Golden Era Model Service
High Quality Plan Sets for Radio Control Aircraft
The Tlush Mite

Published in the May 1938 Air Trails
Designed by Francis Tlush
Original span 50 inches

Now the wing saddles are installed.  The saddles have been changed so that they are curved on the upper surface to fit the lower shape of the wing, not straight as in the photo.
 Note the 1/64 ply reinforcement at the front and back between the F1 and F2 crossmembers and the  saddles.  
 

The tooling for shaping the spar ends.  1/4 X 3/4 steel flat bar is positioned and clamped on the spar stock and the angle is sanded in.  The proper dimensions to locate the
bars is on the plan.   Shape all four inner spar ends before assembling the wings, the spars may be left a little long, to be cut off later flush with the outside of the last rib.

 
Initial wing assembly.  Make up the trailing edges first.  Rather than preformed trailing edge stock, strip balsa is preferred as it is softer, lighter, and usually straighter
especially when stripped from wider sheets.  Cut the strips long so the inboard end can extend past the centerline for later trimming.  The angle can be
sanded in quickly if the stock is placed on the edge of the building board.  Mark off the rib locations on one strip, then place the two trailing
edges back to back and saw in the rib notches, finishing them to width with a small file.

Slip the ribs on the upper spar, leaving off the second and third ribs.  Temporarily install a rib in the number two position but do not glue it, it is used as
a jig for now.  Assemble and pin down the spar position fixture, lay the lower spar under the ribs. Pin the trailing edge in place, leaving the front edge up
from the building board so it can fair with the ribs.  Move the ribs in to position, pressing them into the notches in the trailing edge.  If you have made those
notches a snug fit assembly will be easier.When the ribs are aligned and the inner spar ends are up against the alignment fixture, press the lower spar in to
position.   Next, tack glue the tip rib into position on the spars and trailing edge and fix the rib in place with fixtures or balsa blocking.  Tack in the fourth rib
from the center, then install the leading edge, tacking it to the tip and fourth ribs and make sure it extends far enough past the centerline at least 1/4 inch, for
later trimming.  recheck the position of the ribs between the tip and the fourth and tack them into position.





First stage of wing assembly.  Rib in forefront is not glued at this point.

Mite Page 1  Mite Page 2  Mite Page 3  Mite Page 4  Mite Page 5  Mite Page 6  Mite Page 7  Mite Page 8  Mite Page 9  Mite Page 10

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