Tip for checking wing leading edge during shaping: rc plane kit builds

Here I show a good way to check leading edge of wing as you shape and sand it. There are many techniques used when building balsa RC plane kits. Shaping the leading edge of the balsa wing can be a challenge. Much care must be taken to assure the wing leading edge is uniform and shaped properly to match the plans. By using a simple template of the airfoil shape, the leading edge can be shaped accurately. Basically just trace the airfoil profile from the plans on to a piece of card stock and cut it out. Then take the template and place it along the wing leading edge to check the shape as you go. Good luck!

[@joepellissier2091]

Great tip. Never heard that before yet it’s so simple and staring us in the face.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks!

[@robertmonroe2969]

Fantastic idea!

[@robertcovell2787]

Good tip. I am presently building a GHOST which is kitted by Old School Model Works. They provide the same idea as a laser cut plywood template. Absolutely brilliant.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks, and good luck with your build. I have heard good things about their kits.

[@robertcovell2787]

@@JamesRCPlaneTechThis kit is so good that I believe I could throw a bottle of glue into the box and shake it up and out would come a finished airplane!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@robertmonroe2969]

I built their 56, and it was a nice build to start with. I have a Robinhood 25 still in the box awaiting my attention.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Nice! I wish I could say the same about this Stingray.

[@robertcovell2787]

@@robertmonroe2969I also built a 56 and one of the little Sunday Fighter biplanes. Too much fun. I wish they would offer a biplane of some sort in the 65 inch range for 91 four stroke.. Putting a K&B 40 Dykes in my GHOST.

[@RubyS.1]

You have some skills yours looks perfect. My first build used a square @45 and just sheeted over it figured they where all like that. My second was the Commet NOT easy.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thank you, we all learn as we go. And at the end of they day, if it flys then we are successful. I have learned a lot from all the comments and suggestions, and talking with others. That’s what makes it fun

[@stevebarr9604]

Yeah I'm to this stage on my SIG Astro hog!

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Cool!

[@HenryTyson]

That way it's a one time trace so it stays at the actual size not bigger because of the thickness of your pen, nice work to

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks

[@joshuahedges4882]

How should I do it if the wing is tapered

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Hi, well if your wing is tapered to the tip, ya this method wouldn’t work. I guess you could cut templates for the ends and middle and use those to help get a few points right, then just work between to blend the shape.