Great Planes GPMA0450 User Manual

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 IMPOR TANT

INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

PAT6P03 for GPMA0450 V1.0 Printed in USA Entire Contents © Copyright 2004

Champaign, IL

[phone], Ext. 5

Fax:[phone]

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 55 in [1,395mm]
Wing Area: 742 sq in [47.9dm

2

]

Weight: 8-8.5 lb [3630-3860g]
Wing Loading: 25-27 oz/sq ft [76-82g/dm

2

]

Length: 59.5 in [1150mm]
Radio: 6-Channel with 6 standard ser vos
Engine: .61-.91 cu. in. [10-15cc] two-stroke

.61-.91 cu. in. [10-15cc] four-stroke

WARRANTY

MADE IN

USA

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

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

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

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

Flaps............................................................................3

Retracts........................................................................4

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

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies.................................4

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

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

TYPES OF WOOD.............................................................6

GET READY TO BUILD.....................................................6

DIE-CUT PATTERNS .........................................................6

BUILD THE T AIL SURF A CES............................................8

Build the Stabilizer.......................................................8

Build the Fin .................................................................8

Sheet the Fin and Stabilizer ........................................8

Build the Rudder and Elevators .................................10

Finish the Tail Surfaces..............................................11

BUILD THE WING............................................................11

Build the Wing Panels................................................11

Sheet the Wing Panel Top .........................................14

Install the Landing Gear Rails ...................................16

Begin Shaping the Wing............................................16

Install the Retracts.....................................................17

Install the Fixed Gear.................................................18

Join the Wing Panels.................................................19

Sheet the Bottom of the Wing....................................20

Install the Ailerons .....................................................21

Finish Shaping the Wing............................................21

BUILD THE FUSELAGE..................................................21

Assemble the Fuse Formers and Sides ....................21

Install the Firewall......................................................23

Mount the Wing..........................................................25

Finish the Bottom of the Fuselage.............................26

Build the Turtle Deck..................................................27

Install the Radio Hatch ..............................................29

Mount the Stabilizer to the Fuse................................30

Mount the Fin to the Fuse .........................................30

Install the Fuel Tank...................................................31

Mount the Engine.......................................................32

Install the Servos and Pushrods ................................33

Assemble the Instrument Panel (Optional) ................35

Assemble the Cowl....................................................35

Install the ABS Plastic Details ...................................36

INST ALL THE HARDW ARE.............................................37

BALANCE THE MODEL LATERALLY............................37

PREPARE THE MODEL FOR COVERING......................37

FINAL SERVO & RECEIVER INSTALLATION ...............37

COVER THE MODEL WITH MONOKO TE®FILM............38

P AINT THE MODEL.........................................................38

Apply the Decals ........................................................39

Install the Canopy......................................................39

Attach the Control Surfaces.......................................39

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................40

Check the Control Directions.....................................40

Set the Control Throws..............................................40

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................41

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................41

Identify Your Model.....................................................41

Charge the Batteries ..................................................41

Balance Propellers.....................................................42

Ground Check............................................................42

Range Check.............................................................42

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................42

AMA SAFETY CODE (EXCERPT)..................................43

General......................................................................43

Radio Control.............................................................43

CHECKLIST.....................................................................43

FLYING.............................................................................44

Takeoff .......................................................................44

Flight..........................................................................44

Landing......................................................................44

APPENDIX: FLIGHT TRIMMING.....................................45

FLIGHT TRIMMING CHART............................................46

FLIGHT LOG....................................................................47

2-VIEW DRAWING............................................Back Cover

The larger, faster, easier-to-build Patriot XL expands on the
incredible popularity and performance of the original Great
Planes Patriot kit. Designed around .60-.90 size engines,
whether 2-stroke or 4, the Patriot XL provides amazing
performance in an easy-to-build sport scale kit. Add the
optional retracts and flaps to the thin, Selig-airfoil wing, and
your Patriot XL goes from quick to blistering fast AND is easy
to settle in for carrier-like landings.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Patriot XL, visit the Great Planes web site listed
below. Open the “Airplanes” link, and then select the Great
Planes Patriot XL. 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.

http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html

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

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

sites to help you get started the right way .There are over 2,500
AMA chartered clubs across the countr y.Contact the AMA at
the address or toll-free phone number below:

1. Your Great Planes Patriot XL 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 Great Planes Patriot XL, 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 hob by
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, the modeler is responsible for taking steps
to reinforce the high stress points.

