Prepping to start the horizontal stabilizer. For comparison the horizontal stabilizer on this one will be about 1/2" larger in span than the FT Simple Storch (about 58"). I've decided I want to cut my teeth on a "new" method of wing building that I haven't used before. Here on the FT Forums we've seen Rockyboy use this method with great success on his Monster sized Fock-Wulf FW-42 build. I've watched a few other fantastic builders use this method too and it seems like a quick and easy way to build a really solid and light weight structure. If it works for the stab I'll use it for the wing.
I'm going to build the stab as 3 pieces. There will be a center section that will be permanently mounted in the fuse and then removable outer panels with the stabs and elevators. Elevators will be balsa and covered in solartex, and a servo will be built into each panel to drive each elevator half independently. I would have preferred to keep the servo weight out of the tail but for simplicity and reliability I want to keep the linkages short.
I am using this website to calculate torque estimates on the control surfaces. http://www.mnbigbirds.com/Servo Torque Caculator.htm
It is a nice tool to give you an idea of whether or not your servos are up to the task. I'm going to go with a pair of Hitec HS-5645 Digital Metal Gear servos for the elevators. They have more than the necessary torque and I have NEVER stripped gears or had a Hitec servo fail on me in flight. I know there are loads of less expensive options that have proven themselves reliable, but I will sleep better with these servos on the most important control surface.
On to construction... I've got the base of the box built and will be adding panels similar to wing ribs and will then hotwire and sheet them.
I'm going to build the stab as 3 pieces. There will be a center section that will be permanently mounted in the fuse and then removable outer panels with the stabs and elevators. Elevators will be balsa and covered in solartex, and a servo will be built into each panel to drive each elevator half independently. I would have preferred to keep the servo weight out of the tail but for simplicity and reliability I want to keep the linkages short.
I am using this website to calculate torque estimates on the control surfaces. http://www.mnbigbirds.com/Servo Torque Caculator.htm
It is a nice tool to give you an idea of whether or not your servos are up to the task. I'm going to go with a pair of Hitec HS-5645 Digital Metal Gear servos for the elevators. They have more than the necessary torque and I have NEVER stripped gears or had a Hitec servo fail on me in flight. I know there are loads of less expensive options that have proven themselves reliable, but I will sleep better with these servos on the most important control surface.
On to construction... I've got the base of the box built and will be adding panels similar to wing ribs and will then hotwire and sheet them.