After the last post, I completely disassembled my empennage and moved things around in the Garage. I still have not hung the tailcone from the ceiling, but that is on my “to-do” list shortly as I need to make room for the Wings in early January (already got confirmation that I am scheduled for crating the first week of January!) With everything put away we ended up having a few days of warmer weather so I took my elevators down to do a little more fiberglass work.
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I first did a light sanding using an orbital sander to scuff up the existing epoxy/flox and to scuff up the surface for the next step. Then I mixed a small batch of Epoxy and Micro to make a “dry micro” mix. Basically the consistency of frosting and used that to fill in and build up the areas to make a smooth transition from the aluminum to the fairing. I applied what I thought was a generous layer of dry micro and used a rubber scraper to level it out and get things in the general shape. I then let the epoxy cure, or I thought I allowed it to cure.
Once the first side was cured, I once again used the orbital sander to level off and smooth the elevator fairings. Don’t be like me. This was a mistake on my part and I now realize I should have been using sanding blocks. This lead me to watching a number of fiberglass videos on paint prep and specifically model RC airplane and boat construction. I decided I needed to order a few items from Amazon to help me out.
I purchased the following items from Amazon.
- Durablock sanding blocks (and PSA sanding paper – 80, 120, 180 grit)
- Evercoat 417 Glazing Putty
- Electric Blanket
- Dry Guide Coat
While this was in transit I went ahead and mixed up another batch of dry micro and applied to the other side of the elevators. Once the Durablocks arrived, I used them to block sand with 80, then 120 grit paper until the high points were knocked down, however I still had some low-spots that were painfully visible without needing to apply a guide coat. I also realized that some of my epoxy wasn’t fully cured and was gumming up my sandpaper. I was worried about this and why I purchased the Electric blanket. I wrapped one tip in the electric blanket and let it soak in the heat for 3 hours, then repeated with the other elevator. This finally allowed the epoxy to fully cure!
Some last bits of sanding and I need to do another dry-micro application to both elevators, but decided to stop while I’m ahead. I need to get the garage ready for the wings, so I’ll be moving all the assembled parts to a storage locker shortly. Possibly this summer when I can work in the driveway or with the garage door open, I’ll bring these parts back to work on them.
Once I have a “good system” down I’ll share and make a video. Still looking forward to modifying the VS fairing for the camera.
Since I don’t plan on any additional updates until January, Happy Holidays and have a wonderful New Year!