Remember:T ake your time and f ollo w the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

Before starting to build, compare the parts in this kit with the
Parts List, and note any missing parts. Also inspect all parts
to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are
missing, broken or defective, or if you have any questions
about building or flying this airplane, please contact Great
Planes at the address or telephone number below. If
requesting replacement parts, please provide the full kit
name (Great Planes Patriot XL) and the part numbers as
listed in the Parts List.

Great Planes Product Support:

3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]

E-mail:

[e-mail]

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

You must use a minimum of a 6-channel radio with two
Y-harnesses, one for the ailerons and one for the elevators.
Due to the fact that the two elevator servos move in
opposition, you will have to have either a computer radio, or
a servo reverser that will allow you to reverse one of the
servos. If using a Futaba®radio, the SR10 servo reverser
(FUTM4150) is recommended. One standard Y-harness
will also be required for the two aileron servos (HCAM2500).

The Patriot XL may be b uilt either with or without flaps.Flaps
are not necessary for an enjoyable flying experience.
Landing with flaps is a blast (and can be safer) because the

Flaps

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manufacturer, 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,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT!!!

Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the
radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid flying near full­scale aircraft and avoid flying near or o ver 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

3

model is able to land at reduced speeds. Full instr uctions
are included for building the Patriot XL with flaps, but a little
extra craftsmanship and skill (not to mention a little extra
time) will be required.

These additional items are required to build the Patriot
XL with flaps:

❏ (2) Standard ser vos
❏ (1) Y-harness (HCAM2701 Futaba

®

)

❏ (1) 6" [150mm] Ser vo extension for flaps (HCAM2000

for Futaba)

The Patriot XL may be built with either fixed or retractable
landing gear.Fixed landing gear wires are included with this
kit, so the only additional items required to build the Patriot
XL with fixed gear is (2) 2-1/2" [65mm] wheels, and one 2­1/4" [58mm] wheel. If installing retracts, the kit may be built
to accommodate Robart #605 HD retracts with 3/6" [4.8mm]
wire struts (ROBQ0005).Note: If installing any other system,
the landing gear rail spacing and/or position may require
modification to accommodate the gear. Whichever retract
system is installed, an additional servo will be required to
operate the air control valve.

These items are required if installing Robart retractable
landing gear:

❏ Robart #605HD 90-degree retracts for main gear (3/16"

[4.8mm] wire struts) (ROBQ0005)

❏ Robar t #607 90-Degree retract for the nose gear (3/16"

[4.8mm] wire strut) (ROBQ1807)

❏ Robar t #188 Air control kit (ROBQ2388)
❏ 3/16" x 2" [4.8 x 51mm] slip-on axles (GPMQ4278)
❏ (2) Robar t #190 Quick connectors (ROBQ2395, pair)
❏ (2) 2-1/2" [65mm] Main wheels (GPMQ4223)
❏ (1) 2-1/4" [57mm] Nose wheel (GPMQ4222)
❏ Robar t #164G Hand Pump with Gauge (ROBQ2363)
❏ Standard ser vo to operate air control valve

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions Y ou Must
Make” section, following is the list of hardware and

accessories required to finish the Great Planes Patriot XL.
Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ Top Flite

®

Super MonoKote®covering:
Aluminum (TOPQ0205, 2 rolls)
Royal Blue (TOPQ0221, 1 roll
White (TOPQ0204, 1 roll)
Missile Red (TOPQ0201, 1 roll)

❏ Fuelproof paint - See Painting (page 34)
❏ 12 oz. Fuel tank (GPMQ4105)

❏ 3' Medium fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ Nylon reinforced packing tape
❏ 2-1/4" [57mm] Tr u-Turn Ultimate Spinner (TRUQ2282)

In addition to common household tools (screwdrivers, drill,
etc.), this is the “short list” of the most important items
required to build the Great Planes Patriot XL.

