Buzzard Droppings June 2002

material.  Blotting the extra glue using toilet paper also works well. This reduces the amount of epoxy used, spreads it better, and speeds the drying process.  Strip the covering material from the area the reinforcement is to be added or use a pin to puncture the covering under the fiberglass to allow the epoxy to penetrate into the underlying wood for an even stronger reinforcement.  Mixing alcohol with the epoxy helps it to penetrate into the wood and spreads the epoxy even better. 
When installing the aileron hinges, pin them from the bottom (the toothpick, pins, etc. do not have to go through the top of the wing).  Use a matchbook cover to equally space the control surface along the trailing edge of the wing.
Verify that the wing tips (usually plastic) are securely fastened. Tape or re-glue as required.
When installing the wing center section covers (if used), epoxy can be used rather than thin CA for a better appearance.  Scuff up the plastic center section using sandpaper, apply epoxy, tape the assembly together, and wait until the epoxy sets.  Clean any excess epoxy using alcohol and a soft cloth.
Fuselage:
Check the main wing saddle for strength.  If you notice deflection of the fuselage sides while gently squeezing the sides together, glue some reinforcement wood along the wing saddle area.  Make sure the reinforcement pieces will not interfere with the aileron control movement.
Inspect  ALL visible glue joints.  Re-glue any suspect joints.
With the fuselage laying flat on a table, place the main wing on the saddle.  Center the wing both side-to-side and front-to-back.  Verify that the measurements from the table surface to the front of both wing tips are equal and measurement to the back of both wing tips are equal to each other (both front tips measure 3.75 inches and the back tips measure 3.50 inches as an example).  If they are not, sand or shim the wing saddle area as required until the measurements are correct.
Perform the same measurement for the horizontal stabilizer.  Trim the fuselage slots or sand the mounting platform as required.
Make sure the engine firewall is epoxy glued to the fuselage.  Many ARFs are very weak in this area.  Add glue and triangle stock to reinforce

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