E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF User Manual
Shoestring 15e ARF
Assembly Manual
Notice
All instructions, warranties and other collateral
documents are subject to change at the sole
discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date
product literature, visit http://www.horizonhobby.
com and click on the support tab for this product.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the product
literature to indicate various levels of potential harm
when operating this product:
This is a sophisticated hobby product and NOT a
toy. It must be operated with caution and common
sense and requires some basic mechanical
ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or
damage to the product or other property. This
product is not intended for use by children without
direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly,
use with incompatible components or augment
product in any way without the approval of Horizon
Hobby, Inc. This manual contains instructions for
safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to
read and follow all the instructions and warnings
in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in
order to operate correctly and avoid damage or
serious injury.
PROPELLER
Keep loose items that can get entangled in the
propeller away from the prop, including loose clothing
or other objects such as pencils and screwdrivers.
Especially keep your hands away from the propeller as
injury can occur.
BATTERIES
Notes on Lithium Polymer Batteries
When misused, lithium polymer batteries are
significantly more volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/
Ni-MH batteries used in RC applications. Always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using and
disposing of any batteries. Mishandling of Li-Po batteries
can result in fire causing serious injury and damage.
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create a possibility of physical property damage
AND a little or no possibility of injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create the probability of physical property damage
AND a possibility of serious injury.
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create the probability of property damage, collateral
damage, and serious injury OR create a high
probability of superficial injury.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction
manual to become familiar with the features of the
product before operating. Failure to operate the
product correctly can result in damage to the
product, personal property and cause serious injury.
Warnings
Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions
before use. Improper use can result in fire, serious
injury and damage to property.
Age Recommendation: Not for children under
14 years. This is not a toy.
COMPONENTS
Use only with compatible components. Should any
compatibility questions exist, please refer to the
product instructions, the component instructions or
contact Horizon Hobby, Inc.
FLIGHT
Fly only in open areas to ensure safety. It is
recommended flying be done at AMA (Academy of
Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites. Consult local
laws and ordinances before choosing a location to fly
your aircraft.
SMALL PARTS
This kit includes small parts and should not be left
unattended near children as choking and serious injury
could result.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Checkallcontrolsurfacespriortoeachtakeoff.
• Donotflyyourmodelnearspectators,parkingareas
or any other area that could result in injury to people
or damage of property.
• Donotflyduringadverseweatherconditions.
Poor visibility and/or strong winds can cause
disorientation and loss of control of your aircraft.
• Donottakechances.Ifatanytimeduringflightyou
observe any erratic or abnormal operation, land
immediately and do not resume flight until the cause
of the problem has been ascertained and corrected.
Safety can never be taken lightly.
• Donotflynearpowerlines.
2 E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Table of Contents
Notice ......................................................................2
Meaning of Special Language ...................................2
Warnings ................................................................. 2
Introduction .............................................................. 3
Important Information Regarding Warranty Information 3
Specifications ...........................................................3
Using the Manual .....................................................3
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout ......................................4
Covering Colors ........................................................ 4
Before Starting Assembly ..........................................4
Hardware/Accessory Sizes .......................................4
Recommended Radio Equipment ................................ 4
Recommended Sport Setup ........................................4
Recommended Racing Setup ..................................... 4
Optional Accessories ................................................4
Required Tools and Adhesives ...................................4
Landing Gear Installation ..........................................5
Hinging the Ailerons .................................................7
Installing the Aileron Servos ...................................... 8
Hinging the Elevators ..............................................10
Wing and Stabilizer Installation ............................... 13
Rudder and Fin Installation ......................................15
Servo and Receiver Installation ................................17
Motor and Speed Control Installation .......................19
Cowling Installation .................................................21
Decal Installation ....................................................23
Center of Gravity .................................................... 24
Control Throws .......................................................24
Preflight ..................................................................25
Range Test Your Radio ............................................. 25
Flying Your Model ...................................................26
Daily Flight Checks ................................................. 27
Limited Warranty .................................................... 27
Warranty Services ..................................................28
Compliance Information for the European Union ...... 28
Academy of Model Aeronautics
National Model Aircraft Safety Code ..............29
Introduction
Congratulations on buying the Shoestring 15e. You
have purchased what is arguably one of the most
fun airplanes in the marketplace today. Originally
designed as a fast sport flyer to bring an adrenaline
rush to mid- to advanced-level pilots, the project
quickly advanced to an even greater purpose. Working
with legendary designers Dan Kane and Jerry
Small, we developed the airplane into the standard
for the upcoming Electric Formula One racing class
from the NMPRA (National Miniature Pylon Racing
Association).
