Great Planes GPMA1151 User Manual

Wingspan: 51 in [1295 mm]

2

Wing Area: 373 in

[24.1 dm2]

Wing Loading: 25−28 oz / ft

Length: 36 in [915mm]

®

2

[76−85 g/dm2]

Weight: 4−4.5 lb

[1810 − 2040 g]

Radio: 4 channel

transmitter & receiver
with four servos

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Motor: RimFire

two 25 amp ESCs
& two 8×6 props

Battery: 3200 mAh 3S,

11.1 V 20C battery

™

400 (28-30-950),

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

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.

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.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1151 v1.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

Motor Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

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

Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Aileron Servos

and Join the Wing Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install the Motor Nacelles and Sponsons . . . . . . . . . 10

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Stab, Elevators and Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Servos, Receiver

and Speed Controls in the Fuselage . . . . . . . . . . 15

FINAL ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Battery Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

AMA SAFETY CODE EXCERPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

INTRODUCTION

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes G-44 Widgeon EP visit the Great Planes web

site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Great Planes G-44 Widgeon 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 G-44 Widgeon 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 G-44 Widgeon EP, 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 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 in good condition,
a correctly sized engine, 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 ight.

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

2

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 an engine 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.

7. WARNING: The fuselage in this kit is made of fi berglass,

the fi bers of which may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract
irritation. Never blow into a part 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.

torque are required for the ailerons and two servos of at least
39 oz-in (2.8 kg-cm)of torque are required for the elevator and
rudder. We used the following for our test model.

❍ Futaba® R617FS 2.4 receiver (FUTL7627)
❍ Aileron servos. Futaba 3114 (FUTM0414)
❍ Elevator and rudder servos. Futaba 3115 (FUTM0415)

Additionally you will require the following:

❍ Two - 24" [610mm] servo extensions (HCAM2721)
❍ Two - Servo “Y” connecters (FUTM4135)

ADD ITIONAL ITEMS R EQ UI RE D

Required Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to fi nish

the Great Planes G-44 Widgeon EP. Order numbers are

provided in parentheses.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro™ CA+ (GPMR6007)
❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❍ Drill Bits -1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm]
❍ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

DECISI ONS YOU MUST MAKE

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

G-44 Widgeon EP that may require planning or decision

making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

Motor Recommendations

The RimFire 400 [28-30-950] (GPMG4560) is the perfect

match for the G-44 Widgeon EP. Two are required along with
two SS-25 ESCs (GPMM1820) and two Great Planes 8×6

Slow-Fly (GPMQ6610) propellers.

Motor Battery Recommendations

We fl ew the G-44 Widgeon EP with the ElectriFly “Power
Series” Lithium Polymer Battery (GPMP0727). The 3200 mAh

3S, 11.1 V 20C battery pack provided great power and fl ight
times consistently more than 5 minutes. The battery proved
to be a good choice to help establish the proper weight and
balance. A Great Planes parallel ESC Adapter (GPMM3141)
is required to connect the two RimFire motors to the battery.

Radio Equipment

The G-44 Widgeon EP requires a four channel radio system

(minimum), four channel receiver (minimum), and four servos.

Two servos with a minimum rating of 21 oz-in (1.5 kg-cm) of

Optional Supplies and Tools

❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ 21st Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)

Optional Pilot Figure

❍ Williams Brothers 1/8 scale Sportsman Pilot (WBRQ1130)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● 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.

3

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes G-44 Widgeon 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.

● 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.

● Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon

your experience to decide 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-minute epoxy. When
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]

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.

