GREAT PLANES SPITFIRE, 2610 Instruction Manual

WARRANTY

Great Planes

®

Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of
purchase.This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great Planes’ liability
exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assemb led product.By the act of using the user-assembled
product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this
kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax
number, e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package
the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE
OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ1478 for GPMA1478 V1.0Entire Contents © Copyright 2007

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 39 in [990mm]
Wing Area: 272 in2[17.5dm2]
Weight: 40 – 48 oz [1130 – 1360g]
Wing Loading: 21 – 25 oz/ft2[65 – 78g/dm2]
Length: 35.5 in [895mm]
Radio: 4-channel minimum w/4 to 5 micro servos and standard

size receiver

Engine: .25 cu in [4cc] two-stroke, 35-30-1450kV RimFire

™

out-runner motor

INTRODUCTION ...............................................................2

AMA...................................................................................2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................................3

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE........................................3

Radio Equipment .........................................................3

Power System Recommendations ..............................3

Batteries & Charger.....................................................4

Propeller......................................................................4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.....................................4

Required Hardware & Accessories.............................4

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................4

Optional Supplies & Tools ...........................................4

Building Stand.............................................................5

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES......................................5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ..............................5

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS............................................6

METRIC CONVERSIONS .................................................6

KIT INSPECTION..............................................................7

KIT CONTENTS ................................................................7

PREPARATIONS...............................................................8

BUILD THE WING .............................................................8

Install the Ailerons.......................................................8

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods.........................8

Join the Wing.............................................................11

BUILD THE FUSELAGE..................................................12

Install the Horizontal Stabilizer, Elevator & Vertical Fin.......12

Install the Elevator & Rudder Pushrods & Servos..........14

Glow Engine, Fuel Tank & Radio Installation ............15

Out-runner Motor, Battery & Radio Installation.........18

FINISH THE MODEL .......................................................22

Install the Cowl..........................................................22

Final Assembly..........................................................22

Optional Landing Gear..............................................24

Apply the Decals .......................................................25

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY.................................25

Check the Control Directions ....................................25

Set the Control Throws..............................................25

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................26

Balance the Model Laterally ......................................27

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................27

Identify Your Model....................................................27

Charge the Batteries .................................................27

Balance the Propellers..............................................27

Ground Check...........................................................27

Range Check.............................................................27

ENGINE / MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................28

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE...................28

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................28

CHECK LIST ...................................................................29

FLYING ............................................................................29

Fuel Mixture Adjustments..........................................29

Takeoff.......................................................................30

Flight..........................................................................30

Landing......................................................................30

Congratulations on your purchase of one of the Great
Planes Combat Class #2610 Fighters! The Combat Spitfire
ARF is a great flying model suitable for combat flying or
sport flying. Accommodations have been provided for both a
glow engine and a brushless out-runner motor, and optional
landing gear gives the sport flyer the comfort of paved
runway landings.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Combat Spitfire ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.g reatplanes.com.Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the Combat Spitfire ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page.

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club.The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership is required to fly at
AMA clubs.Though joining the AMA provides many benefits,
one of the primary reasons to join is liability protection.
Coverage is not limited to flying at contests or on the club
field. It even applies to flying at public demonstrations and
air shows. Failure to comply with the Safety Code (excerpts
printed in the back of the manual) may endanger insurance
coverage.Additionally, training programs and instructors are
available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right
way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

AMA

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

1.Your Combat Spitfire ARF should not be considered a toy,
but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Combat Spitfire ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

5.You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air .

6.You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights.If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8.While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the
recommended range is used, the modeler is responsible for
taking steps to reinforce the high stress points and/or
substituting hardware more suitable for the increased stress .

9. WARNING: The cowl included in this kit is made of
fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause eye, skin and
respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part to remove
fiberglass dust, as the dust will blow back into your eyes.
Always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber
gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding fiberglass parts.
Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after
working with fiberglass parts.

