These field and bench tips are all courtesy of MAN readers (the best aircraft modelers around!). Here are a few of our favorites; bet you’ll use at least one! (Have a tip you’d like to share? Send it to MAN@airage.com!)
GARAGE STORAGE SPACE
When you need more storage space for wings, the garage door can work nicely. Just fasten the wings to an individual door panel (the wing needs to fit within perimeter of panel) with a strap and foam padding. With the garage door closed or open, the wings stay out of the way.
HEAT SHRINK SECURITY
Use heat-shrink tubing to secure your receiver battery connector to your ignition or radio-power switch. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure that it never comes loose in flight to cause a crash. It’s easy to remove with a hobby knife and does not leave a sticky residue behind, like tape does.
HOMEMADE FUEL-LINE BARBS
Don’t you hate it when the fuel line comes off inside the fuel tank? It usually causes a dead stick and damage to the model. To avoid this, wind copper wire onto the brass fuel tube and cut the wire with pliers to produce one ring of copper wire near the end. Clean the joint, and solder the ring to the tube. Use just enough solder to form a small fillet around the wire and ring, and let it cool off. Slide your silicone or Tygon gas fuel line in place, and secure with a tie wrap.
SIMPLE BALANCER
Check out this simple, homemade device to find the center of gravity for your model. Use an old aluminum landing gear from your repair box, a 12-inch piece of scrap wood for the base, and a couple of bolts with large washers. It’s easy to make modifications to fit your needs, and it’s portable.
