How to deal with tail heavy models

377 stratocruiser · 05-11-2016, 09:56 PM

Since not all models are perfect some are tail heavy, for example my delta l-100

377 stratocruiser · 05-11-2016, 09:57 PM

So I put a coin underneath the model and it looks like it's taking off

377 stratocruiser · 05-11-2016, 09:58 PM

Also the case for my 377 prototype which is tail heavy

377 stratocruiser · 05-11-2016, 09:59 PM

I put a piece of plastic underneath it

A Tupolev · 05-12-2016, 09:42 PM

I use a grinder and trim part of the tail off until it gets balanced.

Rudi · 05-13-2016, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Tupolev

I use a grinder and trim part of the tail off until it gets balanced.

You do ... What???

pb5m5kc · 05-13-2016, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Tupolev

I use a grinder and trim part of the tail off until it gets balanced.

Grinder

? could you please elaborate which part to trim without damaging the paint

TheFSXPilot · 05-13-2016, 10:50 AM

I put them on a stand.

Diogenes the Cynic · 05-14-2016, 03:36 AM

I've noticed that if you have a true to scale model, sometimes it's impossible not to have a tail tipper. I got around it for my 1st model plus another which is in slow development by thinking outside the square. - lol. Some diecast manufacturers 'cheat' to bring the center of gravity forward. Typically they will overscale the wing thickness to get a bit more metal forward of the wing landing gear. Remember the Dragon Constellation in 1/400, they mucked it up and had to put wheel chocks under the wing landing gear. Plastic tail is another way of keeping the center of gravity forward.

make.me.laugh · 05-14-2016, 04:10 AM

G'day,

I just use removable "clear sticky Dots" and press down the front gear into it. They're removable and don't leave any sticky substance to the wheels and have the added benefit that models don't roll off the shelf if accidentally bumped or there is an earth tremor.

Here is a link to them
Bostik Bostick BLU Blue Tack Glue Sticky Sticki GLU Dots Removable 64 805828 NEW | eBay

Cheers Lou

TheFSXPilot · 05-14-2016, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by make.me.laugh

G'day,

I just use removable "clear sticky Dots" and press down the front gear into it. They're removable and don't leave any sticky substance to the wheels and have the added benefit that models don't roll off the shelf if accidentally bumped or there is an earth tremor.

Here is a link to them
Bostik Bostick BLU Blue Tack Glue Sticky Sticki GLU Dots Removable 64 805828 NEW | eBay

Cheers Lou

I would of never thought of that.

Eagle_Flyer · 05-14-2016, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Tupolev

I use a grinder and trim part of the tail off until it gets balanced.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudi

You do ... What???

Hmm yes, I almost spilt my tea when I read that

Could have been worse, I was on beer the other night

The bostik dots does sound interesting. Other than that it's either have a clear stand beneath the model or in flight mode on a stand if it allows for one.

AVPaegle · 05-31-2016, 08:46 AM

I had a brand new American 1/200 757 with the current livery fall of my shelf because of the heavy tail. The aircraft turned to pieces.

Tim Simms · 06-16-2016, 05:25 AM

My first 1:400 planes were the Corsair 747-300's and the 747-sp by gemini. One of the 300's and the sp are tail heavy, I used a small piece of a bread bag clip and slipped it under their rear landing gear and they sit just fine.

willigenburg · 06-16-2016, 07:22 AM

I think you should get rid of your loadmaster :-P

HoRad · 06-16-2016, 09:58 PM

I generally use a small piece of double-sided tape (3M or Tesa), about 3 x 3mm in size, which I put under the front undercarrige. I used Blue Tack before but after some 5 to 10 years it became "soft" and was difficult to remove from the wheels. It would also leave a "fat stain" of the underground.