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



The join to the rudder control arm is made from a nylon clevis and a short length of 2-56 control rod soldered to a small electrical eyelet, available from
automotive parts stores.  The insulation has been removed and the join is best made using 2% silver bearing solder.   The aluminum sleeve for the center
elevator hinge is also seen here, attached only to the stabilizer rear spar.




A carbon fiber pushrod was used for the elevator, running from very close to the right side of the fuselage at the front to the left rear side, exiting forward and
underneath the stabilizer.  The rudder servo arm is seen above.  Note how open loops are left at the servo arm connection in the kevlar thread.  Slip a ballpoint
pen or other such object in the first loop of the knots and when all the knots are secure remove it and secure the knots with a small drop of CA, not letting
any glue get near the servo arm so the thread is free to move as the arm turns.


 


 
A fairlead is installed at the middle of the carbon fiber rod's run inside the fuselage.  Leave it loose until the end connections are made, then glue it in place on the middle
 internal diagonal at fuselage station 8.  The 1/64 ply attaching plate should be assembled to the nylon or plastic tube before being slipped on to the carbon fiber rod.



Two views of the aft exit of the elevator push rod.  It was necessary to notch in to the fuselage diagonal so a 3/16 square double, also notched, was
 added, making another fairlead to stabilize the pushrod.  For ease of covering a 1/64 ply gusset was added where the pushrod intercepted the plane
 of the fuselage side.  Final installation of the pushrod was done after covering.  A small hole in the covering will be required underneath the elevator
 servo to tighten the setscrew securing the rod.



The aft end of the carbon fiber rod was sanded to rough up its outer surface and then glued into a threaded rod
 end using 30 minute epoxy.  The control arm is again made from FR10/GR4, glued in with CA after covering.



Hmmm.  First flight.  Rudder is hard over, no turn is occuring.  Not happy!  Luckily careful use of the throttle and a very good glide allowed a safe recovery.

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


 GEMS Index Page     John Eaton's  Home Page