Something I have had trouble with is to have an adjustable nose block. I really did not know what to do early on, had some ideas as I started flying. My best nose block was my last build, the Edge 540. In the Nov/Dec issue of FAC Club News there is an article from my friend Tom, about this front end of our airplanes.
I will plan to use this method in my current and future projects. Here is a drawing from the article:
Here is my last creation:
Although the Guillow line up holes were perfect and the 3/32 pins in my opinion were fine, the weak point was that the nose former was still balsa, and that is where I needed to add plywood for my screws and I started to have problems as my line up holes were breaking out during landings. (My model always did a ground loop as she would trip on her landing gear.
The big differences are:
1. I will be making the front former out of plywood
2. I will use cabinetry nails
3. I will use plywood for my base for prop assembly
4. I will use 3 screws instead of 2 screws for adjustment
The advantages I see are:
1. Stronger nose
2. Stronger alignment pins
3. Better range of adjustment
4. Model will last longer and have more flights
I hope this will help my fellow flyers and interest all modelers.
Mitch... Keep Building, Keep Flying, Keep Improving!