| Jim,
This will probably start a long string of replies, but here goes.
First, I have built and flown the standard Sr. Telemaster and loved it.
You may want to consider using the glider joiner type attachments to
join the two wing halves together. As you know, there is both the
steel rod inserted into a steel tube as well as the sheet steel joining
the two halves (pick you length).
From observation on wings folding, none have failed at the center
section but fold some 6-8" from the center section, usually whre the
planking stops. I have not had the experience of a wing folding, even
when applying heavy speed on the winch. I both plank the center
section sone 6-8" depending on the wing length AND use two plys of
glass cloth (6 oz.).
Here is some additional information. Many of the ARF Trainers (Hobbico
Flight Star, etc. use only a 4" ply connector for the wing which also
used a large trailing edge to sets the diheral and the two wing halves
are stuck together with epoxy and there has been no center section
folding even with full power loops. This really suprises me because
there is no glassed center section even though this section is sheeted.
Caution for the Sr. Telemaster - I built one of the first produced kits
which called for one regular servo operating two torque tubes for the
ailrons and had disaster because of ailron flutter. The plane flew 5-6
times and after each flight I attempted to correct the flutter by:
re-installing much heaver push rods, sealing the ailron gaps, etc.,
etc. Please install one servo for each ailron and if possible, 1/2 the
length of the ailron and seal the gaps. Also, consider
counterbalancing the airlons and elevators using a control horn with a
wire that protrudes towards to leading edge using lead fishing weights
(I found some fishing weights which were cone shaped at Riches Store
and they look good on the plane.)
Hope this helps.
Ollie
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