Fixing Warp

[roboto65]

Hi all I was wondering if there is a way to fix a warp in foam I bought a GWS corsair and the rudder is warped :eek: on the tip How would I go about getting it straight again!!!

Thanks Roboto65

[Virg.]

REPLY TO ROBOTO65

For what it's worth: I have a Graupner Mini-Piper that's made of plain old Styrofoam. I have EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE in "foam maintainance" involving THIS foam. Since I do NOT have experience with GWS foamies (painted? hard surfaced?), my experience may NOT be useful to you and you'll need to continue monitoring this forum!

I once DROVE OVER the entire tail section of the Mini-Piper!!!! I had to "punt", inventing my own restoration procedures. In addition to filling gaps necessary to put the horizontal stab. back in proper incidence, I needed to remove SERIOUS warps in the vertical parts (both fin & rudder). These each had their own individual warps.

I discovered that the foam responded (some) to flexing it AGAINST the warp. The approach involves flexing it holding the part with both thumbs on one side and both forefingers on the opposite side, moving from the bottom of the affected area to the top. You can feel the foam moving a little, with no threat of cracking. Not enough straightening yet? --- Repeat. You'll gain confidence as you go.

There are two other things to consider: 1.) do a forum search on FOAM WARPS; and 2.) if you're NOT in a hurry, check where you bought it for possible replacement of the part(s) if the problem was ALREADY there when you opened the carton.

I think I once saw advice (on some forum or other) that HEAT would help to allow the foam to be flexed back into shape. I've never tried this myself and cannot vouch for its effectiveness.

Good luck,

Virg.

[roboto65]

Thanks will have tryed the bending approch maybe need to add a little more bend but didnt seem to work ohwell and all they do is paint over the foam no hard surface it dings lovely hahahahaha


Thanks

[AirWarriorBelgy]

don't use heat any more than that of a Hair dryer set on low

set it outside in the sun on a bright hot day in the exact position you want it to be in (help if can weight it down) Let it set for a long time (maybe all day)

it works like a charm for me (the hair dryer was too scary....lol)

i get warps all the time from leaving the planes in the Pick up truck (extended cab) i reverse the pressure and let them set awhile to revers the problem.

see this thread for the photo of my "Aircraft Carrier"....lol
http://www.radiocontrolzone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135942



Chuck