I have a Forerunner that didn't make it out of the outside part of a square 8. Inverted pancake basically. Only damage is outboard stab broke off flush with fuse. Should I just shove it back together, align and epoxy (foam core) or should I dig out and rebuild? I know ...vague but that is truly the only damage other than the rudder knocked off but that's easy...oh and a bent needle valve...but that's easy too..

I would build a new one ... too easy to do and no regrets later.


Joe

 If the rest of the plane is all in good shape, solid and worth continuing with, I'd say put in a new stab.

I would definitely go with the new stab, BUT, I would also cut into the bottom of the wing center section and inspect the spars.  A smack-down hard enough the pop the stab in two could also have done damage there that could later fold up on you.  I've had that happen where the damage was totally inside the wing and didn't show until the thing got floppy on me!  Fortunately, I saw it before it happened in the air.

 If you take time to do a quality repair it shouldn't affect the weight enough to matter. Sometimes you'll even surprise yourself and end up losing a slight amount. I say just go for the fix, and get it back in the air.

Any chance the built up unit would weigh less than the sheeted foam that's on there now? I know I've seen comparisons on wings before...built up vs framed up. That would be bonus as i could lose some nose weight and thus overall weight. What's funny is this forerunner weighed 41 oz 17 years ago when i built it and it was TOO light...didn't fly that well...of course especially in the wind. And the nose was weak and the engine runs...well...you know. I was so proud that I got it to come out so light but after re-working the nose (balsa tripler) nowit's a bit heavy.

Chris - Post a photo ... I love Forerunners.


Joe