I am starting a Vector ARC project, and have reviewed the parts, plans and did a search on this forum for info. Here's my plan, and then a few questions:
1. Strengthen the landing gear mounting panel with some corner stock. It looks like there is very little bonding area to the main structure
2. Keep the BC and leadouts, but go with Control Line Specialties carbon tube pushrods, HD ball links, and horns. Access panel for elevator controls as I am using the slider horn.
3. Brodak 40 for power, prop tbd, but probably the RSM 11x6 or 10x6. Dinger Muffler if I can lighten up the tail enough.
4. Build up the elevators instead of solid (one is 15 grams, the other 21 as provided!) Same with the vertical tail. Air beats wood any day!
5. 4.5 ounce tank (I use under 4 ounces on my Smoothie, but want to try to use longer lines and slower lap times on the Vector). Tank wedged in with PVC foam (craft foam from Michaels or similar craft store, worked great to solve my engine run problems in the Smoothie)
6. Carbon veil the fuselage and flaps
7. Polyspan over open areas, tissue over that (Saw it done at VSC, and it looks like the best of both worlds! Tough, constistent finish, no fuzzies)
8. Use silicone seal to double up the attachment of the wheel pants to the LG.
9. Aim to use 65'x.012 solid lines and the Fancher Handle.
Now with the questions:
1. Are the motor bearers hard enough? They seem awfully soft. How can they be strengthened? I am worried about them compressing and allowing the engine to loosen up and go out of alignment. I am not worried about vibration, as they are supported by the fuselage sides and filled-in in the tank compartment.
2. Where can I get the Carbon Fiber LG that were mentioned in one post?
3. What am I missing?