Remember:Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Combat
Spitfire ARF that may require planning or decision making
before starting to build. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

The Combat Spitfire ARF requires a minimum 4-channel
radio system with four micro servos with a minimum of 35
oz.-in.[2.5 kg-cm] torque. If you are installing a glow engine,
an additional micro servo is required for the throttle.

In addition, two 9" [230mm] servo extensions are required
for the aileron servos. If you are using a radio system that
does not support mixing functions, a Y-harness will also be
required to connect the aileron servos to the receiver.
Recommended part numbers are provided below:

❏ Futaba

®

S3115 Micro Precision Servo (FUTM0415)

❏ Futaba 9" Servo Extension J (FUTM3910)
❏ Futaba 6" Dual Servo Extension J (FUTM4130)

The recommended engine/motor size for the Combat
Spitfire ARF is a .25 two-stroke engine or a RimFire

™

C35-30-1450kV out-runner brushless motor. Engine and
motor order numbers are provided below:

❏ O.S.

®

.25 FX Non-Ringed w/Muffler (OSMG0525)

❏ Great Planes RimFire 35-30-1450kV Out-runner

Brushless Motor (GPMG4600)

If using the recommended brushless motor, the Great
Planes SS-45 brushless ESC is required. Bullet connector
adapters are also required.The adapters can be purchased
pre-assembled, or the individual components can be
purchased to make your own.

Power System Recommendations

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality ,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished model depends on
how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model, and
no representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

❏ Great Planes Silver Series 45A Brushless ESC 5V/2A

BEC (GPMM1840)

❏ Great Planes 4mm Male to 3.5mm Female Bullet

Connector Adapters (GPMM3123)

If you wish to make your own adapters, the following part
numbers will be needed:

❏ Great Planes Gold Plated Bullet Connectors Female

3.5mm (GPMM3113)

❏ Great Planes Gold Plated Bullet Connectors Male

4mm (GPMM3114)

❏ W.S. Deans

®

Racing Silver Solder 1 oz. (WSDC4030)

❏ Hobbico

®

Soldering Iron 60 Watt (HCAR0776)

For a brushless motor installation, a 3200mAh 11.1V
Lithium-Polymer battery pack or a 2000mAh 9.6V NiMH
pack are recommended. Order numbers for the battery
packs are provided below:

❏ Great Planes LiPo 3200mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0623)

❏ Great Planes 8-Cell 9.6V 4/5 SC 2000mAh NiMH

Custom (GPMP0352)

Note: A cell balancer is required for the LiPo battery pack
listed above.

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly

™

Equinox LiPo 1 to 5 Cell

Balancer (GPMM3160)

A suitable charger is also required. The Great Planes
PolyCharge4™is designed for LiPo packs only, but is able to
charge four LiPo packs simultaneously. The Great Planes
Triton2™charger will only charge one pack at a time, but is
capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, and lead acid
batteries. Order numbers for both are provided below:

❏ Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC Only 4 Output LiPo

Charger (GPMM3015)

or

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 DC Comp Peak

Charger (GPMM3153)

For an economical alternative to charge NiMH packs,
we suggest:

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Peak 400 DC 1-10C Peak

Charger (GPMM3001)

If using the O.S. .25 FX glow engine or the Great Planes
35-30-1450kV RimFire out-runner motor, we suggest using
a 9" x 6" propeller.

