Tail surface rib stitching

[jmodguy]

I am getting ready to start covering my tail feathers over the holiday and have a question about rib stitching the tail feathers. How is everyone finishing their tail feathers? Is stitching required/needed? I plan to stitch the wings just wasn't sure about the tail feathers.
Any guidance/thoughts are appreciated!

Regards
Jeff

[Av8r3400]

I put a couple stitches on mine over each of the forming ribs. Just because the mood struck me to do so. No other reason. Modified model IV, with short ribs only on the fixed horizontal and vertical surfaces.

I don't believe stitching the tail is a mandatory thing.

IMO.

[Dave S]

Jeff,

I did not rib stitch for the Vertical stabilizer, rudder or horizontal stabilizer; however I did put stitches in the elevator.......personal preference based on the "flat" surfaces of the elevator.

Sincerely,

Dave S
KF7 Trigear
912ULS Warp Drive

St Paul, MN

[Dorsal]

I did not stitch any tail surfaces but did do the wings.

[jmodguy]

Thanks for the inputs!

One other question - What are you-uns using for a heater core??
I plan on using two 12v PC power supply fans hooked to a dimmer with an off switch to move the air around.

I decided to go with Stewart Systems for my "skin". Painting isn't a bad thing to know how to do! Besides, the project came with a roll of Poly Fiber.

Regards
Jeff

[Dave S]

Jeff,

I purchased the standard heater core with my kit.....I believe Kitfox still carries these - they have all the hardware & muffin fans that goes with it. The earlier S7 Kitfoxes ran barb fittings straight through the firewall to connect to the core. I believe Kitfox now has a kit which runs hoses through the firewall and AN 180 degree connectors under the panel.

I have to say I like your idea of controlling the muffin fans for the heater....wish I had done that as mine is either on or off and unless it is darn cold outside, I have to keep switching it off and on to keep from frying.

This is a "some day" project for me.....somehow I will eventually retrofit fan controllers to moderate the heat when it isn't really bad cold outside.

Sincerely,

Dave S

Kitfox 7 Trigear
912ULS Warp drive

St Paul, MN