I'm just thinking... isn't that a nice solution for tail feathers and vertical stabs? Something like 2 or 2.5mm is plenty stiff, knife-thin for minimal drag if you sand the LE smooth, and quite durable.

I'm posting this because I suspect that there's a catch, as if it was feasable I'd imagine more people would be doing it.

Here's the catch: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=9783

Those are a convenient size for most smaller planes - and heck... make a pair of stabs out of those, and they'll last years.

It doesn't sand well, it doesn't take paint well, it's expensive and it's very heavy compared with anything we normally use. But there's nothing to stop you giving it a try .

Steve

Who needs to sand it much, why would you want to paint that, yeah sorta expensive but not extremely so from HK, and...

The only thing I can think of is weight vs a solid glassed balsa surface.... I really would have to try both.

You were the one who said you were going to "sand the LE smooth". On most CF sheet you'll raise all sorts of nasties trying to do that .

And since we're in the Foamies (Scratchbuilt) forum I'm rather assuming that most people would use foam and would generally only need to glass it for larger models not for "most smaller models".

But I've never seen anyone use CF sheet for that purpose so it will be an interesting experiment if you try it.

Steve

Heavy, heavy, heavy.

If you want a stiff, solid surface then Balsa is better.

i know my small plane with a foam elevator doing 65mph i get no wobble and the plane tracks like a train. why would i need it stronger if it already works at 1/4th the weight. that is the main issue.(weight)

if i was trying to go 80mph up maybe a stiffer tail would help but balsa is very rigid and works well at speeds over 100mph maybe 1/2 the weight so again weight is the issue.

So why make a stonger tail out of heavier material when balsa or foam will work. I mean lets be honest when was the last time you came in to crash in reverse. so a stronger tail means you only have to rebuild the rest of the plane and the tail will be fine.. lol

now if you are going to build it with the intention of making it some sleek looking carbon bird then by all means have at it. it will prob be your favorite and others will oogle it but it is a show thing not really a practical item unless you have carbonfiber comming from your ears.

price
4x12" carbon = $20 + $6 shipping
20x30" 3.5mm foam = $1
1/8 x 4 x 36" Balsa Sheet = $3

so yes carbon fiber is 26 times more money than foam and almost 7 times more expensive than balsa. so the real reason will still be $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$