I was chatting in the model shop recently and as is often the case when I’m involved the subject turned to biplanes. The consensus was that they’re more trouble than they’re worth, just too fiddly to set up and awkward to takeoff and land in anything but ideal conditions. I pointed out that my Elf, with its folding wings, is easier to rig than most sports models; but I had to admit that it is the exception rather than the rule! I also had to admit that the flying characteristics of biplanes can be “challenging” but in my opinion the inconvenience of rigging is far outweighed by the appearance of the assembled model and that it doesn’t have to be all that time consuming with a bit of forethought.
My decision to use the scale closed loop control system for the ailerons on the SE5a has made the assembly somewhat more difficult and as I explained the procedure it did sound horrendous, which in reality it isn’t. It’s one of those things that sound complicated in words but when you see what is involved it isn’t, so I’ll take some photos as I assemble the model, which won’t be today as my workroom is too small and it’s raining quite heavily; don’t want to get all those rigging wires rusty!
I’ll start with a photo of the “tools” that I’ve made to make the rigging easier and a brief explanation; it will be much clearer what they do when I post the assembly photos.
From left to right:
One of a set of 4, which keep the cables tight during storage and whilst connecting the first quicklink.
The third version of a tool to hold the quicklinks open
A spring-loaded quicklink
Tensioning tool for the rear flying wires.
I'll assemble the model and take photos ASAP, but just checked our 5 day forecast and it's not looking promising for next week!