We recommend

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy glue.

❏ 2 oz. Pro CA (Thin, GPMR6003)
❏ 2 oz. Pro CA+ (Medium, GPMR6009)
❏ 30-Minute Pro Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Canopy Glue (PAAR3300)
❏ Microballoons (TOPR1090)
❏ Hobby knife handle (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (HCAR0311), 100 Qty.
❏ X-ACTO

®

Razor Saw (XACR2531)

❏ Small T -pins (HCAR5100)
❏ Medium T -pins (HCAR5150)
❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Bondo

®

or Squadron white (or green) putty

❏ 1/4-20 Tap (GPMR8105, dr ill bit included)
❏ Top Flite Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)
❏ Hand or electr ic power drill
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 7/64"

[2.8mm], 1/8" [3.2mm], 9/64" [3.6mm], 5/32" [4mm], 11/64"
[4.4mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 13/64" [5.2mm], 7/32" [5.6mm],
15/64 [6mm], 1/4" [6.4mm], 17/64" [6.7mm], 9/32" [7.1mm]

❏ Heat Shr ink Tubing (GPMM1070)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Great Planes Patriot XL.

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700

❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ Precision Hinge Mar king Tool (GPMR4005)
❏ Slot Machine

™

hinge slotting tool (110V, GPMR4010)

❏ Groove Tube

™

(GPMR8140)

❏ Plan Protector (GPMR6167)
❏ CA Clevis installation tool (GPMR8030)
❏ Heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏ Tack Cloth (TOPR2185)
❏ Hot Sock

™

(TOPR2175)

❏ Razor plane (MASR1510)
❏ Single-edge razor blades (HCAR0312, 100 Qty.)
❏ 36" Non-slip straightedge (HCAR0475)
❏ Denatured or isopropyl alcohol (for epoxy clean-up)
❏ Dremel

®

Moto-Tool®or similar w/sanding drum, cutting

burr and cut-off wheel

❏ Ser vo horn dr ill (HCAR0698)
❏ Epoxy brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Epoxy mixing sticks (GPMR8055, Qty. 50)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Retracts

4

❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ 2 oz.[57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035) or 4 oz.[113g]

aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)

❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ 3M 75 repositionable spray adhesive (MMMR1900)
❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ Metal Template Set (30/60/90/45° triangles, HCAR0500)
❏ Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic parts

(HCAR0667)

❏ Robar t Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❏ 24"x36" [460x910mm] Builder’s Cutting Mat (HCAR0456)
❏ 16"x48" [410x1220mm] building board (GPMR6950)
❏ Hobbico Duster

™

compressed air (HCAR5500)

❏ Z-bend pliers (HCAR2000)
❏ 1 oz. Pro CA- (Thick, GPMR6014)
❏ 6-Minute Pro

™

Epoxy (GPMR6045)

EASY-TOUCH™BAR SANDER

A flat, durable, easy to handle sanding tool is a necessity f or
building a well finished model. Great Planes makes a
complete range of Easy-Touch Bar Sanders and replaceable
Easy-Touch Adhesive-backed Sandpaper .While building the
Patriot XL, two 5-1/2" [140mm] Bar Sanders and two 11"
[280mm] Bar Sanders equipped with 80-grit and 150-grit
Adhesive-Backed Sandpaper were used.

