I need help. I recently purchaced a "not so well known" profile kit
of a P51-Mustang, wingspan 36" .19 motor etc, the only problem is, besides the terrible plans, is that the fuselage is "warped" not twisted, just warped. How do I go about straightening it or can I?
Any and all advise is welcome.
Thanks, Geoff:-(
You may find some help on this thread:
http://www.clstunt.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=3822&forum=DCForumID1#12
One of the responses is from me. It may, however, have resulted in excessive fuselage flexibility.
A SSWF search under "warp" gives a lot of other threads. 'hope this helps.
You have two choices, replace it with straight wood, first and best choice or try to straighten it. Soak it down with water and use weights and shims to hold it a little past straight and let it dry. If you straighten it and have a router. Cut a 1/4 inch straight slot in the fuselage, start at the rear end and end just under the wing cutout. Glue a 1/4 x 1/2 inch straight spruce spar in the slot. This will help keep it straight and give the rear end some added stiffness. I did this with my TwistMaster and it has worked out well...
I have done this before and it works. Only wet the side that is bowed up by wiping it with a wet cloth and then apply weights to hold it flat until it drys. The wet side will swell and deflect towards the dry side. You can watch the bow disappear as you do this.
If it doesn't work for you then replace the piece. Try it .... what do you have to loose?