Twister Wing - Maiden Flight Report from the Zaerodrome

Ken Cook wrote:                  Is it stripped or is it turning? You can tap it for a 5-40 Cox screw.Not the best thing to do, but it could work. There's really not enough meat in the existing threads to do that but crazier things have happened.

That's exactly what I did, knowing it would be temporary but adequate for a quick fix without needing to remove the engine. It was stripped, but when I was tapping it for 5-40, it started turning. I got it snug enough for a couple of good running flights, but you could tell by the last flight it wasn't running quite right. But at least I got the flaps tweaked and the wings are level now in both directions. No other trimming was needed, and she only gained an ounce or so after the repair. Not sure exactly since the tank was full when I put it on the scale. And I don't know if Bob's scales match mine either. I don't know how much 4 ounces of fuel weighs. Bob guiesses about 3 oz. So she's in the 42 oz. range. It was 41.7 before the wreck.

I have some details to finish, like carving a fairing to cover the pushrod hole in the wing, plus the Vinyl Tazz letters and numbers. I did a much better job of setting up my controls; from the bellcrank to the flaps and elevator, they are all in lock-step with exact throw proportions in all directions, and feather-touch free movements. Otherwise it flies like the same old Twister. And much prettier than the goofy looking Sig version.

Boy, was it hot! I haven't sweated so much in a year and there was barely a decent breeze for most of the day. But Bob's shop is chillin' and we took a lot of breaks in there.