Here’s the complete list of Easy-Touch Bar Sanders and
Adhesive Backed Sandpaper:

5-1/2" Bar Sander (GPMR6169)
11" Bar Sander (GPMR6170)
22" Bar Sander (GPMR6172)
33" Bar Sander (GPMR6174)
44" Bar Sander (GPMR6176)
11" Contour Multi-Sander (GPMR6190)

12' roll Adhesive-backed 80-grit sandpaper (GPMR6180)
150-grit (GPMR6183)
180-grit (GPMR6184)
220-grit (GPMR6185)
Assortment pack of 5-1/2" strips (GPMR6189)

We also use Top Flite 320-grit (TOPR8030, 4 sheets) and
400-grit (TOPR8032, 4 sheets) wet-or-dry sandpaper for
finish sanding.

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and a length.

For example #6 x 3/4"

This is a number six screw that is 3/4" long.

Machine screws are designated by a number, threads
per inch, and a length. SHCS is just an abbreviation for

“socket head cap screw”and that is a machine screw with a
socket head.

For example 4-40 x 3/4".

This is a number four screw that is 3/4" long

with forty threads per inch.

• 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 or6-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.

• Not all die-cut parts have a name, or their complete name
stamped on them, so refer to the die drawings f or identification.
When it’s time to remove the parts from their die sheets, if they
are difficult to remove, do not force them out. Instead, use a
sharp #11 blade to carefully cut the part from the sheet and
then lightly sand the edges to remove any slivers or
irregularities. Save some of the larger scraps of wood.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

5

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

❏1. Unroll the plan sheets. Re-roll the plan inside out to

make them lie flat.

❏2.Remove all parts from the box.As you do, figure out the

name of each part by comparing it with the plan and the
parts list included with this kit. Using a felt-tip or ballpoint
pen, lightly write the part name or size on each piece to
avoid confusion later.Use the die-cut patterns to identify the
die-cut parts and mark them before removing them from the
sheet. Save all leftovers. If any of the die-cut parts are
difficult to punch out, do not force them! Instead, cut around
the parts with a hobby knife. After punching out the die-cut
parts, use your bar sander to lightly sand the edges to
remove any die-cutting irregularities or slivers.

❏3. As you identify and mark the parts, separate them into

groups, such as fuse (fuselage), wing, fin, stab (stabilizer)
and hardware.

GET READY TO BUILD

TYPES OF WOOD

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

6

DIE-CUT DRAWINGS

7

DIE-CUT DRAWINGS

Note: While the placement of the outer framing of any stick-

built part is important, the exact placement of the internal ribs
is not so critical. It is more impor tant to have strong, secure
glue joints than to have the ribs placed in the exact location.

Note: We have removed the parts from the plan for clarity in
the some of the photos.

❏1. Position the fuse plan so the stab plan is over your flat

building board. Cover the plan with Great Planes Plan
Protector or wax paper so glue will not adhere.You may cut
the stabilizer drawing from the fuse plan along the dashed
lines if you wish.

❏2. Build the stabilizer framework using the balsa sticks

indicated on the plan.Start with the 3/16" x 3/4" x 24" [4.8 x 19
x 610mm] outer framework, then the 3/16" x 1/2" x 24" [4.8 x
13 x 610mm] and 3/16" x 1/4" x 24" [4.8 x 6 x 609mm] inner

framework. Finish with 3/16" x 1" x 18" [4.8 x 25 x 460mm]
stab tips. As you proceed, use T-pins to hold the sticks to the

plan and use thin CA to glue the parts together. Note: Sa v e
any leftover sticks as they will be used for building the fin.

❏3. Remove the stab from the plan. Inspect all glue joints

and re-glue as necessary. Use a bar sander and 220-grit

sandpaper to sand both sides of the stab framework flat.Be
careful while sanding so that you do not over-thin any one
particular area of the stab or gouge the stab framework by
snagging sandpaper on it.

❏1. Place the fin plan on the building surface and cover

with wax paper or plan protector.

❏2. Using the leftover 3/16" [4.8mm] balsa sticks from the

stab assembly, build the fin in the same manner as the stab.

❏3. Remove the fin from the plan. Add thin CA to any joints

needing more glue. Sand flat using 220-grit sandpaper and
a bar sander.

