Geminee Thunder - stronger fuselage

[Gregory Wong]

Hey there.

While Edmonds Aerospace was still in business, I built a number of Geminee Thunder twin boost gliders. I even fitted one pair with blinking LEDs for a night launch at Robertson Park. I also built a clone after Edmonds went out of business. One thing that frequently happens on rough landings is the fuselage snaps in the same place (see red arrow in attached pic). For my next clone, I’m considering using basswood plywood for the fuselage while retaining the balsa wood for the other parts. Anyone else have a suggestion on strengthening the fuselage?

—Greg

[Michael Parker]

You want to talk to Kevin McGrath (kj_mcgrath <you know the drill> yahoo.com) - He's got an Edmond's Aerospace kit that looks a lot like that but single wing (?). He's flown it at Snow Ranch a zillion times. It's awesome whether or not it crashes - but yes, Kevin has rebuilt that glider many, many times. I'm sure he's tried all sorts of ways to strengthen it.

It feel like switching to basswood would help. And, papering (printer paper and wood glue) the basswood might help. Or 2 oz fiberglass cloth and some epoxy? But, as we add weight, you could run into trim problems. 

Mike