NMPRA

I will use this space to add photos of the build process I use. Please feel free to add pictures or comments as necessary.

I always start with mounting the wing to the fuselage. Below are the steps I use to mount the wing. Note: The molded saddle in the fuselage may be narrower than the wing chord. Care should be taken to make the wing fit the fuselage prior to drilling and tapping the wing bolts.

To start, I drill through the wing using a tap drill for 1/4-20 for the front bolts and a tap drill for the 10-24 rear wing bolts. When drilling through the wing keep the drill bit perpendicular to the top of the wing at the point where the bolt passes through and centered within the counter sunk molded in locator. I have some 3D printed items to help with this and are seen in the MFL build thread.

Next install the V-tail.

Next install the blind nuts and motor mount.

Ball links and torque rods.

Final assembly.

NOTE: I don't have pictures for the landing gear. I use 4-40 screws and blind nuts.

CG: 2.88" to 2 15/16". In order to achieve the correct CG the servos need to be as forward in the fuselage as possible. Recently, Tom and I have been using a 1/4" spacer between the motor mount and the firewall as well as having the battery in the nose to obtain the correct CG. If these spacers are needed reach out to either Tom or I and we will help.

Dan thanks for sharing this was a great read. Regarding the blind nuts. Is there anything special about what type of blind nuts are preferred? Seems over the years some are rock solid in taking the 6/32 screws and torque, others collapse on themselves. Just curious.

Also when you put the epoxy over the blind nuts, are you just reaching in the firewall hole with your fingers or ?


Thanks
Mike

MikeyD wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2024 8:23 am Regarding the blind nuts. Is there anything special about what type of blind nuts are preferred? Seems over the years some are rock solid in taking the 6/32 screws and torque, others collapse on themselves. Just curious.

I use DuBro 6-32 blind nuts for a couple of reasons. The OD of the flange is the smallest I have found and fits into the fuse corners nicely and they seem to be the best for staying and not stretching or stripping. I tend to over fill with epoxy creating additional threads on the backside as well that helps too.

MikeyD wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2024 8:23 am Also when you put the epoxy over the blind nuts, are you just reaching in the firewall hole with your fingers or ?

Seeing the top two nuts is nearly impossible, unless you cut a small hole between the front to wing bolts. I tend to install epoxy through the saddle and hope and pray that I made it onto the top two bolts. Unless I cut the hole and then you can see. I don't go through the hole in the front, only because I usually have it taped up and the mount in place when adding epoxy to the back side of the firewall.

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