Building & Construction Tips

Building & Construction Tips

Here are some tips gathered from many years of building R/C sailplanes:

• Always follow kit instructions first. Modifications come after you understand the design.
• Build on a flat surface. A ceiling tile from a hardware store makes an excellent, cheap building board.
• Keep it light. Use minimum glue, lighter hardware, and appropriate-sized servos.
• Keep it straight. Wing warps will ruin an otherwise perfectly built plane.
• Use the right glue for the job. See the Adhesives Guide for detailed guidance.
• Sand in one direction when shaping balsa — sanding back and forth can tear the grain.
• Test-fit everything before gluing. Dry-fit components to check alignment.
• Check CG before covering. It's much easier to add weight or move servos before the covering goes on.