Great Planes GPMA1142 User Manual

Wingspan: 29.5 in [745mm]
Wing Area: 300 sq in [19dm2]
Weight: 20 – 24 oz [567 – 680g]
Wing Loading: 10 – 12 oz/sq ft [31 – 37g/dm2]
Length: 23.5 in [600mm]
Required (not included):
Radio: 4-channel with four micro servos
Motor: ElectriFly™ Rimfi re™ 28-30-950 brushless
ESC: ElectriFly SS-25
Battery: 11.1V 1250mAh LiPo

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

™

Great Planes

®

Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from def ects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover an y component parts damaged by use or modifi cation. 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 fi nal assembly or material used for fi nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted
for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the fi nal 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 b uy er is advised to return th is 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

WARRANTY

CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF
THIS MODEL.

Entire Contents © Copyright 2007 GPMZ1142 for GPMA1142 V1.0

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

BATTERY CHARGER OPTIONS ......................................3

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

Hardware & Accessories ..............................................3

Adhesives & Building Supplies .....................................3

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

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

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS ...........................................4

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

KIT INSPECTION ..............................................................5

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

PREPARATIONS ...............................................................6

ASSEMBLE THE WING ....................................................6

Install the Ailerons ........................................................6

ASSEMBLE THE FUSE ....................................................7

Mount the Bottom Wing ................................................7

Mount the Stab & Fin ...................................................7

RADIO INSTALLATION ....................................................8

Install the Motor & ESC ................................................8

Install the Linkages ......................................................9

Install the Servos..........................................................9

FINISH THE MODEL .......................................................11

Install the Middle Wing ...............................................11

Install the Top Wing ....................................................12

Install the Sub-Wing & Landing Gear .........................13

Install the Machine Gun & Dummy Engine ................14

Install the Cowl & Propeller ........................................14

Install the Battery .......................................................14

Assemble the Pilot Figure ..........................................15

GET THE MODEL READY TO FL Y .................................15

Check the Control Directions .....................................15

Set the Control Throws ...............................................16

Balance the Model (C.G.) ...........................................16

Balance the Model Laterally .......................................17

PREFLIGHT ....................................................................17

Identify Your Model .....................................................17

Charge the Transmitter Batteries ................................17

Balance the Propellers ...............................................17

Proper Care of Your Motor ..........................................17

Ground Check ............................................................17

Range Check .............................................................17

MOTOR & BATTERY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ............17

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ....................................18

CHECK LIST ...................................................................18

FLYING ............................................................................19

Takeoff ........................................................................19

Flight ..........................................................................19

Landing ......................................................................19

High in the skies over war-torn Europe during WW1 lurked a
man and machine combination that struck terror in the hearts
and minds of the allied forces. The man–Baron Manfred Von
Richtofen; the machine–the Fokker DR-1. Together they
forged the legend of the bloody “Red Baron”!

The Fokker DR-1 is to this day, nearly a century after the
record-setting exploits of the “Red Baron,” one of the most
highly recognized airplanes in the world. Now you can have
this great looking and fl ying model as an electric, without the
mess and fuss of a glow-powered engine.

With today’s LiPo (Lithium-Polymer) batteries and micro
servos, small electrics have become very popular. Now
Great Planes brings you the Fokker DR-1 in a small, easy to
fl y, ARF electric. So if you want to impress your glow-fl ying
buddies with an electric, the Great Planes Fokker DR-1 EP
ARF is just what you need.

For the latest technical updates to the Fokk er DR-1 EP ARF,
visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.com.
Open the “Airplanes” link and select the Fokker DR-1 EP
ARF. IF there is new technical information or changes to this
model, a “tech notice” bo x will appear in the upper left corner
of the page.

AMA

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 fl y at all AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It ev en applies
to fl ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to
comply with the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of
the manual) may endanger insurance cov erage . 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 countr y. 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

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.

2

PROTECT Y OUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Y our F okk er DR-1 EP ARF should not be considered a to y,
but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Fokker DR-1 EP ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. Y ou must assemb le 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.

BATTERY CHARGER OPTIONS

The Great Planes Fokker DR-1 EP ARF is designed f or use with
LiPo (Lithium-Polymer) batteries only. All LiPo batteries require
a charger specifi cally designed for charging LiPo batteries. The
use of a charger not designed for charging LiPo batteries will
result in damage to the batteries and possibly a fi re.

We recommend the use of the Great Planes Triton
Peak Charger (GPMM3153), the ElectriFly DC PolyCharge™
(GPMM3010), or for charging more than one battery at a
time, the ElectriFly PolyCharge4™ (GPMM3015).

™

2 DC

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

3. Take your time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in
fi rst-class condition.

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
fl ight 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 fl own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your local R/C club for
your fi rst fl ights. 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.

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide y ou 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.

