Kicker Application
Applying Kicker Precisely: To get the right amount of kicker in exactly the spot you
want, use a small (like 1 or 2 cc) syringe. These are available at places like Industrial
Liquidators. With this method, you don't waste kicker and you only get it where you need
it and not all over your model. They only thing to be careful of is to not touch the end
of the needle to the CA, as it will adhere and/or clog-up instantly.
Tight Linkages
When fine-tuning a model, it is important to take the play out of those pesky sloppy
linkages. For a quick and easy job, try this simple technique. Please Note: this process
is intended to be followed only when everything has been tested and is centered where it
needs to be.
Metal clevises on threaded couplers are stronger, but they tend to introduce slop into
the mix. For linkages on a wing using a short pushrod and metal clevises, simply apply a
small drop of thick CA right into the area where the threads appear inside the clevis and
then put a small drop of kicker in it. This is where the syringe technique described above
works well. Then, put a drop where the clevis engages the servo arm. That's right, a SMALL
drop, right there to act as a bearing to keep the clevis from moving side to side. Repeat
this on the side of the servo horn too. Once everything is CA'd and kicked, move the
control surface to break the surface bond, and you're good to go. You can do the same
thing for rudder and elevator linkages in the fuse. Notice how little slop is in the
linkage after you do this!
Smooth Film Covering over Obechi
If you choose to use a film covering over an Obechi sheeted wing like we see on many of
today's contest and scale ships, you will need to properly seal the grain. If the wing is
sanded and covered immediately, usually a rough looking surface finish will result. The
grain of the soft Obechi is such that little "spikes" are created around the
pores of the wood when it is sanded. You can feel it if you stop sanding and then rub your
hand against the grain. It is really very simple to cure.
All you need to do is apply a light sealant to the wood. Dope sanding sealer works
great and so will a "smear" coat of an epoxy resin. If you use dope, don't
over-do it because you don't want it to soak through the pores and attack the foam. The
advantage of dope is that it dries very fast and is lightweight. A light coat is all it
takes. If you use resin like West Systems, put a light coat on with a roller and wipe it
in and off with a paper towel. Once your sealer has dried thoroughly, sand the surface
with 400 and then 600 grit wet/dry paper and you're ready to cover!
