nashtm

Hi

My latest plane is a fun fly called an XC Models F3D - it is actually a Modeltech Imagine 90
in disguise. It has > 1000 sq inches of wing area and is powered by a 91FX.
It differs from the Imagine in that is has a single metal wing hold down bolt.
The construction of the hold down is great but never the less there is only one !!

Is this a cause for concern ?
Do other models use this method ?

Thanks

Jimmbbo

Hard to tell without pics of the hold down...

A single #10 steel hold down bolt will not fail in any mode under any load you could impose with that airplane (other than a full power dive into the ground at max speed, in which case the wings remaining attached is a moot point ) and therefore is not an issue.

How the hold down structure is designed is critical to the longevity of your airplane regardless of the number of bolts, however...

Cheers!

Jim

Texastbird

There's only one bolt on my Hangar 9 small Cap 232 and it hasn't failed yet. I was a little worried about it and almost decided to change it to 2 bolts, but it has proved to be ok after several unplanned close encounters with terra firma. As long as its sturdy and glued in good I'd go with it.

nashtm

Hi

I am more concerned about it vibrating loose than anything else. With two if one comes loose you still have another !!!

mwunsworth

My Feedback: (13)

If you are worried about the bolt vibrating loose then put just a little blue (removable) locktight on the threads of the bolt. This will create enough friction so the bolt won't vibrate loose. Remember, just a very little amount of locktight. If you put too much then the bolt may be hard to remove.

red head

I fly a lot of the Modelfly planes from Italy and they all use one bolt, granted the wing area is less. I've been flying them for about 10 years and have never had a failure and the bolts are NYLON. You can check out the type planes at: falcon-trading.com. I put them all through He--- except the Cessna and it isn't supposed to do airobatics any way. Like they said just use a little locktite if the manufacture built it that way it should work. (famous last words ) ENJOY !!!!! RED

nashtm

Thanks All

I will put some removable locktite on periodicly to ensure the bolt has a tight fit.

tIANci

Single bolt is strong enough so a 40-60 sized plane, only thing that can go wrong may be the plate where the blind nut is attached to. Do CA the whole thing. The TT Spirit had problems with the plate, it can come loose.