❏ APC 9" x 6" sport propeller (APCQ0906)

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the Combat Spitfire ARF. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses:

❏ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] – HCAQ1000, or 1/2"

[13mm] – HCAQ1050)

❏ 3' [900mm] Standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to finish the Combat Spitfire ARF:

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6001)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Thread-locking compound (GPMR6060)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 1/8" [3.2mm],

5/32" [4mm]

❏ Great Planes 10-Piece Metric Tap & Drill Set

(GPMR8118, Note: 3mm tap & drill is needed for glow
engine installation only)

❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120)
❏ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❏ Small metal file
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏ Top Flite

®

MonoKote®sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ Liquid dish soap

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Combat Spitfire ARF:

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ Switch & Charge Jack mounting set (GPMM1000)
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

Required Hardware & Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Propeller

Batteries & Charger

4

❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❏ Hobby Heat

™

micro torch (HCAR0750)

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ AccuThrow

™

deflection gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Hobbico flexible 18" ruler stainless steel (HCAR0460)
❏ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)
❏ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏ Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16" collet w/6 bits (HCAR0696)
❏ Hobbico 7-Piece ball tip hex L-wrench

Metric (HCAR0521)

❏ Great Planes clevis installation tool (GPMR8030)
❏ X-Acto

®

Extra Hands double clip (XACR4214)

A building stand or cradle comes in handy during the build.We
use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for all our projects
in R&D and it can be seen in pictures throughout this manual.

• When you see the term

test fit

in the instructions, it
means that you should first position the part on the
assembly without using any glue, then slightly modify or

custom fit

the part as necessar y for the best fit.

• Whenever the term

glue

is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use.When a
specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

• Whenever just

epoxy

is specified you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

•

Photos

and

sketches

are placed before the step they
refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps
to get another view of the same parts.

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However,
some technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway.To vie w this inf ormation visit the web
site at www.greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.”
Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way your model will fly, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Combat Spitfire
ARF are available using the order numbers in the
Replacement Parts List that follows. The fastest, most
economical service can be provided by your hobby dealer or
mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at
www.hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom
of the menu on the left side of the page. Follow the
instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian
or International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone],
but full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will
apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged
sales tax. If order ing via fax, include a Visa®or MasterCard

®

number and expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in
the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or
personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason contact Product
Support by e-mail at [e-mail],
or by telephone at [phone].

Description How to Purchase

Missing parts Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available
Kit parts listed below Hobby Supplier

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Building Stand

5

Replacement Parts List

GPMA2821..............Wing Set

GPMA2822..............Fuse Kit

GPMA2823..............Tail Set

GPMA2824..............Cowl

GPMA2825..............Canopy

GPMA2826..............Landing Gear

GPMA2827..............Engine Mount

GPMA2828..............Decal Sheet

GPMQ4515 ............2-1/4" White Plastic Spinner

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Ver tical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood

" = Inches

mm = Millimeters

SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw

ESC = Electronic Speed Control

1" = 25.4mm (conversion factor)

METRIC CONVERSIONS

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

6

1/64" = .4mm
1/32" = .8mm
1/16" = 1.6mm
3/32" = 2.4mm

1/8" = 3.2mm
5/32" = 4.0mm
3/16" = 4.8mm

1/4" = 6.4mm

3/8" = 9.5mm

1/2" = 12.7mm

5/8" = 15.9mm

3/4" = 19.0mm

1" = 25.4mm
2" = 50.8mm
3" = 76.2mm

6" = 152.4mm
12" = 304.8mm
18" = 457.2mm
21" = 533.4mm
24" = 609.6mm
30" = 762.0mm
36" = 914.4mm

Inch Scale

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Metric Scale

7

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly ,
contact Product Support. When repor ting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in
the Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support:

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

1 Fuselage
2 Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevator Halves (L&R)
3 Canopy
4 Cowl
5 Vertical Fin & Rudder
6 Landing Gear (L&R)
7 Main Wheels (2)

8 Engine Mount

9 Spinner
10 Right Wing Panel (w/Aileron)
11 Left Wing Panel (w/Aileron)

Kit Contents

KIT CONTENTS

1

2 3

4

5

6

7

6

8

10

11

9

❏ 1. If you have not done so already, remove the major

parts of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any
parts are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at
the address or telephone number listed in the

"Kit

Inspection"

section on page 7.

❏ 2. Remove the tape and separate all the control surfaces.

