Comp-arf 2.3 Extra 330 horizontal stab gap

[jonnyisback]

Hello All of FG new here as well as GS planes. I just purchased my first GS plane which like the title states is a 2.3m comp arf extra 330L. I put the horizontal stab on and the right half has a 1/16-1/8th" gap between the stab and fuse. heres a pic



any ideas? if you know what could be causing the problem please let me know b/c if tried numerous things with no luck.

[Vic3D]

Did you check to see if the Stab tube is too long?

[jonnyisback]

the tube isnt touching the end of the slot in the stab for it so no its not too long, ummm ive even tried it without the screws in either side but still no go, almost like its made off a lil.

[~SnApRoLl]

I have the same plane with a different scheme and I had a gap on the right stab as well and I found that I had to sand the edges of the stab root towards the leading edge to get a good fit. Once you get the stabs mounted I.E. stab tube drilled and tapped and ready for flight it will be a good idea to smear a little silicone on the edges of the stab roots to 1. help seal the gap and 2. keep the composite from possibly rubbing and making a permanent mark on the fuse. I have a pic of mine that I will post as soon as I can. Also I found an FG member that has built quite a few of the 2.3m's and he showed me a valuable landing gear strengthening modification that you should do as well. As soon as I get a chance I will post pictures and a description of the landing gear modification.


Shawn

[~SnApRoLl]

jonny,

Here is a picture of the stab assy. on my 2.3m after I sanded the edges of the stab. The fit is now 1000% better than what it was out of the box!!! As you can see in the picture, I have the stab tubes drilled and tapped and the bolts installed as well. Also when you drill and tap the stabs be very careful when counter sinking the the stab bolt holes!!!!! I recommend putting a piece of masking tape on the stab then drilling through the tape to keep the surface from splintering. If I can find some matching paint, I am going to paint the bolt heads to blend in the stabs. Also I don't recommend using the stock control linkages i.e. push rods and clevises as there is alot of slop in the threads. I am only using the stock push rods for mock up. I will be using the H9 Titanium push rods and Du-Bro H/D clevises. It's no where near done yet and It's my first Composite-Arf but I have been lucky enough to get allot of hints and tips from seasoned Comp-Arf builders. If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will share what I am learning during this build.

Shawn

[jonnyisback]

ok first this is my first time working on a compy so what kind of sandpaper do i need aka what grit and best way to sand it. Second i bought this plane used from a friend of mine so it already has those marks in the fuse but i will still put some silicone between the gaps. If you would show me that reinforcement to the gear that would be great, the prev owner had already messed up the right gear from a landing that the wheel caught a hole in the ground. So its been reinforced some and re glassed around the gear on the outside. Thanks

[~SnApRoLl]

	Quote: Originally Posted by jonnyisback
	ok first this is my first time working on a compy so what kind of sandpaper do i need aka what grit and best way to sand it. Second i bought this plane used from a friend of mine so it already has those marks in the fuse but i will still put some silicone between the gaps. If you would show me that reinforcement to the gear that would be great, the prev owner had already messed up the right gear from a landing that the wheel caught a hole in the ground. So its been reinforced some and re glassed around the gear on the outside. Thanks

jonny,
I used 80 grit sand paper on a small sanding block and just sanded the edges of the stab roots evenly and only a little at a time and checked and rechecked the fit until it fit as flush as possible against the fuse. This is very Important to Remember, Just sand a little at a time!!!!!!

I will post pictures of the landing gear modification as soon as possible. I go to school in the evenings so I don't have much build time during the week. If there was ever a contest for the slowest build ever I would take the Grand Championship! LOL
P.S. Can you post more pictures of your plane? Also what engine are you flying and do you have pictures of your radio installation and engine installation?

Thanks,
Shawn

[jonnyisback]

i dont have serovs in it atm but it does have a 3w 75i engine swinging a 24X10 prop. ill post pics once i get done uploading them. Status on the stab, atm i have it about half the gap that it was, it really wasnt the sides holding it out but the wood former that they attach to so i had to take a xacto and shave that down so its better now, ill keep ya posted. thx

[jonnyisback]

ive gotten the gap down alot but its still not completely flush yet. Heres a few pics of the plane so far.

[~SnApRoLl]

Looks nice!!! The stab is looking like its fits much better now! If I get a chance I will post the pictures of the landing gear mod. tonight.

Shawn

[~SnApRoLl]

jonny,

Here are those pictures of the landing gear modification as promised. I got this tip from a member here. "(Thanks Gene ) What I did was cut 1/8 aircraft ply to fit in between the 2 fuse formers tight over the top of the landing gear and glued in with Loctite Hysol. The landing gear fit a is little tight but it is still removable. On the front I used 3/16 aircraft ply, I cut it to fit behind the front former and in front of the 2nd former and I glued those in with Hysol as well. It's still light weight and adds allot more strength.
Also is an above shot of the stabs to show that they fit way better than what came out of the box. I also threw in another picture with the DA-85 I'm putting in it. I should get pretty good vertical with that engine.

Hope these pictures help.

Shawn

[jonnyisback]

looks good man, so just epoxy the lite ply in there above the gear and then bolt gear on through it? Thanks

[~SnApRoLl]

	Quote: Originally Posted by jonnyisback
	looks good man, so just epoxy the lite ply in there above the gear and then bolt gear on through it? Thanks

I bolted the ply down over the landing gear and let the glue dry. Also when you glue the pieces in dont go too crazy with the Hysol! A little bit of that stuff goes a long way! And be careful not to get any glue on the landing gear itself. Also is your tank tray glued in? As this modification is much easier with the tank tray removed. If your tank tray is glued in, you can remove the motor dome and get access through the front. Even though this is my first Composite-Arf build, if you have any other questions please feel free to ask and I will share any tips and tricks that I am learning from experienced 2.3m owners along the way!

Shawn

[RustyTumbles]

Would love to see more pics of you motor install. The DA85 will be ballistic on that airframe. What muffler/exhaust system do you plan on using?

[Jamieman]

Looks good man.

Just in the process of re furbishing mine.