We have designed a unique cowl system that includes
all the graceful curves of the front of the fuselage into
one piece that stretches back to the mid canopy point.
This allows for very easy maintenance, easy mounting
of equipment, and great cooling for the EP power
system. We also elected to use mini servos throughout
to save weight and expense.
Power for your airplane can be anything from our
Power 15 motor on a 3S setup and 10 x 10E prop
(prop clearance limits anything longer) to a full blown
race setup with our new Power 25 1250Kv on 4S and
an 8 x 8E prop turning about 15,000 rpm. The sport
setup will put you in the 80 mph range while the race
setup has been clocked at about 115 mph.
The airplane is a smooth flyer and goes exactly
where you point it. Make sure all your friends pick up
one of these kits, then challenge each other to some
impromptu racing for bragging rights at your local
field. You’ll have a blast!
Important Information
Regarding Warranty Information
Please read our Warranty and Liability Limitations
section before building this product. If you as the
Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the
liability associated with the use of this Product, you are
advised to return this Product immediately in new and
unused condition to the place of purchase.
Specifications
Wingspan: 50.5 in (128cm)
Length: 38.3 in (97.3cm)
Wing Area: 375 sq in (24.2 sq dm)
Weight with battery: 3.4–3.5 lb
(1.55–1.70 kg)
Weight w/o battery: 2.8–3.1 lb
(1.25–1.40 kg)
Using the Manual
This manual is divided into sections to help make
assembly easier to understand and to provide breaks
between each major section. In addition, check boxes
have been placed next to each step to keep track
of its completion. Steps with a single circle () are
performed once, while steps with two or more circles
() indicate the step will require repeating, such as
for a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
3E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Before Starting Assembly
Recommended Racing Setup
Replacement Parts
EFL420501 Fuselage with Hatch
EFL420502 Main Wing Set with Ailerons
EFL420503 Tail Set
EFL420504 Landing Gear with Axle
EFL420505 Wheel pants set (painted)
EFL420506 EP Standoff set (8pcs)
EFL420507 Cowl (painted)
EFL420508 Wing tube
EFL420509 Fuselage hatch
EFL420510 Hardware Bag
EFL420511 Landing Gear with Axles
EFL420512 Wing Mounting Clips
Covering Colors
Midnight Blue HANU885
Sky Blue HANU875
Bright Yellow HANU872
Hardware/Accessory Sizes
Main wheel 2-inch (52mm)
Tail wheel 1/2-inch (13mm)
Before beginning the assembly of your model, remove
each part from its bag for inspection. Closely inspect
the fuselage, wing panels, rudder and stabilizer for
damage. If you find any damaged or missing parts,
contact the place of purchase.
If you find any wrinkles in the covering, use a heat gun
(HAN100) and covering glove (HAN150) or covering
iron (HAN101) with a sealing iron sock (HAN141) to
remove them. Use caution while working around seams
or areas where the colors overlap to prevent pulling
the seams.
Recommended Radio Equipment
You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter,
receiver and four servos.