❏ ❏1. Use the method described in the Expert Tip that

follows or your favorite method to glue together three
1/16" x 3" x 36" [1.6 x 95 x 760mm] balsa sheets to make
one 1/16" x 9" x 36" [1.6 x 230 x 760mm] stab/fin skin.Make
another skin the same way.

Sheet the Fin and Stabilizer

Build the Fin

Build the Stabilizer

BUILD THE T AIL SURF ACES

8

HOW TO JOIN SHEETING

Note: Aliphatic resin can be used to join the sheeting, but

takes longer than CA to dry. If you choose to join using
aliphatic resin, be sure to allow the sheeting to sit a few
hours for the glue to dry. Aliphatic resin sands easier than
CA and is easier to cut.

A. Use a straightedge as a guide to trim one edge of
both sheets.

B. Use masking tape to tightly tape the two sheets together
joining the trimmed edges.

C. T urn the sheet ov er and place weights on top of the sheet
to hold it. Apply thin CA sparingly to the seam, quickly
wiping away excess CA with a paper towel as you proceed.

D. Turn the sheet over and remove the masking tape.Apply
thin CA to the seam the same way you did for the other side
and use a fresh paper towel to wipe away excess CA.

E. Sand the sheeting flat and smooth with your bar sander
and 220-grit sandpaper.

❏ ❏2.Working over your flat building surface , use medium

CA to glue one side of the stab to one of the skins as shown
in the photo. Sheet the ends of the stab tips with a small
corner cut from the area shown.

❏ ❏3. Cut the excess sheeting from the stab. Save the

remainder for the fin.

❏ ❏4. Sheet the other side of the stab the same way.

Sheet both sides of the fin with the leftover sheeting.
Note: Give the CA ample time to harden before lifting the

assembly off the building board. It is essential to get a
secure and uniform bond between the stab sheets and the
stab framework, especially in the center.

9

❏1.Cut the rudder to the length shown on the plan from the

shaped 25" [635mm] balsa rudder/elevator stick.(Note: The
elevators are also cut from this stick, so be careful with the
measurements.) Remember, measure twice, cut once!

❏2. Use a Great Planes Precision Hinge Marking Tool or

measure and mark a centerline on the LE of the rudder and
the TE of the fin.

❏3. Mark the hinge locations where shown on the plan.

❏4. Cut nine 3/4" x 1" [20 x 25mm] hinges for the elevators

and rudder from the supplied 2" x 9" [51 x 230mm] CA hinge
strip, and then snip off the corners so they go in easier.

❏5. Using the centerlines as a guide, cut the hinge slots

where shown on the plan with a Great Planes Slot Machine,

then proceed to step 7. If you do not have a Slot Machine,
or cannot access one of the hinge locations with it, you will
need to follow the procedure for cutting hinge slots with a
hobby knife and #11 blades.

HOW TO CUT HINGE SLOTS WITH A HOBBY KNIFE

When using a hobby knife to cut hinge slots , one of the most
common mistakes made by modelers is making the slots too
tight. This restr icts the flow of CA to the back of the hinges.
Another mistake made when installing hinges is not using
enough glue to fully secure the hinge over its entire surface
area.This will result in hinges that are only

tack glued

.Follow

these steps to cut hinge slots with a hobby knife:

A. Using the centerline as a guide, cut one of the hinge slots
in the fin or rudder where shown on the plan with a #11
blade.Begin by cutting a shallow slit.Make three or four cuts
along the same line, going slightly deeper each time.As you
proceed, be certain to go straight into the wood and move
the knife from side-to-side until the blade has reached the
correct depth for the hinge.

B. T est fit a hinge into the slot.If the hinge does not slide into
the slot easily, remove the hinge and reinsert the knife,
working the blade back and forth a few times to provide
more clearance (it’s the back edge of the blade that does
the widening).

C. Cut the rest of the hinge slots the same way.

❏6.Tempor arily join the elev ators to the stab with the hinges,

adjusting any hinge slots if necessary so they all align.Do not
glue in the hinges until you are instructed to do so.

