Question: Do VMAR ARFS use so called one piece "Live" hinges or the two piece hinge with a metal pin holding them together?

Answer: We have used both in the past but since mid 2003 we have used one piece live hinges. We use a proprietary composite hinge material that has a textured surface and is very flexible, extremely strong and bonds well with CA or Epoxy.  Extensive testing and the experience of building 10's of thousands of ARFS using our live hinge material has confirmed that our live hinge allows us to give modelers a nice looking result that is simply the strongest in the industry.

Question: What do you mean by "pinned hinges"?

Answer: When we install the control surfaces using our proprietary composite live hinge material the hinges are glued into place using CA. Then we insert pins through the surfaces and right through both ends of the hinge itself. so that the hinge is trapped into place. The pin is then cut off flush with the surface and pressed further into the substrate. VMAR does this is at least for the hinges are each end of all control surfaces.

Question: What's the big deal? Why bother with this? Why are "pinned hinges" better than "un-pinned hinges"?

Answer: Most ARF manufacturers throw the control surfaces in the box, give you some rough and ready hinges and leave the job of hinging and installing the control surfaces to you. At VMAR we like to put more ARF in all our ARFS so we install your control surfaces at the factory. By using a super strong hinge, gluing it into place and pinning the hinge as well, we are reducing the chance that a control surface will come off in flight. As the builder and flyer of any model, you are responsible for all aspects of flight safety and integrity of the model no matter how much factory work has been done in advance... but we like to help you with this responsibility with a really good hinge, a really good hinge system and pins!

Remember... tug tug tug, test test test before and after each flight. If something is going wrong or loosening up or a sloppy fit is creeping into play, you want to find out on the ground... not in the air!

Question: Do VMAR ARF products come with the control surfaces pre-installed by the factory? Can I expect a clean hinging job and the correct hinge gap?

Answer: Yes Yes and Yes! We put more ARF in our ARFS than anyone in the business so we install the control surfaces for you. This is a real time saver and frankly, most people have trouble getting the control surfaces aligned in all three axis's and a hinge gap that is a gap not a GAP! We have a factory system for doing this and the system turns out a clean installation with consistently good alignment and just the right amount of hinge gap.

Question: I want to increase the throws of my control surfaces. This requires increasing the hinge line gap. Can I do this?

Answer: Yes you can increase the hinge line gap to allow more movement of the control surfaces but you should NOT exceed the maximum recommended "throws" for your particular model.

Increasing the hinge line gap &/or exceeding the maximum recommended throws can lead to unpredictable results &/or control surface flutter and may result in loss of control and a crash.

If you are sure that you want to do this here is what to do:

1. Cut the hinges (only the minimum required, don't cut hinges unless necessary) using a sharp #11 blade.
2. Do not attempt to pull the hinge stubs out, they are glued and possibly pinned as well. Pulling the stubs out will make a heck of a mess. Trim the stubs down flush and leave the rest in place.
3. Rehinge about 1/2" (12mm) over from the original hinge location.
4. Use playing cards or other thin shim material to set the hinge gap.
5. Apply hinge adhesive (Pacer Hinge Glue is recommended) and insert the hinges. Hold the control surface in place using low tack tape.
6. Let the adhesive dry.
7. Test the throws. Ensure the surface moves the way you want it to and that it does not exceed the maximum recommended throw.
8. Pin at least the inboard and outboard hinges to ensure that the control surface cannot come loose even if the hinge glue lets go.
9. Tug Tug Tug on the control surface. Make sure it is secure.
10. Do Not Fly until you are sure that the control surface is securely attached and working properly.