GREAT PLANES ESCAPADE .61 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan: 68 in [1725 mm]

Wing Area: 813 in

Wing Loading: 23−26 oz/ft

2

[52.4 dm2]

2

[70−79 g/dm2]

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-assembled 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

Length: 58.5 in [1485mm]
Weight: 8.25 − 9 oz [3740−4080 g]

Radio: 4-channel radio system with 5 servos

Engine: .61− .95 in

™

Electric Motor: RimFire™ .80, 60A ESC

Battery: Two 3S 5000mAh 11.1V LiPo

3

[10–15.5cc] two-stroke, .91 – 1.20 in3 [15– 20 cc] four-stroke

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.

Entire Contents © 2010 Hobbico,® Inc. All rights reserved. GPM A1201 Mnl

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

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

Motor Battery Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

Engine Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

Required Hardware and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

TIGHTEN THE COVERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Install the Aileron Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Install the Elevator and Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Mount the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Removing the Fuselage Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Mount the Electric Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Mount the Glow Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Mount the Engine (without the cowl) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

INSTALL THE COWL (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

MOUNT THE FUEL TANK OR BATTERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Mount the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Mount the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

HOOK UP THE THROTTLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Two-Stroke Hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Four-Stroke Hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

FINAL ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Install the Fuel Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Final Radio Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Install the Canopy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Install the Propeller and Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Install and Connect the Motor Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Balance the Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Ground Check and Range Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Fuel Mixture Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Flight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

INTRODUCTION

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Escapade .61 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at www.

greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the

Escapade .61 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.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join! The
AMA is the governing body of model aviation and membership

provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights
and interests and is required to fl y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can

do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid

fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over

groups of people.

SAFETY PRE CAUTION S

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…
Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Escapade 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 Escapade could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property if not assembled and
operated correctly.

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 unfl yable 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 good condition,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specifi ed
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model

and all components before every fl ight.

5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member of a club, your

2

local hobby shop has information about clubs in your area
whose membership includes experienced pilots.

6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying,
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.

7. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit

are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
(wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass 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 fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the
work area thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.

Following are the other suggested items if powering your
Escapade with an electric motor:

❍ Suitable propeller and spare propellers (APC 15” x 8E”

APCQ4013)

❍ 8mm prop reamer (for propellers and included spinner

– GPMQ5007)

IMPORTANT: The Escapade requires two 3S battery packs.

Before experimenting with different battery combinations and
connecting multiple battery packs with adapter plugs, refer to

the Battery Precautions on page 22.

Radio Equipment

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished 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.

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

DECISI ONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Escapade

that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

If powering your Escapade with an electric motor:

4-channels are required to fl y the Escapade. However, the
number of servos required is fi ve. Only four servos will be
required if fl ying the Escapade with an electric motor. If powering
the model with a glow engine, a servo will be required for the
throttle. And in either case (glow or electric), two servos will
be required for the aileron. In all cases, standard-size servos
with standard output torque (40 – 50 oz-in torque) are suitable.

Following is the specifi c radio gear required:

❍ 4-channel radio system w/4.8V 500-600mAh fl at Rx

battery back, on/off switch

❍ (1) ea. standard size/40 oz-in torque elevator and

rudder servo

❍ (2) standard size/40 oz-in torque aileron servos

❍ (2) 12" [305mm] servo extension wires

(HCAM2711 for Futaba®)

❍ (1) Dual servo extension (FUTM4130 for Futaba)

Motor Battery Recommendations

If powering your Escapade with an electric motor, it performs

superbly on a:

❍ RimFire™ .80 motor (GPMG4740)

❍ Two 3S 5000mAh 11.1V LiPo batteries. (FlightPower®

EONX™ 30 5000 mAh 3s 11.1V 30C LiPo FPWP6698)

❍ ElectriFly® Series 2 Deans® Male Ultra Plug® / 1 Deans

Female Ultra Plug Adapter

If experimenting with different batteries, make certain they

are rated for at least a 30C discharge.

A 60A ESC (electronic speed controller) is also required. The
ElectriFly Silver Series 60A Brushless ESC (GPMM1850) is

recommended.

