Great Planes GPMA0493 User 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-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 this
kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

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

PNP4P03 for GPMA0493 V1.0© Copyright 2000

P.O. Box 788 Urbana, IL 61803 [phone]

WWW.GREATPLANES.COM

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wing Span - 59.5 in [1510mm]
Wing Area - 809 sq in [52.2 sq dm]
Weight - 5 lb 12 oz [2610 g]
Wing Loading - 16.4 oz/sq ft [50 g/sq dm]
Fuse Length - 47 in [1195mm]

™

A

M

USA

IN

E

D

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

PRECAUTIONS.........................................................................................2

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.............................................................3

Hardware and Accessories................................................................3

Adhesives and Building Supplies ......................................................3

Optional Supplies and Tools ..............................................................3

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

Types of Wood ...................................................................................5

GET READY TO BUILD ............................................................................5

METRIC CONVERSIONS .........................................................................5

METRIC/INCH RULER..............................................................................5

DIE-CUT PATTERNS..........................................................................6 & 7

BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES ...................................................................8

Build the Fin and Rudder...................................................................8

Build the Stab and Elevators .............................................................8

Hinge the Tail Surfaces......................................................................9

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

Build the Center-Section..................................................................11

Finish the Center-Section ................................................................14

Build the Outer Panels.....................................................................15

Join the Wing Panels.......................................................................17

Build the Ailerons.............................................................................17

Hook Up the Ailerons.......................................................................18

Finish the Wing................................................................................19

BUILD THE FUSELAGE..........................................................................19

Build the Fuselage Sides and Top ...................................................19

Frame the Bottom of the Fuselage..................................................20

Join the Fin to the Fuselage ............................................................23

Frame the Top of the Fuselage ........................................................24

Make the Main Wing Struts .............................................................25

Mount the Engine ............................................................................27

Connect the Pushrods .....................................................................28

Sheet the Top of the Fuselage.........................................................28

Mount the Landing Gear..................................................................29

Join the Main Wing Struts................................................................30

FINAL CONSTRUCTION ........................................................................33

Build the Static Wing Struts.............................................................33

Prepare the Model for Covering ......................................................33

Cover the Model ..............................................................................34

Glue the Main Wing Struts into Position..........................................34

Finish the Cockpits ..........................................................................34

Join the Control Surfaces ................................................................35

Hook Up the Controls ......................................................................35

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY .........................................................36

Check the Control Directions...........................................................36

Set the Control Throws....................................................................37

Balance the Model (C.G.) ................................................................37

Balance the Model Laterally ............................................................38

PREFLIGHT.............................................................................................38

Identify Your Model ..........................................................................38

Charge the Batteries........................................................................38

Balance Propeller ............................................................................38

Ground Check..................................................................................38

Range Check ...................................................................................39

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.........................................................39

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)..............................................................39

General ............................................................................................39

Radio Control...................................................................................39

CHECK LIST ...........................................................................................40

FLYING ....................................................................................................40

Takeoff .............................................................................................40

Flight ................................................................................................41

Landing ............................................................................................41

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

FUSE & WING PLANS.......................................Center Pull-Out Section

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Great
Planes Pete ‘n Poke Sport 40. The Pete ‘n Poke is the third
in a series of nostalgic-looking sport models from Great
Planes that are intended to be simple to build and relaxing
to fly. (The SlowPoke and SlowPoke Sport 40 precede the
Pete ‘n Poke.) The Pete ‘n Poke isn’t just for old-timers! Even
the most contest-hardened veteran can use a laid-back day
of flying, and the Pete ‘n Poke is just the ticket! With its large­area parasol wing, this model is a breeze to fly–especially if
you enjoy flying low and slow. We also gave the Pete ‘n Poke
a trim scheme that complements its classic lines, but of
course you could design your own trim scheme too! We
favor the Top Flite®MonoKote®film cream and sapphire blue
featured on the kit box cover, but considered the same
scheme in cream and red. Maybe you could give that one a
try yourself. Send us a photo if you do!

1. Your Pete ‘n Poke is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated,
working model that functions very much like a full-size
airplane. Because of its realistic performance, the Pete ‘n
Poke, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
property.

2. You must build the plane according to the plan and
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the plan and instructions may differ slightly from the photos.
In those instances the plan and written instructions are

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 your building process.

5.You must properly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates properly 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 already an experienced R/C pilot, you
should fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Remember: Take your time and follow 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 call us at (217)

398-8970, or e-mail us at

[e-mail].

If you are

contacting
us for replacement parts, please be sure to provide the
full kit name (Pete ‘n Poke Sport 40) and the part
numbers as listed in the Parts List.

