Great Planes GPMA1144 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 35.5 in [900mm]
Wing Area: 389 in
Weight: 21.1 – 26.3 oz [595 – 745g]
Wing Loading: 7.8 – 9.7 oz/ft
Length: 25 in [630mm]
Radio: 4-channel, 4 micro servos
Motor: RimFire
ESC: ElectriFly
Battery: 11.1V (3S) 1250mAh – 1500mAh

2

[25.1dm2]

2

[24 – 30g/dm2]

™

400 (28-30-950) brushless

™

SS-25

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 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 user­assembled 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 n umber,
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.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008 GPMA1144MNL V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

Radio System ........................................................................ 3

Battery & Charger .................................................................. 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASSEMBLY ................................................................................. 6

Tighten the Covering ............................................................. 6

Mount the Horizontal & Vertical Stabilizers ............................ 6

Hook Up the Elevator & Rudder ............................................ 8

Mount the ESC & Receiver .................................................... 9

Mount the Motor ....................................................................9

Install the Replica Engine .................................................... 10

Install the Battery Plate ....................................................... 12

Mount the Aileron Servos .................................................... 13

Hook up the Bottom Ailerons ............................................... 14

Mount the Wings to the Fuselage ........................................ 15

Mount the Landing Gear ...................................................... 16

Connect the Top & Bottom Ailerons ..................................... 17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ........................................... 18

Set the Control Throws ........................................................ 18

Balance the Propeller & Mount the Spinner ........................19

Balance the Model (C.G.) .................................................... 19

Balance the Model Laterally ................................................ 20

PREFLIGHT .............................................................................. 20

Identify Your Model .............................................................. 20

Charge the Batteries............................................................ 20

Range Check ....................................................................... 20

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................ 20

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .............................................. 21

CHECK LIST ............................................................................. 21

FLYING ...................................................................................... 22

Prefl ight ............................................................................... 22

Takeoff ................................................................................. 22

Flight .................................................................................... 22

Landing ................................................................................ 22

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to this
model visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.
com. Open the “R/C AIRPLANES” pull down tab across the
top of the page, then select “ARFs-ELECTRIC.” Scroll down
the page and click on “EP Sopwith Camel ARF.” If there is
new technical information or changes, an “Important! TECH
NOTICE” bo x will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
Click on the Tech Notice box to read the info.

AMA

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
and a local R/C club. The AMA is the gov erning body of model
aviation and membership is required to fl y at 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 even 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 coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the 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.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes EP Sopwith
Camel ARF. During our testing and development we were
pleasantly surprised to lear n how well this plane handles in
conditions normally too breezy for lightweight models of this
type–fl ying in 7 to 10 mph winds was no problem! Although
this WWI “bipe” doesn’t have the self-correcting tendencies
of a primary trainer, it is an “honest” fl yer that won’t reach
out and “bite” you. And it’s a model that appeals to just about
everybody–experienced pilots will chuckle while putting the
EP Sopwith Camel ARF through its aerobatic paces and
intermediate pilots will simply enjoy fl ying the EP Sopwith
Camel ARF on a calm evening, watching it fl y straight down
the runway.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, Y OURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

2. Y ou must assemble the model accor ding 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 wr itten
instructions should be considered as correct.

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

2

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
pushrod 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 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.

8. 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 a motor larger than the one recommended
will be used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high-stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

We, as the kit manuf acturer, 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 your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

❏ Futaba S3114 micro servo – FUTM0414
❏ Futaba R114F 4-channel mini receiver – FUTL0442 low

band or FUTL0443 high band

❏ Matching Rx crystal – FUTL62** low band or FUTL63**

high band

The following servo extensions are also shown in
this manual:

❏ (2) AEC-26 300mm J-series aileron extension for the

aileron servos (FUTM4507)

❏ (1) AEC 13 J-series dual servo extension cord to connect

aileron servos to receiver (FUTM4130)

Battery & Charger

The EP Sopwith Camel ARF was designed for the Great
Planes ElectriFly™ 1250mAh or 1500mAh BP series LiPo
battery. The 1500 will provide slightly longer fl ight time, but
may cost a little more. Most importantly, read and follow
all the instructions and precautions that come with LiPo
batteries and chargers. Charge LiPo batteries only with
chargers intended for LiPo batteries or with chargers that
have a LiP o setting. F ollowing are the batteries and chargers
recommended for the EP Sopwith Camel ARF:

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly 11.1V 1250mAh 15C BP LiPo

battery w/Balance Connector (GPMP0713)

-or-

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly 11.1V 1500mAh 15C BP LiPo

battery w/Balance Connector (GPMP0717)

❏ Great Planes PolyCharge4

charger (GPMM3015)
Additionally, one (1) Great Planes Electr iFly Equinox™ LiPo

Cell Balancer w/3S battery adapter for each battery to be
charged simultaneously is recommended (GPMM3160).

™

DC-only LiPo battery

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Radio System

The EP Sopwith Camel ARF requires a four-channel radio
with four micro servos and a mini receiver. The most basic
system would be something such as a Futaba® 4YF 4-channel
FM radio (FUTJ36**) with R114F mini receiver and two (2)
S3114 micro servos. Two more micro servos would need to
be purchased separately (FUTM0414). While this system is
suitable, a slightly more advanced system with dual rates
and endpoint adjustments would ease set up and maximize
fl ight performance. For modelers who already have an
advanced radio, but still must purchase a mini receiver and
micro servos separately, following are the recommended
part numbers for the radio gear shown in this manual:

Finally, if charging the battery from a 120V AC outlet is
preferred, a 12 volt power supply will also be required
(Hobbico® 12 Volt Power Supply – HCAP0250).

Hardware & Accessories

Following is the list of additional hardware and accessories
required to fi nish the EP Sopwith Camel ARF . Order numbers
are provided in parentheses.

❏ ElectriFly

brushless motor w/propeller adapter (GPMG4560)

™

RimFire™ 400 (28-30-950kV) out-runner

❏ ElectriFly Silver Series 25 Amp Brushless

ESC (GPMM1820)

❏ (1 pkg. of 3) Great Planes 3.5mm male/2mm female

bullet adapters (GPMM3122)

❏ Great Planes 10 x 4.5 Power Flow Slo-Flyer Elec Prop

(pkg. of 2) (GPMQ6660)

❏ (1 pkg) Great Planes adhesive-back Velcro

3

®

(GPMQ4480)

❏ 1/2" [13mm] double-sided foam mounting

tape (GPMQ4440)

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

Adhesives & 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 EP Sopwith Camel ARF. Great Planes Pro™ CA glue is
recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Threadlock er threadlocking cement (GPMR6060)
❏ #11 blades (5-pac k, HCAR0211)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

Optional Supplies & Tools

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

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

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

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

®

or MasterCard®

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the EP Sopwith Camel ARF.

❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activ ator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)
❏ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏ Metal Template Set (30/60/90 and 45° triangles, HCAR0500)
❏ Hobby Heat
❏ C.G. Machine

A model airplane covering iron with a protective covering sock
may also be necessary to retighten the covering and remove
any wrinkles that may have formed after the model was
originally covered at the factory. If you don’t already have a
covering iron, the 21st Century® sealing iron (COVR2700) and
21st Century iron cover (COVR2702) are recommended.

• The stabilizer 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.

™

micro torch (HCAR0755)

™

(GPMR2400)

BUILDING NOTES

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

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

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

Replacement Parts List

Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available

Contact your hobby supplier for the following parts:

GPMA3110 Top Wing
GPMA3111 Bottom Wing
GPMA3112 Fuselage
GPMA3113 Tail Set
GPMA3114 Cowl
GPMA3115 Dummy Engine
GPMA3116 Landing Gear
GPMA3117 Cabanes
GPMA3118 Spinner
GPMA3119 Gun Set
GPMA3120 Strut Set
GPMA3121 Battery Hatch
GPMA3122 Decal

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

Kit Contents

1

3

2

6

4

7
8
9

5

10

11

12

14

13

1 Fuselage
2 Inspection Panels (L&R)
3 Machine Guns
4 Windscreen
5 Pilot
6 Replica Engine
7 Main Wheels (2)
8 Landing Gear Struts (4)
9 Cross Tube

15

10 Wing Struts (4)
11 Cabane Struts (4)
12 Tail Skid

16

13 Horizontal Stabilizer w/Elevators
14 Vertical Stabilizer & Rudder
15 Top Wing w/Ailerons
16 Bottom Wing w/Ailerons

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

5

5

ASSEMBLY

Tighten the Covering

❏ 2. Holding the horizontal stabilizer (stab) on the fuselage,

view the model from the rear to see if it is parallel with
the wing.