Recommended Transmitter
SPMR5510 DX5e DSMX® 5-Channel
Transmitter Only
Additional Items
SPMAR7010 AR7010 7-Channel DSMX
Receiver
SPMSA5030 Mini Digital Aircraft Servo (2)
JRPS388 Digital Micro Metal
Gear Servo (2)
SPMA3001 6-inch (152mm) Servo
Extension (2)
Recommended Sport Setup
Motor: Power 15 Brushless 975Kv
Outrunner (EFLM4015A)
Speed Control: 40A Pro Switch-Mode BEC BL
ESC (EFLA1040)
Battery: 3200mAh 3S 11.1V 30C Li-Po
Battery (EFLB32003S30)
Spinner: 1.5-inch Aluminum Bullet
Spinner (EFLSP150B)
Propeller: 10 x 10E (APC10010E)
Motor: Power 25 BL 1250Kv
Outrunner (EFLM4025B)
Speed Control: 60A Pro Switch-Mode BEC BL
ESC (EFLA1060)
Battery: 4S 14.4V 30C Li-Po Battery
(EFLB25004S30)
Spinner: 1.5-inch Aluminum Bullet
Spinner (EFLSP150B)
Propeller: 8 x 8E (APC08080E)
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
EFLC3025 Celectra™ 80W AC/DC Multi-
Chemistry Battery Charger
Required Tools and Adhesives
Tools & Equipment
Drill Epoxy brush
Felt-tipped pen Flat blade screwdriver
Low-tack tape Light machine oil
Long nose pliers Mixing cup
Mixing sticks Needle nose pliers
Paper towels Pencil
Pin vise Phillips screwdriver: #1, #2
Rubbing alcohol Ruler
Sandpaper T-pins
Side cutter Square
Straight edge Toothpicks
Balancing stand (optional)
Open end or box wrench: 10mm, 13mm
Hook and loop strap (EFLH1444)
Hook and loop tape (DUB348)
Hobby knife with #11 blade
Hex wrench or ball driver: 2.5mm, 3/32-inch, 3mm
Drill bit: 1/32-inch (1mm), 1/16-inch (1.5mm),
5/64-inch (2mm), 1/8-inch (3mm),
5/32-inch (4mm)
Adhesives
Medium CA PAAPT02
Thin CA PAAPT08
Threadlock PAAPT42
30-minute epoxy PAAPT39
Plastic Tape, Clear, 3/4 x 125-inch MMM190CL
4 E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
During the course of building your model, we
suggest you use a soft base for the building surface.
Such things as a foam stand, large piece of
bedding foam or a thick bath towel will work well
and help protect the model from damage during
assembly. This is not shown in the instructions
to provide the greatest detail in the photos.
When referencing directions (up, down, left,
right, top and bottom), take note that these are
in relationship to the pilot sitting in the cockpit
of the aircraft unless noted otherwise.
Before starting the assembly of your model, we
recommend preparing your radio system for
installation. This includes charging the transmitter and
receiver batteries, as well as centering the trims and
sticks on your transmitter. If using a computer radio,
make sure to reset a model memory and name it for
this particular model. We also recommend binding
the transmitter and receiver at this time, following
the instructions provided with your radio system.
Landing Gear Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage Wheelpant (right and left)
Landing gear fairing (left and right)
Main wheel (2) Axle with hardware (2)
Aluminum landing gear
Located with Fusealge
4mm washer (2) 4mm lock washer (2)
4mm x 15mm socket head bolt (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Felt-tipped pen Drill
Light machine oil Drill bit: 5/32-inch (4mm)
Threadlock Flat blade screwdriver
Hobby scissors Hobby knife with #11 blade
Open-end wrench: 10mm
Hex wrench or ball driver: 2.5mm, 3mm
Always use threadlock on metal-to-metal fasteners
to prevent them from vibrating loose.
1. Secure the landing gear to the bottom of the
aircraft using two 4mm x 15mm socket head bolts,
two 4mm washers and two 4mm lock washers. The
straight side of the gear faces to the front of the
aircraft. Use a 3mm hex wrench or ball driver to
tighten the bolts.
2. Use hobby scissors and a hobby knife with
a #11 blade to trim the landing gear fairings.
Leave the size of the fairings slightly over-sized.
3. Fit the landing gear fairings over the gear.
Slowly trim the fairings to fit to the fuselage. When
installed, they will cover the area where the landing
gear attaches to the fuselage. Use clear tape to
secure the fairings to the fuselage.
We highly recommend re-binding the radio
system once all the control throws are set. This will
keep the servos from moving to their endpoints
until the transmitter and receiver connect.
5E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
4. Remove the hardware from the axle. Place a
drop of light machine oil on the axle to help the
wheel roll freely.
5. Slide the axle into the wheel.
Always use threadlock on metal-to-metal fasteners
to prevent them from vibrating loose.
6. Use a 2.5mm hex wrench or ball driver to
secure the wheel using the shorter 4mm x 5mm
button head screw and 4mm washer removed
from the axle.
8. Use the longer 4mm x 12mm button head screw
and 4mm washer to secure the wheel and wheel
pant to the landing gear. Use a 2.5mm hex wrench
or ball driver to tighten the screw. Use a 10mm
open-end wrench to hold the axle while tightening
the screw.
9. Repeat Steps 4 through 8 to install the remaining
wheel and wheel pant on the landing gear.
7. Slide the wheel into the wheel pant. You may
need to flex the pant open slightly to get the
wheel to fit.
