Estes Puma #7256 Build, Part 4, Rudder and Engine Fit

The vertical stab is two piece. Probably a good idea for strength, the balsa is 1/16" thick.

The downward wing extension goes into the two slots at the rear of the engines. The tabs on the down piece should have been made a little longer so whatever sticks out the bottom could be sanded flat with the bottom surface. There will be gaps underneath.

Here's how the tabs interlock with the outside edge of the wings.

I decided to fill the gap with some 1/16" strips of balsa.
These were thin but I still had to sand the down piece tabs to shorten them a little bit.






After the fill pieces dried they were sanded to surface.
More CWF followed and a shot of primer/filler.

(I know, way too much work for an assembly like this.)