❏ 1. Use a covering iron set to approximately 250 to 300

degrees F [120 to 150 degrees C] with a protective covering
sock to remove any wrinkles and tighten the covering
wherever it looks loose . Be careful along edges and seams–
if an edge or seam is heated at the same time as the rest of
the covering, it may pull away when it shrinks.

Note: If too much heat is used, delicate parts like the wings
and tail may twist or warp. These parts can be straightened
by carefully twisting them in the opposite direction, then
re-shrinking the covering on the top and bottom.

Mount the Horizontal & Vertical Stabilizers

❏ 3. If necessary, use a small sanding block with medium-

grit sandpaper to carefully sand the “high side” of the stab
saddle so the stab will be parallel with the wing.

❏ 1. Temporarily mount the bottom wing to the fuselage

with two 3 x 20mm screws and 3mm washers.

❏ 4. Taking accurate measurements, center the TE of the

stab from side-to-side over the end of the fuselage and hold
it in place with a pin.

66

6

❏ 5. Stick another T-pin through the cockpit base at the

centerline. Tie a loop in one end of an approximately 24"
[600mm] piece of non-elastic string such as Kevlar® fi shing
thread or something similar. Fit the loop over the T-pin.

❏ 8. Insert a pin through the middle of the 1/4" x 1/2"

[6 x 13mm] CA hinge–the pin will keep the hinge centered.
Insert the hinge into the bottom of the rudder.

❏ 9. Join the vertical stabilizer (fi n) to the stab and fi t the

hinge into the slot in the back of the fuselage. Use medium
CA to glue the fi n to the top of the stab. While the CA is
hardening, use a small builder’s square to make sure the fi n
is perpendicular.

❏ 6. Wrap a piece of masking tape over the string near the

other end and mark an arrow on the tape. Slide the tape along
the string until the arrow aligns with one end of the stab. Swing
the string over to the other end of the stab to see if the distances
are equal as shown in the sketch. Rotate the stab on the pin
and slide the tape along the string until the stab is aligned.

❏ 7. Holding the stab in position, use thin CA to securely

glue the stab to the fuselage.

❏ 10. Remove the pin from the CA hinge. Add two or three

drops of thin CA to each side of the hinge in the bottom of
the rudder and the fuselage

❏ 11. If you haven’t already done so you may remove the

bottom wing from the fuselage.

7

Hook Up the Elevator & Rudder

❏ 1. Test fi t the “Z-bend” of one of the two longest wire

pushrods into the outer hole of one of the fi berglass control
horns as shown in the photo. If necessary, spin the horn
around the wire a few times to loosen the hole in the horn so
the pushrod will move freely.

or with your ESC and the motor battery, so you can operate
the servos with the transmitter. Center the trims on your
transmitter and turn on the transmitter and receiver . Position
the servo arm on each servo so the longer arms will be
perpendicular to the servos.

❏ 2. With the horn attached to the pushrod, slide the pushrod

into the rudder guide tube in the fuselage. Fit the horn into the
slot in the rudder. Use a few drops of thin CA followed by a few
drops of medium CA to securely glue the horn into position.

❏ 3. Connect the elevator pushrod the same way.

❏ 5. Use a #56 (.046" [1.2mm]) drill or a hobby knife to

enlarge the holes in the servo arms for the screw-lock pushrod
connectors. Mount the screw-loc k pushrod connectors to the
servo arms with the nylon retainers.

Refer to this photo for the next four steps.

❏ 4. Temporarily connect the servos you will be using for the

elevator and rudder to your receiver with a receiver battery,

❏ 6. T est fi t the elev ator and rudder servos in the servo rails

in the fuselage. If the rails are too f ar apart for the servos you

8

8