Great Planes GPMA1150 User Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan: 36 in [915 mm]

2

Wing Area: 365 in

[23.5 dm2]

Wing Loading: 14−17 oz/ ft

Length: 29.5 in [750 mm]

2

[43−52 g/dm2]

Weight: 2.25 − 2.75 lb

Radio: Minimum 4-channel

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

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

™

.10 [35 − 30 − 1250],

[1020 −1250 g]

Power

System:

Rimfire
SS35, 2200 mAh 3S LiPo,
APC 10×7E, 35A ESC

with 4 micro servos

this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the
place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to
Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as
much contact information as possible (daytime telephone
number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of
the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon
receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly
as possible.

®

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

Entire Contents © 2011 Hobbico,® Inc. All rights reserved.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1150 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adhesive & Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Stab, Elevators, Fin and Rudder . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Landing Gear, Wheels,

Wheel Pants and Turtledeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Install the Motor Speed Control,

Receiver and Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Cabanes, Wings and Struts. . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Final Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Apply the decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Install & Connect the Motor Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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

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

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

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

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Ground Check & Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

AMA SAFETY CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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

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

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

INTRODUCTION

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Super Stearman EP visit the Great Planes web

site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Great Planes Super Stearman EP ARF. If there is
new technical information or changes to this model a “tech
notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

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

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

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

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

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

do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid

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

groups of people.

SAFETY PRE CAUTION S

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Super Stearman EP 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 Super Stearman EP, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injur y 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 unfl yable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

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

4. You must use an R/ C radio system that is i n good co n dition,
a correctly sized motor, and other components as specifi ed
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model

and all components before every fl i g h t .

2

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

If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has

information about clubs in your area whose membership
includes experienced pilots.

6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if a motor larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

Futaba® S3114 servos (FUTM0414). In addition you will need:

❍ 3 - 6" [150mm] servo extension (HCAM2701 for Futaba)

❍ 1 - 6" Y-harness (FUTM4135)

ADD ITIONAL ITEMS R EQ UI RE D

Required Hardware & Accessories

This is the list of hardware and ac cessories required to fi nish

the Great Planes Super Stearman EP. Order numbers are

provided in parentheses.

7. Carefully read and follow all the instructions included with
your LiPo battery and battery charger. LiPo batteries are

not forgiving like NiCd or NiMH batteries. Overcharging or
charging the LiPo battery at too high a current will damage
the battery and could damage property.

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

are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye,

skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
(wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass dust, as the dust
will blow back into your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a

particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and

sanding fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area

thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends
on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model,
and no representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.

Remembe r: Take your time and follow the instructions

to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

Adhesive & Building Supplies

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro™ CA (GPMR6001)
❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❍ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm] 1/32" [0.8mm]

Optional Supplies & Tools

❍ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❍ Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)
❍ Top Flite® MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)
❍ Top Flite Hot Sock™ iron cover (TOPR2175)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

IMPORTANT BUILDING N OTES

DECISI ONS YOU MUST MAKE

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

Super Stearman EP that may require planning or decision

making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided

in parentheses.

Motor / Battery Recommendations

❍ Motor: RimFire .10 [35-30-1250] (GPMG4595)

❍ ElectriFly SS35 Speed Control (GPMM1830)

❍ ElectriFly LiPo 3S 11.1V 2200mAh 25C (GPMP0520)

❍ APC 10x7E Propellor (APCQ4123)

Radio Equipment

The Super Stearman EP requires a 4 channel radio, 4 channel

receiver and four micro servos min. 20 oz-in torque. We used

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

Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a

length. For example #6 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number six screw

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

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

4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number four screw

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

forty threads per inch.

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

4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a 4-40 SHCS that is

3/4" [19mm] long with forty

threads per inch

3

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

that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly

without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom

fi t the part as necessary for the best fi t.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site at

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

● Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon

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

● Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either

30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-mi nute epoxy. Wh en
30-minute epoxy is specifi ed it is highly recommended that

you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

● Photos and sketches are placed before the step they

refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps
to get another view of the same parts.

KIT IN SPE CTIO N

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make

sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they

are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not

of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,

contact Pr oduct Support. When reporting defective or missing

parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the

Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: [phone], ext. 5

Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Super Stearman 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 hob by dea ler or mail-ord er company.

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 Hobby Services

and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the

Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal

check only; no C.O.D.

