BRODAK Viking wing

[DanielGelinas]

Hi guys,

I'm building a BRODAK Viking and am running into a wing construction problem. I would need your input, especially those who have built the Brodak viking as per the plans.

The problem lies along the trailing edge. If I build as per plans, there is a problem (at least that's the way I see it) when I put the other trailing edge along the bottom of the wing.

The issue is that the plans show the trailing edge is at least 1/4 inch past the wing rib. When I will add the second trailing edge along the bottom, it will cause a gap between the rib and the top trailing edge, unless I clamp the trailing edge along its full length...

I think the pictures show the problem. I hope I was clear enough...

Thanks!

-Dan

[Jim Kraft]

I  have not built a Brodak Viking but have built many wings like that and if you sand a slight bevel in both trailing edges they will fit together and follow the ribs. You may be able to just bevel the one you have not installed yet and it should fit OK. You can trial fit a piece of sheeting to see how much you need to bevel it. Hope this helps.

[Tim Wescott]

What Jim said, except I'd be tempted to bevel the one that's already glued on -- be VERY CAREFUL not to sand or otherwise cut into the ribs, but do your final sanding so that the sheet's bevel exactly matches the taper of the ribs.  Then the other sheet should glue right on.

Lay the wing so the TE is on the bench, shave it with a knife or razor plane, then finish up with sandpaper on a block.

[Crist Rigotti]

Put masking tape on the ribs to prevent from sanding them when you taper the TE sheeting.

[DanielGelinas]

Thanks for the great ideas Guys!!!
-Dan

[Randy Cuberly]

I would mention one other thing about the Brodak Viking built from the kit plans.  It may be different in some other areas of the country but here in the West many years ago it was declared that the Brodak Kit was not legal for old time stunt because of it's sheeted leading edge.  The original Viking did not have a sheeted leading edge and PAMPA Old Time Rules disallow modifying the airfoil...which obviously sheeting a non-sheeted leading edge does!

I'm just providing this as information and do not wish to start an argument over it's validity.
I was personally involved in this decision for VSC many years ago as the "Stickee".

Do what you will.

Randy Cuberly