stabilizing wiggly super-V joining rod

[tony w]

I am almost ready to fly my new (used) super-V. I have noticed, and noted when test flying, that the wings like to wander a little from their correct position when the plane is moved around. This shows up as some gaps at the root of the wing at the LE or TE. Getting the wings in the right spot takes some fiddling with the wing rod, twisting it a little this way and that until everythiong fits together correctly. Eventually it all fits very well.

Is this a function of planes with round bent rod wing joiners? Is it a wear issue? Is this a Super-V thing?

More importantly, how can I best deal with this? Removable glue stick on the metal rod? Lots of tape after the wings are joined and placed against the wing saddle correctly?

Any suggestions from super-V owners are especially appreciated.

Thanks,

Tony

[Andy W]

You need to keep the wings tight against the fuselage. I don't know the Super-V, but either tape the joint - at least at the LE and TE - or can you set up some nylon bolts to bolt them to the fuse?
..a

[seanpcola]

I've had a Super V and several other models with the bent, round rod setup. Currently I have a Schpotdorker done this way. They are a bit of a pain when assembling but as Andy said, you must insure that the wings are secured tightly with the roots butted flush to the fuse.

I have seen a few models with various schemes to overcome this. including an indexing pin in the wingrod that would seat in a slot made in the fuse. Don't know how that was done without affecting the integrity of the rod. Also have seen a bracket and setscrew arrangement. Overall just taping it well and assuring that the wings are flush is the best way IMO.

[SmokinJoe101]

Tape the wings to fuse, and yes the rod rotating was a small pain for a good flying ship. Just go out and fly :)

sj

[target]

Yup, it's just a function of that type of joiner, same as many planes of that era.

Always tape the wing roots to the fuse.

If you scribe a line on the very top of teh joiner, you will have a visual reference when you are putting on the second wing.
Sometimes it helps to tape the one wing first before sliding on the second one.

T

[Anker]

I have successfully used hotglue to hold bent wing rods in position. You only secure one end, of course.

You do this by heating the joiner gently with a torch and applying a little melted hotglue to it. When the hotglue runs you know the rod is warm enough. Then insert it into the joiner tube and remove the excess hotglue. You can work it for quite a while before the glue sets. If you ever need to reposition it heat the exposed part of the wing rod again, gently, until the glue melts and you can move it.

Anker

[schrederman]

I have only had one model that I put up with this on one flying session. While I know it means they don't travel or ship as well... I epoxy my bent, round joiners permanently in place and just live with the travel hassles. To me the flying part is way more important than the shipping or traveling part... Just the way I do it...

Jack

[Andy W]

To those who secure the rod on one side - do you still tape the wings in place?
..a

[Anker]

To those who secure the rod on one side - do you still tape the wings in place?
..a

Most definitely yes!

Anker

[target]

I definitely would, both sides!


Target