I have stumbled into another issue with the Super Clown.  The instructions in the manual for attaching the flaps refer to the use of thin C/A in combination with the thin C/A hinges.  The flaps in my kit are actually notched for the barrel type (Klett) plastic hinges.  My problem is that the hinge slots are extremly narrow.  If I open them up in order to use epoxy (Standard procedure for installing the Klett style hinge), there will be very little wood left for strength.  Is it possible to use thin C/A to install these hinges???

Harold,

1. John is spot on. Please head his advice and don't ever use CA type hinges in CL planes. They are far too stiff for CL use. They are very clever hinges and work OK in RC planes because modern servos have enough power to move the surface and overcome this stiffness issue, we do not have this luxury in CL.

2. Thin CA should ONLY be used on CA type hinges and those wonderful cloth hinges from our childhood. Please do not use thin CA on any barrel hinge, or any plastic hinge. It is marginal at best.

3. Epoxy is the best and safest material to use in hinging. ....... If you absolutely must use thin CA on barrel hinges, as John suggests, then use his method of drilling a hole in the middle of each side of the hinge. But, after applying the thin CA you need to insert some form of dowel into the hole to mechanically secure the hinge, a tooth pick works great.

4. THE BEST METHOD:
    Robart Hinge Points are the easiest; fastest; strongest; smoothest; and most scale like method of hinging our surfaces. They can be cut shorter, and or thinner, as needed to fit in smaller flaps like yours. Dip the hinge part in Vaseline just like you do with barrel hinges, and use just enough Epoxy to coat the inside of the barbs.

    I have used these hinges for more decades than I care to admit (Yikes! It seems like it was just yesterday that I was 9 yrs. old flying my OK Cub powered Baby Clown! ;-). I use the small ones on 18 oz. planes and the large 3/16" ones for 36 lb. planes. I have never had a hinge failure with these.

5. If you are using traditional silkspan covering, you may want to consider traditional cloth hinges. They work well and would look cool on your Super Clown. :-) ..... If you are using film covering, you can use the weave method just like the old cloth hinges used. This method also works well, especially on thin surfaces.

6. Hinging is important: .......Please always use Epoxy; .... Never use CA type hinges in CL planes; ...... Make your life easy and safe: use Robart hinges. 


The package below includes enough hinges for many planes (friends) and their excellent centering and drill guide tool (Please do not try to use these without using their guide tool):

                  http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXADE6&P=7