If powering your Escapade with an engine:

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Escapade is
.61 to .95 two-stroke or .91 to 1.20 four-stroke. If an engine in

the upper end of the size range is used, responsible throttle
management should be practiced.

❍ O.S.® 61FX ABL w/Muffl er (OSMG0561)
❍ O.S. 95AX Ringed w/Muffl er (OSMG0580)
❍ O.S. FS-91II Surpass™ 4-Stroke Engine (OSMG0896)
❍ O.S. FS-1.20 Surpass 4-Stroke Engine (OSMG0930)

3

ADD ITIONAL ITEMS R EQ UI RE D

Required Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to fi nish

the Escapade. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro™ CA+ (GPMR6007)
❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❍ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❍ Power drill
❍ Drill bits; 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], #29 (or 9/64"

[3.6mm]). #48 (.076" [1.9mm]) drill or hobby knife

❍ Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❍ 21st Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that

will help you build the Escapade.

❍ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❍ 21st Century trim seal iron (COVR2750)
❍ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ Dead Center™ Engine Mount Hole Locator

(GPMR8130)

❍ C.G. Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● There are three types of screws used in this kit:

Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a

length. For example #6 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number six screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long.

Machine Screws are designated by a number, threads
per inch, and a length. For example

4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number four screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long with

forty threads per inch.

Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) are designated by
a number, threads per inch, and a length. For example

4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a 4-40 SHCS that is

3/4" [19mm] long with forty

threads per inch

● Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon

your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When
a specifi c type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

● Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either

30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specifi ed 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 Escapade is factory-covered with Top Flite® MonoKote®

fi lm. Should repairs ever be required, MonoKote can be
patched with additional MonoKote purchased separately.
MonoKote is packaged in six-foot rolls, but some hobby
shops also sell it by the foot. If only a small piece of MonoKote
is needed for a minor patch, perhaps a fellow modeler
would give you some. MonoKote is applied with a model
airplane covering iron, but in an emergency a regular iron
could be used. A roll of MonoKote includes full instructions
for application. Following are the colors used on this model
and order numbers for six foot rolls.

Jet White TOPQ0204
Orange TOPQ0202
Sapphire Blue TOPQ0226

KIT IN SPE CTIO N

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 Pr oduct Support. When reporting 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 Ph: [phone], ext. 5

Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Escapade .61 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 Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.com. Select “Where to Buy” in the menu
across the top of the page and follow the instructions provided
to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

● When you see the term test fi t in the instructions, it means

that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly

without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom fi t

the part as necessary for the best fi t.

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.

4

Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If

ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and
expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders Hobby Services

and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: 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 productsupport@greatplanes.

com, or by telephone at [phone].

KIT CONTENTS

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4135
GPMA4136
GPMA4137
GPMA4138
GPMA4139
GPMA4140
GPMA4141
GPMA4142
GPMA4143
GPMA4144
GPMA4145

Fuselage Escapade .61 ARF
Wing Escapade .61 ARF
Horizontal Stabilizer Escapade .61 ARF
Vertical Stabilizer .61 Escapade ARF
Canopy Escapade .61 ARF
Cowl Escapade .61 ARF
Wheelpants Escapade .61 ARF
Landing Gear Escapade .61 ARF
Decals Escapade .61 ARF
Wing T ube Escapade .61 ARF
Hatch Escapade .61 ARF

10

1. Fuselage

1

2

12

9

8

7

5 5

11

6

14

6. Wheel Pants

3

4

11. Fuel Tank

13

2. Cowl

3. Fin and Rudder

4. Stabilizer and Elevator

5. Right and Left Wings

7. Wheels

8. Landing Gear

9. Nylon Engine Mount

10. Spinner

5

12. Electric Motor Mount

13. Tail Wheel Assembly

14. Wing Tube

TIGHTEN THE COVERING

90°

NO NO

YES

Cut off the

unused arms.

Refer to the separate instruction sheet titled How T o Tighten

Covering On ARF Models. Follow the instructions to tighten

the covering. If you prefer to get started on assembly right
away, the tightening process could be done later (but it is
usually easiest to do while the model is still in separate pieces).