You can also check our web site at

www.greatplanes.com

for the latest Pete ‘n Poke Sport 40 updates.

If you’re not already an Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA) member, we strongly urge you to join. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country. Among other
benefits, the AMA provides insurance to its members who fly
at sanctioned sites and events. Additionally, training
programs and instructors are available at AMA club sites to
help you get started the right way. Contact the AMA at the
address or toll-free phone number below:

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

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the Pete ‘n Poke Sport 40. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses for your convenience.

❏ 4-Channel radio with five servos
❏ .32 to .46 two-stroke engine

-or-

❏ .40 to .52 four-stroke engine
❏

Propellers recommended by the engine manufacturer

❏ (2) Hobbico

®

6" extension cords for aileron servos

(HCAM2000)

❏ Futaba

®

AEC-13 Dual extension cord (FUTM4130)

❏ 10 oz. Fuel tank (GPMQ4104)
❏ Medium fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ (2) 3" Main wheels (GPMQ4225)
❏ 1" Tail wheel (GPMQ4241)
❏ (4) 3/16" Wheel collars (GPMQ4308)
❏ (1) 3/32" Wheel collars (GPMQ4302)
❏ 2-1/2" Spinner (white - GPMQ4520)
❏

(2) Rolls of covering film

❏ One or two 1/5 Scale pilots (WBRQ2477)
❏

R/C foam rubber (1/4" - HCAQ1000, or 1/2" - HCAQ1050)

In addition to common household tools (screwdrivers, drill,
etc.), this is the “short list” of the most important items
required to build the Pete ‘n Poke.

We recommend Great

Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy glue.

❏ 2 oz. Thin Pro CA (GPMR6003)
❏ 2 oz. Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6009)
❏ CA applicator tips (GPMR6033, qty. 5)
❏ 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏

3M 75 Repositionable spray adhesive (MMMR1900)

-or-

❏ 3M 77 Super spray adhesive (MMMR1990)
❏ Cigarette lighter fluid (to remove spray adhesive)
❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Medium T-pins
❏

Great Planes Plan Protector (GPMR6167) or wax paper

❏ Drill bits: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 9/64" (or 1/8"), #8 (or

3/16"), 3/16", 1/4"

❏ #7 drill and 1/4-20 tap (GPMR8105)
❏ 36" Straightedge (HCAR0475)
❏ Sanding tools and sandpaper assortment

This is a list of optional tools and accessories mentioned in
the manual that will help you build your Pete ‘n Poke.

❏ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Milled Fiberglass (GPMR6165)
❏ Microballoons (TOPR1090)
❏ CA accelerator (GPMR6034)
❏ R/C-56 Canopy Glue (JOZR5007)
❏ Rubbing Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Great Planes Precision Hinge Marking Tool

(GPMR4005)

❏ Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar fishing line (for

stab alignment)

❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)
❏ Great Planes Slot Machine

™

Motorized Hinge

Slotting Tool (GPMR4010)

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

Hardware & Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the
quality 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.

3

❏ Masking Tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Small metal file
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

Moto-Tool

®

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ Hobbico Servo Horn Drill (or a #48 drill bit)
❏ Curved-tip scissors for trimming the windshields

(HCAR0667)

❏ Great Planes Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole

Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Top Flite

®

Sealing Iron™(TOPR2100)

❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ Top Flite Trim Seal Tool

™

(TOPR2200)

❏ Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (for

measuring control throws, GPMR2405)

❏ Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏ Easy-Touch

™

Bar Sanders

(See following section on

Bar Sanders)

• 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"

Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per
inch, and a length.

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 necessary 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 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 the photos following each
step to get another view of the same parts.

• Use a single-edge razor blade to cut the balsa sticks when
building the tail surfaces. Use T-pins to hold the sticks in
position over the plan until it is completed and it’s time to
take the structure off the plan.

• For clarity, some assemblies are photographed off the

plan,
even though you should be building over the plan where
indicated.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

A flat, durable, easy to handle sanding tool is a necessity for
building a well finished model. Great Planes makes a complete
range of Easy-Touch Bar Sanders (patented) and replaceable
Easy-Touch Adhesive-backed Sandpaper. While building the
Pete ‘n Poke we used two 5-1/2" Bar Sanders and two 11" Bar
Sanders equipped with 80-grit and 150-grit Adhesive-backed
Sandpaper.

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 of 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.

4

❏ 1. Unroll the plan sheets. Roll the plan sheets inside out

to make them lie flat.

