Section 4: Hinging And Sealing The Aileron Control Surfaces - Hangar 9 Sukhoi SU-31 Instruction Manual

Section 4: Hinging and Sealing the Aileron
Control Surfaces
Parts Needed
• Wings with ailerons
• Robart Super Hinge Points (ROB309) (12)
• UltraCote strips (2)
Tools and Adhesives Needed
• Sealing iron
• Hobby knife with #11 blade
• Ruler: 36"
• Glue Syringe (DLR910) (or toothpick)
• Sandpaper (coarse)
• Felt-tipped pen
• Zap Hinge glue or 30-minute epoxy
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towels
FAST FACTS: Properly hinging the control surfaces on giant
scale models is vitally important! Poorly installed hinges affect
the model's precision and control response and can also be
dangerous. Each and every hinge needs to be securely bonded
in place in both the flying surface and the control surface. The
hinge pivot points need to be exactly parallel to each other and
precisely located on the center of the hinge line. We regularly
use Robart Super Hinge Points in all giant scale aircraft. They
are easy to install, very strong, and offer smooth friction-free
control. The Hangar 9 1/3-Scale Sukhoi control surfaces are
predrilled to use Robart Super Hinge Points (ROB309).
Step 1. Lightly sand each end of the hinge point using coarse
sandpaper. This will improve the bond of the epoxy to the hinge.
Step 2. Mix 1 ounce of 30-minute epoxy. Using a glue syringe
or toothpick, place a sufficient amount of 30-minute epoxy into
one of the hinge pockets on the wing's trailing edge. Install one
of the hinge points until the hinge point center is flush with the
trailing edge of the wing. Some epoxy should ooze out of the
pocket as the hinge is installed. If not, remove the hinge and
apply more epoxy. Wipe away excess epoxy with rubbing alcohol.
Recheck that the center of the hinge point is flush and parallel
with the trailing edge. Continue installing hinges in the trailing
edge of the wings. The ailerons will be installed after the epoxy
is fully cured.
Note: Be sure that the hinge pivot pins are parallel
and flush to the trailing edge. It's important to
frequently mix afresh batch of 30-minute epoxy in
order to achieve good glue joint penetration. If you
notice the epoxy becoming thicker, mix a new batch.
Step 3. Allow the epoxy to fully cure for at least six hours.
When cured, work each hinge throughout its full motion several
times using your hands. This will break free any epoxy that may
have found its way into the hinge joint. Move the hinge through
its full travel until no resistance is left. This may take as many as
40 or 50 times.
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