CSD Review Xtreme Composite Edge 540T 50CC Part 2

As I mentioned the firewall was at bit of angle so I had to correct the angle on the standoffs. What I did is easiest shown on the picture were you can see how I did it. Adding some additional spacers between the DA -50 engine mount and the standoffs is an easy way of correcting that doesn't look to good, but it works. I measured it to be certain of the distances to be correct on both sides, I also use blue locktite on the threads for mounting. Of course, the angle and the leveling has to be correct for the engine. What is good on the Extreme Composite 2x2 models is that the nose on the cowling has the correct angle so its just to work from there.

With the engine now installed I'll go to work on the rudder. I drilled 3mm holes in the rudder for the hinges to go in, and then glued it with 5 min epoxy. These are the Robart type hinges and they work really well on this plane. I put glue in the holes and on tip of the hinges and then make sure they are installed all at the same length. When they are in place I place some additional epoxy around the hinges to ensure extra strength. We'll let the hinges dry for now and get to work on the servo tray.

Now the glue on the rudder is dry and we are ready to assemble he rudder and the plane. I laid the rudder against the body of the plane and marked of where the hinges would go in and drilled them out. Sorry but forgot to take that picture.

Then I tried out the movement of the rudder and discovered that the vertical stab cavity was not open enough for big movements. As you can se of the picture I cut of some of the plane body to get more space to move the rudder.

Then its time to glue the rudder in place. I use 12 minute epoxy here as well so I have time for corrections when placing the rudder. I put the plane on the front end an secure it , then fill up the drilled holes with epoxy and the tip of the hinges. Then placing the rudder in place, and making sure of the angle will align with the body of the plane. I like to place a little additional epoxy around the hinges here also for more strength. Remember, just be careful not to glue the hinges together and place some Vaseline or a wee bit of 2-cycle engine oil on the hinge to prevent the epoxy from fouling the hinge movement. While all this dries, we'll get on with the interior tray constructions. Click on "3" below.