The first step was to mask off the area to be altered. Then a small piece of styrene was glued in position as a guide for both contour and to set the maximum height of the filler.
The masked area was then filled with a layer of Evercoat Metal Glaze. This automotive grade polyster filler dries quick and can be worked extremely well. I globbed it on with the stick then scraped it smooth to work it the proper height and shape.
The modified rudder fin in position for a check. The sides were widened 1/32" on either side in the center, then faired back towards the tail after the rudder hinge point. Red putty and sanding finished out the imperfections. All it needs now is a coat of primer, some rescribing in places and rivet replacement. The square access plate on either side for the rudder hinge will be masked off and simulated with a few applications of primer to build up the panel.
Here is some initial work done on the rudder linkage mechanism. The brass plate will mount to the hull below the hole drilled for a nyrod control line. A keyed shaft fits through it into the upper rudder to secure it to the plate. The gear at the top of the shaft will mesh with a rack (not pictured). The nyrod will link the rudder servo in the WTC to the rack transferring the servo motion to the gear. The hollow GRP upper rudder fin will mount down over this assembly.
More to come as time, and progress, permits.
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