Notes about CA hinges: This kit is supplied with CA

hinge material consisting of a 3-layer lamination of Mylar
and polyester specifically made for hinging model
airplanes. When properly installed, this type of CA hinge
provides the best combination of strength, durability, and
easy installation. It is essential to install them correctly.
Follow the hinging instructions in this manual for the best
result. The techniques shown have been developed to
ensure thorough and secure gluing.

Build the Rudder and Elevators

10

1"
1"

3/4"

❏7. Sand the stab and fin tips to match the taper of the

elevators and rudder.

❏1. Shape the leading edge of the elevators and rudders to

a “V” as shown on the plans.

❏2. Use a bar sander and 150-grit sandpaper to round the

tail surfaces as shown on the plan.

Note: Wing construction is engineered to provide a straight­and-true wing panel with minimum effort. To do so, the
building sequence and pieces are different from what you
may be accustomed to. Be sure to read all steps carefully
and pay particular attention to instructions of when and
where to apply adhesives.

Note: The wings are built upright over the plan. You may
build both wing panels at once following the instructions if
you have space to do so.

❏ ❏1. Lay the right wing panel plan on a flat building

board and cover with wax paper or plan protector.

❏ ❏2. Cut the bottom main wing spar to the length

shown on the plan from a 1/8" x 1/2" x 36" [3 x 13 x 910mm]
basswood stick.Pin the spar to the plan.

❏ ❏3. Cut the bottom aft wing spar from the leftover

1/8" x 1/2" [3 x 13mm] basswood stick.

❏ ❏4. Lay out the die-cut 3/32" [2.4mm] balsa wing ribs

R2 through R10 in the general area of their location on the
plan. Rib R4 will be installed in the last step and can be set
aside for now.

❏ ❏5. Place the die-

cut 1/8" [3mm] balsa
main wing web on
the spar along the
leading edge.

❏ ❏6. Use the 1/2" [13mm] holes to align the die-cut 1/8"

[3mm] plywood rib doublers R3A with ribs R3. Glue in place
with medium CA. Make a right and a left. Note: There is a
slight offset in the slots on the ribs as compared to the
doubler.This is normal.

Build the Wing Panels

BUILD THE WING

Finish the Tail Surfaces

11

Main Web

L.E.

Spar

❏ ❏7. Use the 1/2" [13mm] holes to align the die-cut 1/8"

[3mm] plywood rib doublers R5A with ribs R5. Glue in place
with medium CA. There will be an offset built in just like in
the previous step.

❏ ❏8. Test fit ribs R2 through R10 on the main wing spar

and web.DO NOT install R4 until instructed to do so.

❏ ❏9.Test fit the die-cut 1/8" [3mm] balsa TE Jig. Insert the

wing ribs into the slots on the TE jig and align with the plan.

❏ ❏10.Test fit the die-cut 1/8" [3mm] balsa LE Jig. Insert the

wing ribs into the slots on the LE jig and align with the plan.

❏ ❏11.Once you've finished test fitting and are happy with

the fit, begin gluing using thin CA. Weigh down the TE to
keep it flat on the work bench. Starting at R2, glue the ribs
first to the TE and then to the LE.Ensure each rib is pressed
all the way down into the TE slots and the LE is pressed all
the way down onto each rib.After the LE jig and TE jig have
been glued, glue the center spar and center web into place
using thin CA.

❏ ❏12. Test fit R1, the die-cut 1/8" [3.2mm] plywood

forward dowel support (FDS) and the die-cut 1/8" [3.2mm]
plywood aft dowel support (ADS).

❏ ❏13. Make sure the bottom aft wing spar is pressed all

the way up into the slot in R1 and glue in place.

12

❏ ❏14. Use a straightedge to make sure R1 is straight

from the LE to the TE and glue in place with thin CA.
Note: R1 will have a few degrees of tilt.This is normal.