Hardware & Accessories

In addition to the items listed in the “BATTERY CHARGER
OPTIONS” section, the following is the list of hardware and

accessories required to fi nish the Fokker DR-1 EP ARF.
Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ 4-Channel radio with four micro servos with a minimum

17 oz/in each such as the Futaba® S3107 (FUTM0025)

❏ ElectriFly SS-25 25 amp brushless ESC (GPMM1820)
❏ Electr iFly 3.5mm Bullet

connector adapter (GPMM3122)

™

(male) to 2mm Bullet (female)

❏ ElectriFly 1250mAh LiPo 3-cell battery (GPMP0823)
❏ Futaba R114F 4-channel FM receiver

(low band – FUTL0443, high band – FUTL0442)

❏ Futaba “Y-harness” (FUTM4130)
❏ ElectriFly RimFire

motor (GPMG4560)

™

C28-30-950 brushless

❏ 10" x 4.5" Prop (GPMQ6660)
❏ 3mm Prop adapter (GPMQ4959)

Accessories & Building Supplies

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to build
the Fokker DR-1 EP ARF. Great Planes Pr o™ CA and Epoxy

glue are recommended.

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

❏ 1 oz. [28g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6002)
❏ 1 oz. [28g] Medium Pro CA (GPMR6008)
❏ Hook & Loop material (GPMQ4480)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ K & S #801 Kevlar

®

thread or string (for stab alignment)

❏ Pliers (HCAR0625)
❏ Wire cutter (HCAR0627)
❏ Clear tape

3

Optional Supplies & Tools

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Fokker DR-1 EP ARF.

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ Top Flite
❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

®

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❏ CG Machine
❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

• 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, and then slightly modify or custom
fi t the part as necessary for the best fi t.

• This kit contains primarily metric hardware with just a
couple of exceptions.

• 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 stab and wing incidences and motor thrust angles
have been factory-built into this model. However, some
technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway. To view this information 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 fl y, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

Fuse = Fuselage
Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer
Fin = Vertical Fin
LE = Leading Edge
TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood
" = Inches
mm = Millimeters
ESC = Electronic Speed Control

™

(GPMR2400)

™

(TOPQ5700)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Fokker DR-1 EP 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
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 ordering 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 is 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].

Replacement Parts List

GPMA2985 Top Wing
GPMA2986 Middle Wing
GPMA2987 Lower Wing
GPMA2988 Fuse Kit
GPMA2989 Tail Surfaces
GPMA2990 Cabanes Set
GPMA2991 Interplane Set
GPMA2992 Wheel (2)
GPMA2993 Landing Gear
GPMA2994 Machine Gun Set
GPMA2995 Cowl Set
GPMA2996 Dummy Engine
GPMA2997 Pilot

®

web site at

4

KIT INSPECTION

KIT INSPECTION

KIT CONTENTS

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 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

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

14

1

5

4

6

15

16

17

2

7

8

10

9

11

12

18

19

20

3

13

Kit Contents

1 Cowl
2 Fuse
3 Stab with Elevator
4 Motor Mount (2)
5 Dummy Engine
6 Sub-Wing
7 Landing Gear (2)
8 Main Wheels (2)
9 Machine Guns (2)
10 Tail Skid
11 Cabanes (2)

12 Pilot Halves (2)
13 Rudder
14 Battery Cover
15 Aileron Servo Hatch (L&R)
16 ABS Wing Fairing
17 Wing Struts (4)
18 Top Wing Panel with Ailerons
19 Middle Wing Panel
20 Bottom Wing Panel

5

PREPARATIONS

ASSEMBLE THE WING

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

major parts of the kit from the box (wing, fuselage (fuse),
tail parts, etc.) and inspect them for damage. If any parts
are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed on page 5.

❏ 2. Carefully separate the ailerons from the wing, the

rudder from the fi n and the elevator from the stabilizer (stab).
If necessary, use a covering iron set on medium/high to
carefully tighten the covering. Lay the control surface on
a fl at surface and apply pressure over sheeted areas to
thoroughly bond the cov ering to the wood. Hint: P ok e three
or four pin holes in the covering over the open structure in
the tail surfaces. This will allow the hot air to escape while
tightening the covering.

Install the Ailerons

❏ 1. Test fi t the right aileron to the top wing with three 5mm

x 10mm [13/64" x 3/8"] hinges. If the hinges don’t stay
centered, stick a pin through the middle of the hinges to hold
them in position while fi tting the aileron to the wing.

WARNING: DO NOT OVER-SHRINK THE COVERING OR
IT WILL CAUSE THE CONTROL SURFACES TO TWIST.

❏ 3. Check the pre-cut hinge slots of all control surfaces

using a hobby knife with a #11 blade. This will help when
installing the hinges.

❏ 2. Remove any pins you may have inserted into the hinges.

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

❏ 3. Apply three drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of

each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator. After the CA has
cured, test the hinges by pulling on the ailerons.

❏ 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the left aileron.

6