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

determine the name of each part by comparing it with the
plan and the parts list. Use a ballpoint pen (not a felt-tip pen)
to lightly write the name or size on each piece so you can
identify it later. Use the die-cut patterns on pages 6 & 7 to
identify and mark the die-cut parts before you remove them
from their die sheets. Many of the parts already have
numbers stamped on them, but in some cases the numbers
are located alongside the parts or only on the die drawings
in the manual. You may remove all the die-cut parts from

their die sheets now or wait until you need them. If a part is
difficult to remove, don’t force it out but cut around it with a
hobby knife and a #11 blade. After you remove the parts
from their die sheets, lightly sand the edges to remove
slivers or die-cutting irregularities. Save some of the larger
scraps of wood.

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

groups, such as fuse (fuselage), wing, and tail.

GET READY TO BUILD

Types of Wood

5

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

1/8" = 3.2mm

5/32" = 4mm

3/16" = 4.8mm

1/4" = 6.4mm
3/8" = 9.5mm
1/2" = 12.7mm
5/8" = 15.9mm
3/4" = 19mm

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

6" = 152.4mm
12" = 304.8mm
15" = 381mm

18" = 457.2mm
21" = 533.4mm
24" = 609.6mm
30" = 762mm
36" = 914.4mm

Metric Conversions

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

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

6

DIE-CUT PATTERNS

7

DIE-CUT PATTERNS

❏ 1. Place the fin portion of the fuse plan over your flat

building board. Cover the plan with Great Planes Plan

Protector.

❏ 2. Build the fin over the plan from two 1/4" x 1/2" x 30"

balsa sticks and one 1/4" x 1/4" x 30" balsa stick. Save the
leftover balsa sticks for the rudder.

❏ 3. Remove the fin from the plan and sand both sides flat

with a bar sander and 80-grit sandpaper.

❏ 4. Cover the rudder portion of the plan with Plan

Protector. Building over the plan, glue together the die-cut
1/8" balsa rudder parts RB, RTE, RT. Note that there are
two of each part, making a total thickness of 1/4".

❏ 5. Finish building the rudder using the remainder of the

balsa sticks you used for the fin and an additional 1/4" x 1/4"
x 30" balsa stick. Remove the rudder from the plan and sand
both sides flat.

❏ 1. Place the stab portion of the wing plan over your flat

building board and cover it with Great Planes Plan Protector.

Build the Stab & Elevators

During the covering process heated air, sealed inside the
structure, expands and does not allow the covering to fully
tighten. Drill 1/16" holes through the 1/4" x 1/4" balsa
sticks. Later, holes will be drilled through the trailing edge
of the stab and fin and through the leading edge of the
rudder and elevators so this expanded air can escape,
thus allowing the covering to fully shrink.

Build the Fin & Rudder

BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES

8

❏ 2. The same as when building the rudder, glue together

the die-cut 1/8" balsa stab and elevator parts SB, ST, ET
and ER.

❏ 3. Start building the stab over the plan, first by pinning SB

into position, then by gluing the 1/4" x 3" x 3-15/16" stab
center (SC) to it. Trim the 1/4" x 1/4" x 24" basswood stick

to the length on the plan, then glue it into position, followed
by two 1/4" x 1/2" x 30" balsa sticks for the stab LE and TE.

❏ 4. Finish framing the stab by gluing the stab tips (ST) to

the assembly followed by the 1/4" cross-braces cut from two
more 1/4" x 1/4" x 30" balsa sticks.

❏ 5. Remove the stab from the plan. Trim the center of the

LE as shown on the plan, then sand both sides of the
stab flat.

❏ 6. Build both elevators over the plan using the die-cut

parts shown, the 1/4" x 5/8" x 30" balsa stick and leftover
1/4" x 1/4" balsa sticks. Do not add the elevator joiner wire
until instructed to do so. Remove the elevators from the plan
and sand both sides flat.

❏ 1. Mark the hinge locations on the fin and rudder and stab

and elevators.

❏ 2. Use a Great Planes Precision Center Marking Tool

(GPMR4005) to make a centerline on the TE of the fin and
stab and on the LE of the elevators and rudder.

Hinge the Tail Surfaces

9

❏ 3. If you have a Great Planes Slot Machine hinge slotting

tool, cut the hinge slots in all of the tail surfaces. If you do not
have a Slot Machine, cut the hinge slots as described below:

❏ A. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to cut a shallow

slit on the centerline at the hinge slot location. This initial
cut is to establish the location of the hinge slot, so don’t cut
deep and stay on the line.

❏ B. Make more cuts straight into the wood, going

deeper each time. As shown by the arrows in the sketch,
carefully swing the knife in both directions and push the
blade back and forth to make a slot that will accommodate
the hinge.

