SOLDER THE HEAVY-DUTY PARTS
When it comes to soldering large-gauge wire, such as for pushrods and clevises, always clean the parts with sandpaper and use high-silver-content solder and proper flux. Do the same for soldering the wire landing together. I find that Stay Brite silver solder and liquid flux work great. It is important to use a lot of heat when soldering; I use an 80-watt soldering iron with excellent results. To end up with a straight and properly aligned landing gear, you first have to clean all the parts and then attach the base ends to the fuselage with the required straps. Next, use a length of wood and a couple of clothespins to clamp the struts into alignment so that the axles ends can be soldered together. I use thin copper wire to bind the front and rear wires together, wrapping the solder joint area tightly and neatly. Apply a few drops of flux to the wire and the gear struts and then apply heat. Place the soldering iron under the wraps, and apply the solder to the top. When the wires and gear struts are hot enough, the solder will flow smoothly into the joint area. Don’t move the gear until the solder has cooled. Check the alignment of the second side, and repeat the process to complete the job. After the solder has cooled, remove the gear from the fuselage and clean the solder joints using a wire brush and some solvent, such as rubbing alcohol, to remove the leftover flux. Install the wheel and reattach the landing gear after you’ve covered the fuselage.