Originally Posted by FlyHighSelllow

Is anybody using the reinforcement backing they give you in the kit for the wings and stabilator's ? I'm going to use the decals and I'm wondering do I really use the reinforcement backing and put the decals over top ?

Use the reinforcement paper if you're not glassing, it adds a lot of stiffness to the foam.

Originally Posted by smccrory60

Use the reinforcement paper if you're not glassing, it adds a lot of stiffness to the foam.

Roger that and then decals over top. Can I use the soapy water method when using the paper? What is that stuff. Never seen it before.

I put the backing on my wings and tail on first build. Gives a nice smooth finish for paint. If you arent glassing the wings id use it.

I embedded two thin carbon rods in the top of each pylon extending into the fuse about 4 inches, then encased the pylon in ply using the templates, except I added a top piece as well. I used 1/64 ply instead if 1/16, then coated the entire thing in epoxy. Its strong enough now you can grab it by the pylon and wave it around . If it breaks here before it breaks any other place I will be surprised.

Now what kind of paint sticks to epoxy? I need to paint the pylons, they stick out like crazy covered in ply.

um, epoxy...

Rough it up with 40 or 80 grit, and PU (gorilla) also works reasonably well.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1367032

has info on reinforcing wings, balancing tailerons etc..

Also couple of not so good vids of it on stock 3 cell set up , Personally quite like it on 3 cells, super light so landings are a breeze

Good luck with the rest of the build

Flyhigh, the paper are just stickers.they pull right off and stick on. As for my 2nd build, i just finished up glassing last night. Top, vertical stab, tailerons already painted. Just gotta paint the bottom, attach the tailerons and will be ready to fly. Ill post some pics once i get bottom painted. I ended up putting about 3 overlapping layers of fg on the pylons. Between that, the ply, and cf rod it will be a rock

Originally Posted by Odysis

um, epoxy...

Rough it up with 40 or 80 grit, and PU (gorilla) also works reasonably well.

I meant paint, I was sleepy.

I'm yet to find a paint that doesn't stick to epoxy.
Sand with up to 400grit, degrease and you'll be golden.

untill you guys get it in your head ...all that c/f and ply wood does'nt change where the twisting is snaping off the tail ,you need to add the inner bushing .you can save a lot of weight just by using the inner bushings the inner bushing stops most of the twisting ....think about it .ok im done off my soap box ,enjoy your F-16's .....while they last

lol. I'm doing the inner bushing as well, just haven't done it yet.

Originally Posted by air sally

untill you guys get it in your head ...all that c/f and ply wood does'nt change where the twisting is snaping off the tail ,you need to add the inner bushing .you can save a lot of weight just by using the inner bushings the inner bushing stops most of the twisting ....think about it .ok im done off my soap box ,enjoy your f-16's .....while they last

^+1

+2


"Boxing" the pylons with 1/32 aircraft ply and the inner bushings is plenty good enough. Don't coat it with epoxy. Your just adding weight.

Heres my 2nd one fully glassed.

nice it looks like it going so fast it is heating up like the space shuttle doing mach 25