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

GPMA4260
GPMA4261
GPMA4262
GPMA4263
GPMA4264
GPMA4265
GPMA4266
GPMA4267
GPMA4268

Fuselage Widgeon EP ARF
Wing Widgeon EP ARF
Tail Set Widgeon EP ARF
Hatch Widgeon EP ARF
Floats Widgeon EP ARF
Nacelles EP Widgeon ARF
Spinner EP Widgeon ARF
Decals Widgeon EP ARF
Water Rudder Widgeon EP ARF

4

KIT CONTENTS

1

2

7

3

15

16

1. Fuselage

2. Cockpit Floor

3. Sponsons

4. Spinners

5. ESC Extensions

6. Stab and Elevators

7. Water Rudder Assembly

4

9

5

14

10

17

18

20

19

8. Rudder

9. Right Wing and Aileron

10. Motor Mounts

11. Left Wing and Aileron

12. PVC Tubes

13. Fuselage Cradles

14. Horizontal Stabilizer Struts

6

11

8

13

12

15

16

15. Top Nacelles

16. Bottom Nacelles

17. Wing Center Section

18. Wing Joiners

19. Servo Trays

20. Wing Dowels

5

PREPARATIONS

Tighten the Covering

Refer to the separate instruction sheet titled How T o Tighten

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 TH E WINGS

Install the Motors

2. Your kit includes six motor extensions.

❏

1. There is a set of strings that are taped to the wing. A

❏

string goes from the hole in the top of the wing by each of the
motor mount locations and exits out the hole in the bottom
center of the wing.

Using the string on the top of the wing located by the motor
mount, tie the male end of three motor leads together and
then pull them through the wing until they exit out the hole in
the bottom center of the wing.

Do this for both of the holes by the motor mount.

6

each motor to the motor mounts with three 4-40 x 1/4" [6mm]
screws for each of the motors. Be sure to apply a couple of drops
of thread locker to each of the screws before installing them.

5. Locate the 1/8" x 3/4" [3mm x 19mm] wood dowels. Glue

❏

them into the holes in the leading edge of the wing, making
sure that approximately 1/2" [13mm] of each dowel extends
from the wing.

3. Slide the wood motor mounts in place on the wing.

❏

Secure them to the wing with two 4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] screws

and two #4 washers for each motor mount. Be sure to apply a
couple of drops of thread locker to each of the screws before
installing the screws.

Install the Aileron Servos and

Join the Wing Panels

4. Assemble the motor, prop adapter and motor mount as

❏

instructed in the instructions that came with the motor. Mount

1. Remove the aileron servo cover from the bottom of the

❏ ❏

right wing. Locate one of the plywood servo mounting plates

and position it between the markings on the servo cover. DO

NOT glue them together yet!

7

2. Place your servo onto

❏ ❏

the plywood plate, making
sure the servo fi ts through the
hole in the aileron cover. Adjust
the size of the hole in the servo
cover as needed to fi t your
brand of servo. When you are
satisfi ed with the fi t, glue the
plywood plate to the servo
cover.

3. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm]

❏ ❏

hole through the servo
mounting holes, into the

plywood plate. Do Not drill

through the servo cover.

Mount the servo with two 5/64"
x 1/4" [2mm x 6mm] screws
included in the kit.

6. Center the servo and then install the servo arm onto

❏ ❏

the servo. Insert and then remove a 5/64 x 3/8" [2mm x 9.5mm]
washer head screw into each of the four mounting holes in
the wing for the servo cover. Apply a couple of drops of thin
CA glue to harden the threads. Once the glue has hardened,
secure the servo cover to the wing with four 5/64 x 3/8" [2mm
x 9.5mm] washer head screws.

4. To continue with the installation you need to have a

❏ ❏

servo arm that is at least 5/32" [4mm] wide. If you are using
the Futaba S3114 servo the standard arm on the servo is
not wide enough but the larger arm included with the servo
is the correct width. Modify the servo arm by cutting off three
arms leaving just one. The servo arm needs to be shortened
so that the distance from the center of the arm to the outer
hole is 3/8" [9.5mm]. Modify the servo arm to match these
specifi cations. Enlarge the outer hole drilling it with a 1/16"
[1.6mm] drill.

5. Install a 24" [610mm] servo extension onto the servo

❏ ❏

lead. Secure the leads with a piece of heat shrink tubing, tape
or some other method to secure the connections.

7. Adjust the servo arm until it is parallel to the aileron.

❏ ❏

You may need to remove the servo and re-install the servo

arm to get the arm aligned with the servo.

8. Look closely at the aileron. Under the covering you

❏ ❏

will see a hardwood plate.

8