Hinging Tail Surfaces with Micafilm  

Denny Maize from Polecat (XP-3) leaked out this improved method for
hinging DLG tailfeathers.

The hinge material is a strip of covering called Micafilm. It has mica fibers 
in it for reinforcement. Unlike most other covering material it does not have a 
glue backing. After you insert it in the edge slots, CyA will leach into the 
hinge material and glue it into the slots, yet the hinge will still remain 
flexible. Tower hobbies probably still sells Micafilm. 
Micafilm is a fiber reinforced covering which makes it a thin, light, strong, 
permanent hinge that seals the full length of the joint. Forget worrying about 
replaceing tape hinges when the sticky no longer sticks.
I've used this hinge material on my Avenger II and my Bug x-tail.
Works great. The entire length of the hinge is sealed yet you never have to 
worry about hinge tape needing to be replaced.

I don't know how Denny inserts the micafilm into the XP-3 tail slots. Here's 
my method that was previously posted to the BugHLG Yahoo group (post 266) 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BugHLG/ :

I use an exacto #11 blade to split the mating surfaces their full length 
about 1/8" deep.  Place the micafilm strip into the slots allowing a 
1/32" gap of micafilm between the two surfaces. Apply thin CyA to the gap to 
leach into the micafilm hinge. 
I use Pearl white micafilm (it's the lightest and cheapest) but Denny is fond 
of red. 
How do you insert the Micafilm into the slots? You're right. It isn't easy. 
If the slot is wide enough (use exacto knife to cut slot) you can start with 
a long strip of Micafilm(a couple of inches longer than the hinge length). 
Keep it taught by holding it on the ends and start the strip at an angle in 
one end of the slot. Keep moving the strip back and forth while you reduce 
the angle and insert it further and further into the slot. You might have to 
repeat this a few times before you get it right. There's probably other ways 
to do it but this works for me.
Photos are posted in the Gallagher Folder of the Bug group.

John