Easy way to get the screws through the tires.

Ever get frustrated trying to get those pesky little machine screws through the hard rubber tires? Here is a great way to get all three tires ready in minutes. You'll need a large "T"pin. A way of heating it up. I use my small butane torch. And a pair of needle nose pliers to hold the pin with. Heat the pin up and push it through the aluminum hub, tire and out the other side. It will go through like butter. Reheat the pin for every hole. The machine screw will push through easily and be perfectly on line with the opposing hole. You'll have all 3 wheels done in 10 minutes. Try it. It works great.

Thanks to Bob Beaudette for this handy tip.

Balsa Bandit
Wing Sheeting Notes

Balsa is a product of nature and therefore it naturally varies in grain type and hardness. The wing, stab and fin skins are pre-joined and laser cut to fit the structures after a selection process is performed at the BVM factory. The skins are of good quality but of course, cannot be perfectly uniform (natures way), so here are some tips to help you best apply the skins.
Choose 2 wing & stab skins that are the hardest (heaviest) of the 4 provided. Designate them to be used on the top of the surface. This will provide the sub surface for the best finish after the resin, cloth, and paint are applied. The tougher skins on the top will also provide the maximum resistance to positive "G" loads when the top skins are in compression.
Check both sides of the skins for any unsanded saw marks. If any are visible, designate this side to face inward to the structure. If the skins are a bit too hard to conform to the curvature of the wing toward the L.E. the old technique of applying a 50/50 mix of amonia and water to the outside surface really facilitates the bending process. Apply with a fine spray or wipe on with a dampened sponge.
We check the skins for a continuous glue joint but you may check them as well. If a void exists between the 3" or 4" panels, apply thin CA to a razorblade and then to the skin joint. Block sand this area on a smooth surface with #320 paper.

Federal Standard Color Infomation

For those of you that want to paint your BVM jet to match the real one's, you'll need to contact the Federal Support Services Bureau to receive the correct color chips. They offer individual color chips or a complete book of color chips. You can contact them at the following address and phone number.

Federal Support Services Bureau
Specifications Section
470 East L’Enfant Plaza Southwest Suite 8100
Washington, DC 20407

Include a label with your return address, allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery.
TEL 202-619-8925
FAX 202-619-8978

Z bend control linkages

Some of our kits show "Z" bends as the method of linking a 1/16" wire control rod to a servo arm or control horn.
This is a simple and effective system if you have a good set of Z bend pliers. We have discovered that these tools vary in quality and precision and therefore produce different results.
Jets require "slop free" linkages, so if your Z bend pliers do not produce the proper result, do not use this method of linkage. Rather, employ the use of solder clevises. We use the Dubro brand with the Stay-Brite silver solder BVM #5786.
Keep all control linkages as straight as possible, don't wallow out a hole in the servo arm for the sake of convenience, and please don't fly your jet until all of these very important items (control linkages) are accomplished correctly. Control surface flutter can cause a crash. BVM instructions are very detailed in this area.