standard for many designs. Although it seems a little drastic, properly done, it is virtually never a problem. The joined wing and fuselage are quite strong.

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"When I was born the doctor took one look at my face, turned me over and said, "Look, twins!" " -Rodney Dangerfield

Ask Windy for video's of his final assembly of his Strega. You can't get better than that!!

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