6 E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Hinging the Ailerons
Required Parts
Left wing panel with aileron
Right wing panel with aileron
Required Tools and Adhesives
T-pin Thin CA
Pin vise Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
1. Remove the aileron and hinges from the wing
panel. Use a pin vise and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill
bit to drill a hole in the center of each hinge slot.
Drill holes in both the aileron and wing. This creates
a tunnel for the CA to wick into, making a better
bond between the hinge and surrounding wood.
3. Place the hinges in the aileron as shown.
4. Slide the aileron back into position.
5. Remove the T-pins, then press the aileron tightly
against the wing. Center the aileron in the opening
and check that it can move freely without binding
at the root or tip. Wick thin CA into the top and
bottom of all three hinges.
6. Once the CA has fully cured. Gently pull on the
aileron to make sure the hinges are secure. If any
hinges are loose, reapply CA to the hinge. Flex the
aileron through its range of motion a number of
times to break in the aileron hinges.
2. Place a T-pin in the center of each of the three
hinges. This will center the hinges when installed in
the aileron.
When gluing the hinges, do not use CA
accelerator. The CA must be allowed to
soak into the hinge to provide the best bond
between the hinge and surrounding wood.
7. Repeat Steps 1 through 7 to hinge the
remaining aileron.
7E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Installing the Aileron Servos
Required Parts
Wing panel (right and left)
Transmitter Receiver
Control horn (2) Receiver battery
Thin wing servos with hardware (2)
Metal clevis (2)
2-inch (52mm) linkage with 2mm nut (2)
2mm x 12mm sheet metal screw (4)
Control horn backplate (2)
6-inch (152mm) servo extension (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Side cutter Phillips screwdriver: #1
Thin CA String or dental floss
Pin vise
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
1. Remove the servo cover from the wing by
removing the four 2mm x 12mm sheet metal screws
using a #1 Phillips screwdriver. Do not let the string
fall into the wing as it is used to pull the servo lead
through the wing.
2. Install the rubber grommets and brass eyelets in
the servo. Place the servo between the tabs on the
servo cover with the output of the servo over the
opening in the cover. With the servo spaced slightly
off the cover, use a pencil to mark the location for
the servo mounting screws.
3. Use a pin vise and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to
drill the holes for the servo mounting screws.
4. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to thread a servo
mounting screw into each of the holes to cut threads
in the surrounding wood. Remove the screw before
moving to the next step.
5. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA in each of the holes
to harden the surrounding wood. This will harden
the threads so the screws do not easily strip the
surrounding wood.
8 E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
6. Secure the servo using the screws provided with
the servo and a #1 Phillips screwdriver. The output
shaft of the servo will align with the opening in the
cover. Center the aileron servo using the radio system.
8. Fit the servo horn to the servo so it is
perpendicular to the servo. Use side cutters
to remove the arms that do not protrude
through the cover.
10. Tie the string around the extension. Use the
string to pull the extension through the wing root.
7. Use a pin vise and 5/64-inch (2mm) drill bit
to enlarge the hole in the servo arm 1/2 inch
(13mm) from the center of the servo horn. Remove
the arms from the servo horn that will not be used
using side cutters.
9. Use string or dental floss to secure a 6-inch
(152mm) servo extension to the aileron servo lead.
11. Apply 1–2 drops of thin CA in each of the
holes to harden the surrounding wood for the
aileron cover screws.
9E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
12. Secure the aileron servo cover using the four
2mm x 12mm sheet metal screws remove in step 1
and a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
13. Use a pin vise and 5/64-inch (2mm) drill bit to
drill the two holes completely through the aileron for
the aileron control horn mounting screws. The holes
have already been started and are easily found on
the bottom of the aileron
14. Attach the control horn to the aileron using two
2mm x 12mm sheet metal screws and a control
horn backplate. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to
tighten the screws.
15. With the aileron servo centered, attach the
Z-bend of the 2-inch (52mm) pushrod to the aileron
servo horn. Thread a clevis on the pushrod. Adjust
the clevis so when it is attached to the control horn
the aileron is centered. Tighten the 2mm nut against
the clevis using needle nose pliers to prevent the
clevis from vibrating loose.
16. Repeat steps 1 through 15 to install the
remaining aileron servo and linkage.
10 E-flite Shoestring 15e ARF Assembly Manual
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