❏ C. Drill a 3/32" hole, 1/2" deep in the center of the hinge

slots. Use a rotary tool with a drill bit or a carbide cutter for
the best results. After drilling the holes, clean out the slots
with a knife blade.

❏ 4. Cut nine 3/4" x 1" hinges as shown on the plan from

the CA hinge strip. Snip the corners off so they go in easier.

❏ 5. Temporarily join the elevators to the stab and the

rudder to the fin with the hinges. Lengthen or deepen any
hinge slots as necessary so the rudder aligns with the fin
and the elevators align with the stab.

(One elevator is shown

off the stab just so you can see the hinges).

❏ 6. Position the elevator joiner wire on both elevators as

shown. Mark the location of the ends of the wire on the
elevators.

❏ 7. Drill a 9/64" (or 1/8") hole 3/4" deep through the

leading

edge of both elevators for the joiner wire.

10

CUT HINGE SLOT

WITH HOBBY KNIFE

AND #11 BLADE

❏ 8. Cut a 1/8" groove in the leading edge of both elevators

to accommodate the wire. Hint: Use a Great Planes

Groove

Tube

™

Cutting Tool (GPMR8140) or a 1/8" brass tube

sharpened

on one end to cut the grooves.

❏ 9. Insert the joiner wire into both elevators. Make sure the

elevators lie flat on your workbench. If both elevators do not
lie flat, “tweak” the joiner wire as necessary.

❏ 10. Use a bar sander with 80-grit sandpaper to round the

outer edges of all the tail surfaces. Use a razor plane or a
bar sander to bevel the leading edge of the elevators and
rudder to allow for control throw movement. Hint: Do not
make the bevel too sharp. Refer to the cross-section on the
plan to get the correct angle of the bevel.

❏ 11. Drill 1/16" or 3/32" holes through both tips of the stab,

and the tip of the fin, rudder and elevators, to vent air that
would otherwise be trapped and expand while shrinking the
covering.

❏ 1. Cut four 8-3/4" long sheets from a 3/32" x 4" x 36"

balsa sheet. Follow the Expert Tip below to glue the sheets
together, making a 8-3/4" x 16" skin for the bottom center­section sheeting.

❏ 2. Make a second 8-3/4" x 16" skin the same way for the

top center-section sheeting. After the glue has dried, remove
the masking tape and sand both skins flat and smooth.

❏ 3.Trim one of the center-section skins to a length of 13-

3/4".

Place the skin over the center-section of the plan. Align the

How to glue together sheeting

A. Use a straightedge to true the joining edges of each
sheet.

B. Tightly tape the sheets together with masking tape.

C. Flip the sheets over and apply aliphatic resin such as
Great Planes Pro Wood Glue between the seams.

D. Place the sheets on your workbench covered with Plan
Protector to keep the glue from sticking to the bench. Use
a squeegee such as an expired credit card or something
similar to wipe off excess glue. Use weights to hold the
sheets down until the glue dries.

Build the Center-Section

BUILD THE WING

11

front edge of the skin where indicated by the arrows on the
plan. Pin the skin into position.

❏ 4. Align a straightedge with the tick marks on the plan

and

mark the locations of the ribs and spars directly on the skin.

❏ 5. Glue together the die-cut 1/8" plywood and balsa sub

ribs W1-A and W0-A and W1 and W0 as shown on the plan

to make the ribs for the center-section. Be certain you make
a right and left set of ribs that go on the ends of the center­section. Note that the center ribs consist of a balsa rib
“sandwiched” between two plywood ribs.

❏ 6. Cut a 8-1/2" long center main spar from each of two

3/8" x 1/2" x 36" balsa sticks (the remainder of the sticks will
be used for the bottom main spars in the outer wing panels).
Be certain you accurately cut the spars to a length of 8-1/2"
and that the ends are square.

❏ 7. Glue a center-section main spar to the center-section

sheeting where indicated by the lines you marked.

❏ 8. Cut two 8-1/2"-long center aft spars from each of the

two 1/4" x 1/4" x 36" balsa sticks (the remainder of the sticks
will be used for the bottom aft spars in the outer wing
panels). Fit the three aft center-section ribs to the bottom
center aft spar.

Refer to this photo for the following two steps.

❏ 9. Add the top center aft spar and the die-cut 1/8"

plywood
aft wing bolt plate to the ribs. Position but do not glue the
assembly on the center-section sheeting, accurately aligning
the ribs with the marks.