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

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4500
GPMA4501
GPMA4502
GPMA4503
GPMA4504
GPMA4505
GPMA4506
GPMA4507
GPMA4508
GPMA4509
GPMA4510
GPMA4511

Top Wing Stearman EP ARF
Bottom Wing Stearman EP ARF
Fuselage Stearman EP ARF
Tail Set Stearman EP ARF
Cowl Stearman EP ARF
Landing Gear Stearman EP ARF
Gear Fairings Stearman EP ARF
Struts Stearman EP ARF
Cabanes Stearman EP ARF
Wheelpants Stearman EP ARF
Decals Stearman EP ARF
Hatch Stearman EP ARF

4

KIT CONTENTS

2

8

9

18

1. Fuselage

2. Cowl

3. Fin & Rudder

4. Tail Cone

5. Tail Wheel Assembly

6. Pushrod Wires

7. Belly Pan

1

6

9

10

11

7

12

19

13

16

17

8. Landing Gear

9. Wheel Pants

10. Wheels

11. Axles

12. Landing Gear Fairings

4

5

3

14

15. “N” Struts

16. Bottom Wing & Ailerons

17. Top Wing & Ailerons

18. Cabanes

19. Turtledeck

15

13. Stab & Elevator

14. Strut Mounting Tabs

5

PREPARATIONS

Tighten the Covering

Refer to the separate instruction sheet titled How T o T igh ten

Covering On ARF Models. Follow the instructions to tighten

the covering. If you prefer to get started on assembly right

away, the tightening process could be done later (but it is

usually easiest to do while the model is still in separate pieces).

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

Do the right wing fi rst so your work matches the photos
the fi rst time through.

3. Place the servo between the mounting blocks. Drill

❏ ❏

a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole into each of the mounting blocks. (This
is the correct hole for Futaba mounting screws. Check your
screws and determine the size drill that is corr ect for it.) Secure

the servo to the blocks with the servo mounting screws.

1. Cut three arms from your servo horn so you have

❏ ❏

a single arm horn. Depending on your brand of servo the

length of the arms may vary. Choose an arm with a hole that

measures approximately 1/4" [6mm] from the center of the

servo to the hole. Enlarge the hole with a 1/32" [.8mm] drill bit.

2. Remove the aileron servo cover from the wing. Place

❏ ❏

the servo onto the inside of the cover, making sure the servo

arm is centered in the slot. Glue a 1/4" x 1/4" x 3/8" [6mm
x6mm x 9.5mm] hardwood block to the servo cover on each

side of the servo.

4. Install a 6" [152mm] servo extension onto the servo.

❏ ❏

Secure the connectors with heat shrink tubing included in

the kit. Do not skip this step. The holes that the lead goes

through in the wing are only slightly larger than the servo
connector. Not securing the connector could lead to the
leads unplugging when you pull the leads through the wing
in the next step.

6

7. Install the z-bend end of a 5/64" x 6" [2mm x 152mm]

❏ ❏

aileron pushrod wire into the hole you drilled in the nylon
servo arm.

5. Inside of the servo bay you will fi nd a string taped.

❏ ❏

Pull the string out and tie the string to the servo extension

connector. Locate the hole in the top center of the wing.
Carefully pull the string with the lead attached to it through

the wing. Tape the servo lead to the wing to prevent it from

falling back into the wing. Important! The string is a single

string that extends to both of the servo openings. Be careful

not to pull the string loose from the other servo opening.

8. Locate a black control horn. Important! The hardware

❏ ❏

includes two different style horns. Be sure you use the horn
pictured here. Glue it into the slot in the aileron.

6. Secure the servo cover with four #2 x 5/16" [8mm]

❏ ❏

washer head screws. Before installing the cover, insert and

then remove a screw into the mounting holes in the servo bay.
Apply a drop of thin CA glue to harden the threads. After the

glue hardens install the servo cover.

9. Locate the aluminum screw-lock connector, black

❏ ❏

nylon retainer and the 2-56 x 3/16" [4.8mm] set screw. Test
fi t the screw lock connector into the outer most hole in the
aileron control horn. If it is too tight, enlarge the hole slightly
with the blade of a hobby knife. Be sure not to make the hole
too large. Remove the screw-lock connector from the control
horn. Slide the aluminum screw-lock connector onto the aileron

7

pushrod wire and then insert the screw-lock connector into

the aileron control horn. Secure the connector with the black

nylon retainer. Center the aileron servo and the aileron. Apply

a drop of thread locker to the 2-56 x 3/16" [4.8mm] set screw

and then tighten the screw against the pushrod wire. Cut off

the excess pushrod wire, leaving 1/4" beyond the connector.

13. Connect the aileron to a Y-connector. Be sure to

❏

secure the connection with heat shrink tubing, tape or some
other method.

10. Glue one of the 1/2" [13mm] long aileron linkage

❏ ❏

rods into the slot in the aileron.

11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the left wing panel.

❏

14. Glue the remaining 1/2" [13mm] long aileron linkage

❏

rods into the slot in the ailerons on the top wing.

Install Stab, Elevators, Fin & Rudder

12. Locate two 1/8" x 3/8" [3mm x 10mm] nylon pins. Glue

❏

them into the holes in the leading edge of the bottom wing

leaving 1/4" [6mm] extending from the leading edge of the wing.

1. On the bottom wing, glue two plywood wing bolt doubler

❏

rings to the top center of the wing, centering them over the
wing bolt holes.

8