Use a covering iron with a covering soc k on medium/high heat
to tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure over
sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

❏ 1.Test fit a CA hinge into each of the hinge slots in the wing

panels and ailerons. If necessary, enlarge the slots with a

hobby knife. When satisfied with the fit, insert a CA hinge
halfway into each hinge slot in the wing panels. Push a pin
through the middle of each hinge to keep them centered.

❏ 2. Join the ailerons to the wing panels. Position the

ailerons so that there is a 3/32" [2.4mm] gap between the
inside ends of the ailerons and the wing panels.

❏ 3. Remove the pins in the hinges.Adjust the ailerons so

there is a small gap between the LE of the aileron and the
wing. The gap should be small, just enough to see light
through the gap or to slip a piece of paper through.

❏ 4. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of

each hinge without using accelerator.After the CA glue has
hardened, confirm that the ailerons are secure by pulling on
them and deflecting them up and down.

There are servo bays in both the top and bottom of the wing
panels. If you plan to install the optional landing gear (sport
flying), install the servos on the bottom of the wings.If you plan to
use the Combat Spitfire ARF for combat flying, you may choose
not to install the optional landing gear. In this case, install the
servos into the top of the wing panels to protect the servos during
belly landings.The assembly procedure is the same f or both.

❏ 1. Locate and remove the covering from the aileron

servo bays on the bottom (or top) of the wing panels using

a sharp hobby knife.

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

Install the Ailerons

BUILD THE WING

PREPARATIONS

8

❏ 2. Attach a 9" [230mm] servo extension to each aileron

servo.Secure the connection with tape or heat-shrink tubing
(not included).

❏❏3.Pull the outside end of the servo wire string through

the servo bay opening.Tie the string to the end of the servo
extension.The other end of the string is taped to the root rib
of the wing panel.Remove the tape and use the string to pull
the servo wire through the wing panel.

❏❏4. Install the rubber grommets and eyelets that were

included with the servo. Mount the servo in the servo bay
and drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through each mounting hole
location. Remove the servo and install and remove a servo
mounting screw (included with your servo) into each hole.
Apply a couple drops of thin CA into the holes to harden the
wood. When the CA has hardened completely, install the
servo into the servo bay using the servo mounting screws
with the servo spline facing forward.

❏ 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other wing panel.

❏ 6. Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm for

each servo.

❏ 7. Use your radio system to center the servos.Install the

servo arms perpendicular to the ser vo case pointing to the

wing tips.

9

❏ 8.Place a control horn onto each aileron in line with the outer

hole of the servo arm. We used a ruler as a straightedge.
Position the horn so that the holes in the horn are centered
above the aileron hinge line.Use a fine, felt-tip pen or a T-pin to
mark the locations of the control horn screws onto the ailerons.

❏ 9. Drill holes at your marks through the ailerons using a

5/64" [2mm] drill bit. Install the control horns using 2mm x
15mm machine screws and the control horn backplates.The
ends of the screws can be cut flush with the backplates.

❏ 10. Locate a 2mm x 120mm pushrod wire threaded on one

end. Screw a nylon clevis and a silicone clevis retainer onto the
threaded end of the wire 20 full turns. Install the clevis onto the
outer hole of the control horn. (If necessar y, enlarge the hole
with a 5/64" [2mm] bit.) Center the servo arm (perpendicular to
the servo case) and center the aileron (use tape or small clamps
to hold it in place).Mark the location where the wire crosses the
outer hole in the servo arm. Bend the wire 90 degrees at this
mark and cut the excess wire 1/4" [6mm] beyond the bend.
Repeat this step for the other pushrod.

❏ 11. Enlarge the outer hole in the servo arm with a

Hobbico Servo Horn Drill or a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit. Attach the
clevis to the control horn, slide the silicone clevis retainer
over the clevis and install the 90° bend in the wire into the
servo arm and retain it with a nylon FasLink. Connect the
pushrod for the other wing panel the same way.

10