Horizontal stabiliser question.

[Shay King]

On page 1 of the plans the innermost rib on the stabiliser has the note ‘Flat side’.
Does that mean that rib is on its side, whereas the other two are sharp sides down?
Also, the tubing between the gussets for the 3/16” bolts, what are builders using there. Is it 3/16” inner diameter bushing material or aluminium tubing with a loose fit?

[Kamcoman77]

Inner rib, opening goes toward outer tip, other ribs, opening goes toward inside end. I used aluminum tubing with 3/16" ID for my brace wire gusset supports. I used JB-Weld to epoxy them in place. So did my pal who is building his own XL in my shop.

[Shay King]

Thanks Keith,
That all makes sense now.

[Shay King]

Just for info. Homemade bender for the 5/8” tubing. Made from scrap plywood and steel.

[Shay King]

 Guys, I’ve started on the elevators and have a question. I don’t see a dimension to locate the front central gusset/rib joint on the elevator. Does it line up with the rear central gusset in the stabiliser? Please see picture below.

[Kamcoman77]

Most of them I've seen turned out like this. I made my rib junction at 20" from tip.

[Shay King]

Thanks for that Keith,
Great picture.

[Shay King]

Can anyone tell me what height the horizontal stabilizer should sit above the top longeron? My fuselage is made from a VR3 tube kit and the horizontal stab mounting brackets are made differently to the plans. At the moment the horizontal stab is a bit too high and I need to trim the welded inserts.
Also, when I do that I’m thinking of setting the stab about 2 degrees nose down. This is the setting I’ve gathered from the forum seems to work.
Any advice on that setting very welcome. (Verner engine and 165lb pilot).
Many thanks.

[Kamcoman77]

Here is how ORV did it. This way washers could be added in the front or back to change the stab angle. Set angle so there is no front to back stick pressure at the cruise speed you like best (trial & error).

[Shay King]

Thanks for that Keith.