Aligning the pivot point on angled control surface

[Gnome]

Is there an easy way to align the pivot point for a control surface that is angled but you don't know what the angle is coz you've only just cut the surface out... er, YKWIM.

Can I align to a particular face or edge?

GMAX 1.1 BTW.


Thanks


Kev

[FSEdge]

Unfortunately there's not really an easy way to do this. You'll just need to line up the pivot as best you can. Using at a minimum of two viewports to do it and with practice it will become easier.
I've been kicking around on the idea of writing a script to help somewhat automate this task.  Unfortunately there are too many ways to build a control surface and I am not quite sure how to cover all the variables to get it done just yet.

FSEdge

[Milton]

Man, I can't tell you how many frustrating hours I have spent on this issue.

[Gnome]

Hmm, looks like I'm in for some fiddling then.  :-/

Thanks folks.  If I hinge the ailerons at the centre rather than the top edge then at least they won't be crooked when they move.  I'd just rather hinge them at the top surface for accuracy.

But as the aircraft is my own design, who'd know eh?  


Kev

[Glitch]

Hey Kev how bout a pic.  I don't know if this will help but, for a curved controll surface try this, break the part down to smaller subparts to minimize the curve then split each part along the axis you want as the hinge. Then make each subpart into an elevon. Your suggestion on the thrust vector post caused me to look into elevons. BTW your suggestion for the thrust vector worked perfectly using FSDS2. Thanks.

Glitch

[Gnome]

Oh, not curved, just angled due to wing/tail taper/sweep and I don't know the angle.  I was hoping there was some sort of 'align pivot point with edge' command to make it easy.

Actually, I just muddled on and have made the best animated control surfaces I've ever managed so far so I'm a happy bunny.  

Minimum aeroplane (or ultralight/microlight if you must use the dreadful  vernacular) powered glider.  O/D from the seventies that was waiting for technology to catch up but got overtaken by poverty.  Still, it flies in FS.  :-)

Upload when my FS9 test pilot gives the OK for that sim too.  Works beautifully in FS2002.

Glad you got the vectored thrust sorted too.  


Kev