I’ve read a couple of articles lately on one model a/c or another and the authors/builders have mentioned gluing the top half of the wings to the fusalage and then gluing the bottom part, which in most cases is one piece, to the rest of the assembly. The reason stated is to prevent or reduce the chance of a gap or seam where the wings meet the fusalage. Do any of you a/c builders use this method? Sounds like a good idea to me but I haven’t tried it yet. I generally do what the instructions call for which is glue the wing halves together and then glue those assemblies to the fusalage. Nine times out of ten there will be a seam that will need to be filled. I’m tempted to try this other way in hopes of eliminating that extra work. Any takes on this? Thanks in advance for any input.
If you do this, then you will probably just be replacing one problem with another. If there is a wingroot gap doing it the normal way (wings together first, then attach it to the fuse) then by doing it the reverse way will cause the bottom have of the wing to not be aligned with the top. You will probably have to shave down the alignment pins and then do some sanding to the wing edges because you will have over/under hang.
I use the method exclusively and have never had any issues, other than the normal filler along the leading edge seams, which must be done anyway. It is an excellent method and I recommend it. It is most successful when Tenax is used: You can run Tenak on the nonvisible side to create a weld. All these were attached upper first, IT WORKS, do it…
Umm… Hmmm… This thread has me thinking now. I almost want to start yet another build just to try this tip. I know I ll certainly give it a go the next time I build. Thx very much for sharing the tip Crockett
Thanks Crockett. Everything I’ve read about this method and all the pics I’ve seen have all but sold me on this method. Being a little apprehensive and insecure about this were the reasons I posted this question on the forum. I’m at the “add wings” stage of a build right now and barring a slew of negative replies to this question I think this will be my approach.
Top wings first really is a better and easier way to go IMHO.
Not only do you have a nice seamless join for the wing root, it’s a bucket easier to sand and fill a leading or trailing edge than a wing root providing the gap isn’t to horrendous.
Why not glue on the single-piece bottom wing first, then glue the individual left and right top wing pieces to the bottom wing and the fuselage simultaneously when the initial bond is solid? That way, you’ll get the best possible wing-to-fuselage gap, and if there’s misalignment due to parts variances, you can sand the leading edge and wingtip a bit (one hopes), rather than dealing with a wing-root gap.