❏ ❏15. Inser t the die-cut 1/8" [3.2mm] balsa center web

(CW) into the slot in R1 until the notches line up with the

ribs.Twist into position.

❏ ❏16. Install the die-cut 1/8" [3.2mm] plywood spar joiner

(SJ) without tabs into the area marked on the plan. Glue in

place using thin CA.

❏ ❏17.Test fit the 1/8" [3.2mm] die-cut ply spar joiner (SJ)

with tabs. Glue in place with medium CA.

❏ ❏18.Test fit the top main wing spar and the top aft wing

spar.Glue in place with medium CA.

❏ ❏19. Locate the die-cut 1/8" [3mm] ply servo tray and

servo tray brace.Align the servo tra y with the plan and glue

in place using thin CA. Be sure the ser vo tray is even with
the rib on the bottom of the wing. Note: If building flaps
install the aileron servo tray the same way.

13

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏1.Glue two 3/32" x 3" x 36" [2.4 x 75 x 910mm] balsa

sheets together to make one 3/32" x 6" x 36" [2.4 x 75 x 910mm]
LE sheet.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 2.Align the edge of the LE sheeting with the center

of the top wing spar. Trim off the excess sheeting, leaving
about 1/4" [6mm] of over-hang on the wing LE and ends.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 3. Soften the sheeting by rubbing warm water

into the side of the wood not being glued.This will allow the
balsa to conform to the shape of the wing when it is rolled.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 4. Apply a thick bead of medium CA down the

center of the top wing spar and down each rib toward the
leading edge of the wing. Glue the sheeting to the LE.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 5. Align the edge of the sheeting up with the

middle of the wing spar and, working quickly, roll the sheet
down towards the leading edge. A long sanding bar or
straight edge will help you apply even pressure.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 6. Once the glue has set, trim the sheeting to

match the shape of the wing.

❏ ❏7. Flip the wing over and repeat steps 1-6 to sheet the

wing panel bottom from the main wing spar to the LE.

❏ ❏8.Locate two of the 3/32" x 3/4" x 30" [2.4 x 19 x 760mm]

balsa TE sheets. Test fit the TE sheeting and mark how far it
reaches up each rib so you know where to run the glue. Do
this for the top and bottom of the wing panel.

❏ ❏9. Apply a thick bead of medium CA on each rib and

the edge of the TE sheeting that rests against the TE Jig.
Glue the top and bottom TE sheeting in place.

❏ ❏10. Sheet the top of the wing center section with

3/32" x 3" x 36" [2.4 x 75 x 910mm] balsa sheets.The center
section sheeting rests flush against the TE sheeting and
should be trimmed just short of R6 to allow room to trim the
sheeting to match the plan. Glue with medium CA. The
second sheet should rest flush against the first sheet and is
glued in the same manner as the first. Do not sheet the
bottom center section until instructed to do so.

Sheet the Wing Panel Top

14

❏ ❏11.Finally , fill in the last portion of center sheeting with

a leftover piece of 3/32" [2.4mm] sheeting.

❏ ❏12. Once the CA has fully hardened, trim the top center

section sheeting to match the inside curves shown on the plan.

Hint: For a guide to trimming the sheeting, we used a
Hobbico®Cloth Retractable Tape Measure to get the

curve angles for the inner cutout. It closely matches the
shape shown on the plan and will give you a nice rounded
corner that can easily be cut out. Lining up one edge of the
Hobbico tape measure with rib R6 will also give you a close
measurement to the actual plan cut out of the sheeting.

❏ ❏13. Locate the 3/32" x 1/4" x 30" [2.4 x 6 x 760mm]

balsa cap strips.The cap strips are cut to fit the rib between
the LE sheeting and the TE sheeting as shown, and are
centered on the rib.Pay special attention to the cap strip on
R10. It is not centered like the other cap strips, but is glued
to one side flush with the wing tip.

A single-edge razor blade works well for cutting the straight
lines needed to make the cap strips match the sheeting.

At this time you should start building the other wing
panel. Follow the above instructions to this point.

15