Fiddlers Green

Hello,

I'm pretty new to card modeling.

I've enjoyed building the few FG models I've tried but I keep having a problem with sagging wings. There is no provision for a spar or any interior support so I'm confused as to how to build them so they won't sag.

How do folks deal with this?

Thanks!
Charles

Which models have you tried to build? It may vary with the particular plane.

I sometimes use a bamboo skewer, inserted through the fuselage to help support when I think the wing may sag. You can crack and glue it to the correct dihedral. Also, make sure you're using the proper weight paper for your model. If the fuselage paper is too light, the shape will change, allowing the wings to droop. 67 lb stock is usually adeqate for all but really big planes. If the wings tend to curve, you're not giving them enough drying time. Put a ruler on the trailing edge and weight it down. Water based glues tend to swell paper. A light coat of glue on each side, and allowed to partially dry to a tack works better than a heavy coat of glue.

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-Rob-

Currently working on: see avatar

I've sometimes used a piece of balsa scrap to make a spar similar to Rob's skewer technique. I think that paper choice and glue are possibly the most important part.

It does depend on the plane you're building. If an Early flyer or WWI bird, the wings are designed to be supported by the rigging, just like the real thing. Most of the WWII birds and jets can pretty much support themselves, as long as you use card stock over 67lb. The light AC use struts and rigging if called for.

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We have enough youth. How about a "Fountain of Smart".

Try popsickle sticks inside the wing. That helps me a lot with that. Use tongue depressors for larger planes. Also, when you are gluing the wings over, use paper clamps to hold the edge to a ruler while it dries. That will make sure the wing dries nice and straight, and will help prevent sagging. If the plans call for wing dihedral, soak a stick in water until it is soft, and then bend it to the right angle. Real wings have roots, and so should yours. if you cannot use a popsickle stick, use a toothpick, or at the very least a straight pin.

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I'm not wierd! I'm normality impaired!