DIY Network

Rx for RC: An Expert on Wing Repair From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-208

Host Chris Chianelli visits with model builder Frank Tiano. Frank is skilled at building and repairing balsa-wood airplanes.

In this episode DIY Radio Control Hobbies goes on the road to Lakeland, Florida. Host Chris Chianelli visits the shop of expert model builder Frank Tiano for some construction and repair tips.

In this segment, Chris gets some tips from guest expert Frank Tiano on how to repair a damaged balsa-wood airplane wing.

Materials:

Replacement balsa wood
Replacement wing-covering
1/16-inch balsa sheet
Band saw
Hobby knife
Single-edged razor blade
Sandpaper
Masking tape
Glue

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of this particular type of model. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

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Crash!!

• There's one thing that's fairly certain when it comes to flying radio-controlled airplanes: sooner or later one of your planes will crash (figures A and B). Some crashes may damage planes beyond repair, but in some cases the plane can be salvaged and repaired fairly easily. And because model airplanes -- particularly larger ones -- can be fairly awkward to handle and transport, there's always the possibility of damage by some careless accident.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  	Figure C
  	Figure D
  	Figure E
  	Figure F
  	Figure G
  	Figure H
  	Figure I
  	Figure J
  	Figure K
  	Figure L
  	Figure M

  
  Wing Repair

• One of the more common parts damaged is the wing. In this segment, Chris gets some tips from expert RC hobbyist and long-time friend Frank Tiano on how to repair a damaged balsa-wood wing.

• Begin by assessing the damage (figure C). If the artwork for the wing-cover is available, Frank estimates that this wing can be repaired to look just like new in less than half an hour. (The artwork is typically available from the original kit manufacturer. In the event that the artwork is not available, you'll just need to use plain plastic film to cover the balsa frame.)

• Use a single-edge razor blade to trim the damaged covering and peel it away to assess the damage to the balsa wood itself (figure D). The key with this wing is that the center spar has not been damaged. Only the leading edge of the wing and two broken balsa ribs in front of the spar will need to be replaced.

• Remove the broken pieces of leading edge.

• Using the intact end-rib as a guide, trace the outline of the end-rib to create a replacement rib out of balsa (figure E).

• Measure and mark the new rib to determine where to cut the front section (figure F). Repeat for the second replacement rib.

• Use a band saw or hand saw to cut the rib to its final dimension to fit between the spar and leading edge (figure G). You'll also need to fashion a piece of balsa to replace the damaged section of leading edge. (Balsa in various sizes and configurations is available through hobby stores.) Sand the pieces to shape so that they fit precisely.

• Cut a piece of 1/16-inch balsa sheet to complete the repair by covering the damgaged area (figure H).

• Once the balsa sheet is cut to fit the damaged area, tape it to the leading edge with masking tape (figure I).

• The tape will hold the section in place while acting as a hinge to allow the sheet to be folded back (figure J) permitting access to the are that will be glued.

• Protect the surrounding area with paper and spray the underside of the sheet using kicker spray (figure K). Kicker is an accelerator that causes cyanoacrylate glue to harden more quickly.

• Apply a bead of medium cyanoacrylate (CA) glue to the outside perimeter and the tops of the ribs (figure L).

• Press the balsa sheet in position, and hold it firmly as the glue hardens (figure M). The glue should harden within a couple of minutes

In the segment that follows, Chris gets some building tips from Frank Tiano