ASSEMBLE TH E WINGS

Install the Aileron Servos

3. Temporarily mount the servo with the screws that

❏ ❏

came with it. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes for the servo mounting
screws. Remove the screws and take out the servo. Add a
few drops of thin CA to each screw hole. Wait a minute for
the CA to harden and remount the servo. Don’t over tighten
the servo mounting screws—just make sure the heads of the
screws apply a little pressure to the grommets and that the
servo is secure.

1. Connect a 12" [300mm] servo extension to the aileron

❏ ❏

servo and secure the connection with a 1-1/2" [40mm] piece
of heat shrink tubing included with this kit—shrink the tubing

with a heat gun, match or a hobby torch—use care not to

scorch the wires!

2. Use the string in the wing to pull the servo extension

❏ ❏

out the end and place the aileron servo in the wing.

4. Temporarily connect the servo to the receiver with

❏ ❏

the battery and switch. Turn on the transmitter and receiver
and center all the trims on the transmitter. With the radio on,
fi t the servo arm onto the splined output shaft so it will be
90-degrees as shown in the sketch.

6

Left Wing

Right Wing

5. Note the position of the servo arms in the sketch. Cut

❏ ❏

off the other three unused arms from the aileron servo arm.

6. Thread a nylon clevis approximately 20 turns onto the

❏ ❏

threaded end of the 2-56 x 6" [152mm] wire and then slide
a silicone clevis keeper onto the wire. Install the clevis into
the control arm as shown in the photograph. Slide the clevis
keeper over the clevis.

7. Making sure the servo and the aileron are centered,

❏ ❏

use a fi ne-point felt-tip pen to mark the pushrod wire where
it crosses the outer hole in the servo arm.

8. Make a 90° bend in the wire at the mark. Enlarge

❏ ❏

the holes in the aileron servo arm with a #48, 5/64" (.076"
[1.9mm]) drill or a hobby knife. Fit the pushrod into the outer
hole in the servo arm and then attach a 90° pushrod connector
to the assembly. Cut the excess wire 1/16" [2mm] above the
connector. Install the servo arm screw and slip the silicone
retainers over the pushrod.

9. Repeat steps 1– 8 for the other wing.

❏

7

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Install the Elevator and Rudder

10. Slide the wings together on the wing tube. Temporarily

❏

mount the nylon strap to the wings with two #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm]

Phillips screws. Remove the screws from the strap, harden

the holes with a few drops of thin CA and allow it to harden
before putting the wings together and installing the screws.
Later, during fi nal radio and control throws set up, the pushrods

will be adjusted so the ailerons are centered when the radio

is on (or, you could reconnect your aileron servo to the radio
and do this now).

1. Cut the balsa block free from the stabilizer opening with

❏

a hobby knife.

2. Slide the horizontal stabilizer (stab) into the stab opening

❏

in the back of the fuselage.

8

3. Locate the wire tail wheel assembly; slide it into the

❏

rudder as shown.

5. Even though the nuts used on the fi n wires are locking

❏

nuts, a drop of threadlocker on the threads is recommended.
Add a drop of threadlocker to the threads of the wires. Then,
tighten the assembly to the fuselage with a #4 fl at washer, a
#4 lock washer and a 4-40 lock nut on each rod. The included
socket tool may be used to tighten the nuts.

6. Secure the tail wheel bracket to the fuselage with three

❏

#2 x3/8" [9.5mm] sheet metal screws.

4. Slide the vertical fi n (fi n) into the opening in the top of

❏

the fuselage, guiding the threaded wires into the holes in the
bottom of the fuselage. Make sure the fi n is fully seated in the
fuselage and in the stab.

7. Slide the tail wheel onto the wire and secure it with a

❏

3/32" [2.4mm] wheel collar and a 1/8" [3mm] set screw. Install
the remaining set screw in the wheel collar that was installed
on the wire by the factory. Be sure to apply a drop of thread
locker when installing them.

9