❏ 10. Temporarily place one of the die-cut 1/16" plywood

wing joiners behind the center main spar to act as a
spacer. Push the ribs forward against the joiner. Then, using
a small builder’s square to make certain the ribs are vertical,
glue them into position. Do not inadvertently glue the joiner
to the bottom spar or ribs.

❏ 11. Join the three forward center ribs and the die-cut 1/8"

plywood forward wing bolt plate to the assembly. Glue
them into position using a 1/16" ply wing joiner as a spacer.
Be certain the outer forward ribs are in alignment with the
outer aft ribs and be certain they are vertical.

❏ 12. Glue the 1/2" x 2" x 9-1/16" balsa trailing edge block

into position.

❏ 13. Tack-glue leftover 1/4" x 1/2" balsa sticks across the

outer ribs to stabilize the center-section for sanding in the
next step.

(You can see the sticks in the following photo.)

12

❏ 14. Remove the center-section from the plan. Use a bar

sander with 80-grit sandpaper to sand the bottom sheeting
and the trailing edge block even with the outer ribs.

❏ 15. Sand the top of the trailing edge block even with the

top of the center-section.

❏ 16. Remove the 1/4" x 1/2" balsa sticks you tack-glued

across the outer ribs. Reposition the center-section over
the plan.

❏ 17. Test fit all four die-cut 1/16" plywood wing joiners

and the top center main spar. Note that the “WJ” stamped
onto each wing joiner must be toward the top.

❏ 18. Remove the wing joiners and the top center main

spar.
Apply 30-minute epoxy to all joining surfaces and
permanently glue the pieces into position. Wipe away
excess epoxy before it hardens. Be certain the bottom of
each wing joiner is fully contacting the bottom center-section
sheeting.

Refer to this photo for the following three steps.

❏ 19. Glue a leftover 3/32" balsa sheet inside the bottom

center-section sheeting where shown on the plan to
reinforce the opening that will be cut later for the aileron
servo wires.

❏ 20. Cut the center-section sub LE (leading edge) from

the 1/16" x 3/4" x 36" balsa stick. Glue the sub LE into

position.

❏ 21. Poke a T-pin through the bottom center-section

sheeting
in the center of the holes in the forward wing bolt plate. This
will note where to drill holes later for the wing bolts. Hint: For
the most accuracy, use a 1/4" brass tube sharpened on one
end to cut a circular hole in the sheeting.

❏ 22. Make the aft support blocks by cutting the 1/2" x

3/4" x 9-1/16" balsa block into two 3-13/16" lengths. Make
the forward support blocks by cutting the 3/4" x 1-1/4" x
9-1/16" balsa block into two 3-13/16" lengths.

❏ 23. Glue both aft support blocks to the aft wing bolt plates

and glue both forward support blocks to the forward wing
bolt plates. Shape the top of the blocks to match the top of
the center-section.

13

14

❏ 1. Use a bar sander with 80-grit sandpaper to sand the

top of the center-section so all the ribs, spars, joiners and
sub LE are even. Relocate or remove any T-pins that will be
concealed under the sheeting when it’s glued into position.

❏ 2. Use thick CA or Great Planes Pro Wood Glue to glue

the top center-section sheeting into position.

❏ 3. Remove the center-section from the building board.

Trim the edges of the top sheeting even with the ribs and the
sub LE. Cut the center-section LE from the 3/8" x 7/8" x 36"
balsa stick and glue it into position.Trim the LE even with the
ends of the center-section and the top sheeting, but do not
round the LE until instructed to do so.

❏ 4.Taking measurements from the plan, use a hobby knife

with a #11 blade to cut a hole in the bottom sheeting over
the die-cut hole in the middle of the aft wing bolt plate.

❏ 5. Refer to the Expert Tip that follows. Using the holes in

the wing bolt plates as a guide, drill three 1/4" holes through
the center-section of the wing.

❏ 6. Temporarily fit the 1/4-20 nylon wing bolts into the

holes in the center-section. Use a ballpoint pen to draw a
circle on the sheeting around the heads of the bolts.
Remove the wing bolts, then use a hobby knife to cut the
sheeting to accommodate the heads so they will be inset
below the sheeting. Hint: Use a dowel with sandpaper on
the end to sand the bottoms of the holes smooth.

❏ 7. Use a small razor saw or a hobby knife to cut the

circular
opening in the trailing edge of the center-section. Sand the
edges of the opening smooth.

How to drill perpendicular holes.

To be certain the holes are perpendicular to the bottom
surface of the wing, make a drill jig by using a drill press
to drill a 1/4" hole through a hardwood block. Set up the
drill press to drill the hole vertically. Use the drill jig to

guide

the drill, thus ensuring that the holes are

perpendicular.

Finish the Center-Section