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The Grumman AA-5X Cheetah/Traveler/Tiger
Construction Process |
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 Fuselage Step 1: Parts Cleanup Each part must be lightly sanded around it's perimeter to remove the slight charring caused by the laser cutting process. If this step is skipped the strength of the glue bond will be compromised.
Also lightly sand the top and bottom surfaces with 220 grit paper to smooth them up. |
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Fuselage Step 2: Fuselage Sides Preparation Each fuselage side is built from 4 pieces. FS-1 & FS-2(1/8" plywood), and FS-3A, FS-3B (1/8" balsa).
Using "T" pins, pin piece FS-1 to the building board. Glue FS-1 to FS-3A with epoxy and allow to cure. Note* Do not use CA glue
when gluing plywood to balsa! Epoxy only!
Next, glue FS-3A to FS-3B
with CA glue.
Now, using epoxy, glue the FS-2 side doubler piece to the assembled side you just built. It is critical that the wing spar hole and wing screw holes line up!
Repeat the process for the other side making sure to make a left and right side! |
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Fuselage Step 3: Spruce
Longerons Each fuselage side has a 1/4" x 1/4" Spruce longeron full length along the top and from the aft bulkhead to the tail on the bottom.
Cut the 1/4 x 1/4" Spruce longerons to size and glue to fuselage sides with epoxy. It helps to use "T" pins and weight to hold them in place while glue cures.
Epoxy the 1/8" plywood wing joiner tube doubler "rings" onto FS-2. Take care to line the holes up.
Using some 1/8" balsa scrap, make a scab doubler to fit over the FS-1 to FS-3A joint. Glue with epoxy or thick CA. |
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