laminated stabilizer for flying models

[cutter]

laminated stabilizer

card stock form

kit wood

[Wildpig]

How many laminations and what is their thickness?

That much weight difference at the tail is probably 3 grams reduction in ballast at the nose.

[cutter]

Sorry I should given more information than just the pictures. This stabilizer is from the Messerschimtt kit #401. The laminations are two strips thick of 1/16th by 3/32. The 3/32 sides are glued together. I also increased the size of the stabilizer for a better flight. There was some discussion on this site about building lighter planes. This prompted me to make the two pieces showing the difference. Like you said any weight aft of the center of gravity is a big improvement.

[Mitch]

I think you did a nice job on the tail. You can also remove some wood from inside the "stock" tail. My target is 2g, so you are right there. I fly my 109 with a standard size tail. The 109 has a large tail moment (the tail is far back from the cg) I think it would not hurt to have it slightly larger like you made it. Mitch

[cutter]

Thanks Mitch. I intend to do the same thing for the rudder and maybe the wings tips. It is difficult for me to stay focused on one plane.

[Mitch]

I'm glad to here I am not the only one with that problem... Mitch

[SpiceMan]

Greetings Cutter,
Excellent illustrations here.
I never gave it much thought ( about keeping the tail as light as possible ) but this, along with the replies here, have opened my eyes, when it comes to reducing the amount of weight needed in the nose, for the balancing process. I think I may just go with "laminations" in the tail for my next bird.
Keep those good ideas coming.

[Mitch]

Hi Guys.

I believe it is very important to keep the plane as light as possible. And anything behind the peg is only there to support the tail. On that note, one can go too far. With my last P-51, my tail is very light and too thin. I will replace it with a Guillow's tail with some wood removed. By the way my P-51 flies very well and has NO nose clay. Just need to work on the power plant!

Mitch... Always Building, Always Flying, Always Learning!

[cutter]

Thanks SpiceMan. I think the real test will be when I apply the tissue. I may preshrink the tissue then use titebond/water to apply. It should not twist it, the laminated stabilizer feels just as strong as the kit wood.

[Steve Blanchard]

Great job on the laminated horizontal stab. I would think you should do the same for the vertical stab as well except DO NOT enlarge it. This would more than likely introduce spiral instability from the prop wash as it flows past the tail. Increasing the horizontal stab a bit is fine unless it looks grossly over-sized which it probably does not. Good luck. You are on the right track.

Steve

[cutter]

Thank you for the advice and compliment Steve. I am still building the fuselage, trying to keep it straight.