The plans said one thing and the enigma thread said something else. I'm new to dlg and want to get the peg right. I tried 1/2 inch in from leading edge of curved tip and 2 1/4 inch from trailing edge as was suggested. I drilled there and the bit went right thru air. Should the peg be going thru the wing tip somewhere that is solid to the squeeze? Where to place the launch peg? I am on the left tip, of course. Could someone please attach a photo of your successful enigma launch peg with coordinates. Much thanks,
Willie Bosco

If you put the peg where the instructions say, you will have the very unpleasant experience of the razor-sharp wingtip edge slicing into the web between your fingers! It's located way too far inboard. Unless you have the hands of an NBA player.

As you've discovered, if you move it far enough outboard to avoid the slice and dice, it's on the wrong side of the spar. There is some CF reinforcing on the inside of the skin that goes all the way to the tip, hold it up to a bright light and you can see it. But I wasn't sure it was enough so I added some small patches of carbon cloth to the top and bottom of the wing for reinforcing. So far that's worked great. The cloth is glued on, then drilled. The photo shows the dimensions for my placement.

You probably noticed I'm using a small fin rather than a peg, I measured to the center point as if drilling for a peg.

Paul

Here's another view of the ultra-cool shark's fin peg. Thanx to Dr. D for the great idea. Not only does it look good, I think it launches better because my fingers slip off it much easier. I had a chance to fly a plane with a regular peg and most of my launches hooked left because I was releasing too late.

Paul

Dear Willie,

Mine's placed like Paul's; works really well for me, too. I didn't reinforce as he did, and my peg did start to break free after many hundred launches. Probably a good idea to reinforce as he suggests.

Have fun,

Marc

Hey guys, thanks for the quick replys. Paul, does your shark fin also protrude from the bottom of the wing? I like the idea of more glue area and an easier release feel. I notice you are using carbon cloth, I epoxied on glass cloth. I also notice the shark fin is made from carbon. I'll need to substitute something for this also if I decide on the fin as opposed to the tube. How about a piece of printed circuit board? I have all 4 hs50 servos in the fuse and all controll rods inside fuse. I only used a tad of lead to balance. I figure I want a very clean planform and as light as can be. I used short .03 wires for flaperons.

Willie

Hey Willie,

Yes, the fin is the same on the bottom side. I think your fiberglass reinforcement will be fine, and that heavy PC board would work fine for a throwing fin. To mount mine I drilled holes at the ends and cut between them with an Xacto knife. The slots are a tight fit around the fin. It's glued in place with the black rubbery CA, epoxy would be just as good if not better.

Paul

Front view, note that is not vertical to the wing- top is tilted out slightly. (Middle finger is longer than index finger)

Paul... what exactly is the peg made from? Its gorgeous!

Aki

Aki,

I wish I knew! It's some sort of carbon fiber/fiberglass laminate about 1/16" thick that I bought in hobby shop a loooong time ago. I'd like to get some more, it's very handy. It's very strong but not quite as stiff as solid CF would be.

Paul

Thanks for the reply Paul! I guess I'll just have to try laying up my own, since I have some spare fibreglass and carbon lying around... That looks so much nicer than the peg I have on my Highlight (Enigma to you guys over there!).

Aki

What about cutting one from an old silicon circuit board, the green stuff? Never used it but thats what it reminded me of.

I suspect that would work just fine. Another method that would probably work would be three layers of 1/32" ply laminated with the exterior grain on all three pieces running vertically.

I have all 4 hs50 servos in the fuse and all controll rods inside fuse. I only used a tad of lead to balance. I figure I want a very clean planform and as light as can be. I used short .03 wires for flaperons.

Hey Willie, how about some photos of your setup?

TY.
J.