Great Planes GPMA1200 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

™

Wingspan: 52.5 in [1340mm]
Wing Area: 483 in
Weight: 5.0 – 5.5 lb [2270 – 2495g]
Wing Loading: 24 – 26 oz/ft
Length: 46 in [1160mm]
Radio: 4-channel, 3 – 5 standard servos
Engine: .40 – .55 cu in [6.5 – 9.0cc] 2-stroke glow ,

.52 – .70 cu in [8.5 – 11.5cc] 4-stroke glow ,
.46 RimFire™ (42-60-800kV), 14.8V (4S) 3200mAh LiPo ,
60A ESC

2

[31.2dm2]

2

[73 – 80g/dm2]

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
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.

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.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008 GPMA1200MNL V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

Glow Engine Recommendations ..................................4

Radio Equipment ..........................................................4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED ....................................4

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ..............................5

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

KIT INSPECTION ..............................................................6

KIT CONTENTS ................................................................6

PREPARATIONS ...............................................................7

Tighten the Covering ....................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS ..................................................7

Hook Up the Ailerons (Single Servo Option) ................7

Hook Up the Ailerons (Dual Servo Option) ..................9

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELA GE ........................................11

Hook Up the Elevator & Rudder .................................11

Mount the Main Landing Gear ....................................12

Mount the Electric Motor ............................................13

Mount the Engine .......................................................14

Mount the Fuel Tank (or Motor Battery) .....................15

Hook Up the Throttle ..................................................17

Two-Stroke Hookup ....................................................17

Four-Stroke Hookup ...................................................17

FINAL ASSEMBLY .........................................................19

Final Radio Installation ...............................................19

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

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

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

Check the Control Directions .....................................21

Set the Control Throws ...............................................22

Balance the Model (C.G.) ...........................................23

Balance the Model Laterally .......................................24

PREFLIGHT ....................................................................24

Identify Your Model .....................................................24

Charge the Batteries ..................................................24

Balance Propellers .....................................................24

Ground Check & Range Check ..................................24

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................25

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ....................................25

CHECK LIST ...................................................................26

FLYING ............................................................................26

Takeoff ........................................................................26

Flight ..........................................................................27

Landing ......................................................................27

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Escapade ARF.
The Escapade is a perfect “second airplane” for someone
who is ready to move on from their high-wing trainer. The
Escapade is also a great Sunday fl yer for pilots who want to
enjoy the simplicity and thrill of a “straight-forward” .40-size,
low-wing sport model.

The Escapade may be powered by either a 2-stroke
or 4-stroke glow engine, or electric motor. Installation
instructions for each are detailed in this instruction manual.
The Escapade also features the option of dual, outboard
aileron servos or a single aileron servo mounted in the
middle of the wing. Dual aileron servos will provide a little
more precision and control response because the pushrods
work directly on the ailerons. Additionally, response will be
quicker . There will be more “power” connected to the ailerons
because each one is operated by its own servo. But, if you
prefer simplicity and economy, the single aileron servo will
fl y the Escapade well.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections
to the Escapade ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Escapade 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.

AMA

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 y ou 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.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, Y OURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Escapade 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 Escapade, 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 according to the instructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unfl y able model. In a f e w cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.

2

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

4. Y ou 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 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 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 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 y our time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

Of course, with glow motors there is never any waiting for
batteries to charge (it takes one hour to charge a LiPo battery).
You may purchase multiple batteries and charge them at
home the evening before you go fl ying, but then the number
of consecutive fl ights will be limited by the number of battery
packs you own—and battery packs (and all the associated
chargers, power supplies, cell balancers , connectors) can be
expensive. Finally, with a glow engine, it is usually easier
to accurately determine your fl ight time. Sometimes, with
electric motors, fl ight times can be inconsistent due to the
number of variables that can have an effect on a battery’s
condition, thus causing fl ights to end sooner than expected.

However, glow engines are messy. With an electric motor,
there will never be any oily exhaust residue to clean off the
model. Electric motors are easier on the airframe because
there is little vibration (and again, no fuel or oily exhaust
residue that can leak into the structure). Electric motors
are simple to operate—they don’t require starting (other
than advancing the throttle stick on your transmitter!). Over
the long haul, and depending on how much you fl y, electric
motors can be more economical than glow because you’ll
never have to buy fuel (although, most LiPo batteries have a
life cycle of approximately tw o years). Finally, electric motors
are pure and quiet.

Motor vs. Engine

An engine is a device that converts heat energy (in a
fuel) into mechanical energy that can do work. A motor is
powered by electricity or a mechanism (such as a spring
in a wrist watch).

Motor/Battery/ESC Recommendations

If powering your Escapade with an electric motor, it performs
superbly on a RimFire™ .46 motor (GPMG4725) and a single, 4S
(four , single cells) 3200mAh 14.8V LiPo battery . If experimenting
with different batteries, make certain they are rated f or at least a
20C discharge (as is the recommended battery).

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Escapade
that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

The most important decision you may be thinking about is
whether to go electric or glow. Here are some considerations
that may help you:

Almost always, glow power provides the longest fl ight times
(in the Escapade, approximately 12 minutes with a glow
engine and approximately 6 – 8 minutes with electric motor).
Usually, it is an achievement if one can get the power of an
electric motor to equal that of a comparable glow engine.

A 60A ESC (electronic speed controller) is also required. The
Great Planes Silver Series 60A Brushless ESC (GPMM1850)
is recommended.

Following are the other suggested items if powering
your Escapade with an electric motor:

❏ Suitable propeller and spare propellers (APC 12" x 6"

thin electric propeller – APCQ4130)

❏ 12V power supply (Hobbico

– HCAP0250)

❏ Adhesive-backed Velcro
❏ LiPo battery charger (Great Planes PolyCharge4

LiPo charger – GPMM3015)

❏ (1) Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox

Balancer (GPMM3160) for each battery to be charged
simultaneously

3

®

12 Volt Power Supply

®

(GPMQ4480)

™

DC

™

LiPo Cell

❏ (1) Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox 4S/5S 4S adapter

set for each Equinox balancer (GPMM3162)

❏ 8mm prop reamer (for propellers and included spinner

– GPMQ5007)

❏ Great Planes Pro

gluing motor mount to fuselage)

IMPORTANT: The Escapade requires a single, 4S battery
pack. But if experimenting with different battery combinations
and connecting multiple battery packs with adapter plugs,
refer to the Battery Precautions on page 20.

Glow Engine Recommendations

The recommended glow engine size range f or the Escapade
is printed on the cover of this instruction manual. It will fl y
well with any of the engines within the recommended range.
And, the Escapade is a lightweight model, so when fl own
with engines even at the smaller end of the scale it will still be
fast and responsive . So , unless you are an e xperienced pilot,
you may be better off starting out with a smaller engine.

™

30-minute epoxy (GPMR6043) (for

For dual aileron servo option:

❏ (2) standard torque/size aileron servos
❏ (2) 6" [150mm] servo extension wires (HCAM2000

for Futaba®)

❏ (1) Dual servo extension (FUTM4130 for Futaba)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

In addition to common hobby tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wire
cutters), f ollowing is a list of sug gested building supplies:

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro

™

CA+ (GPMR6007)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Power drill
❏ Drill bits; 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], #48 (.076" [1.9mm])

drill or hobby knife

❏ Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ 21st Century

®

sealing iron (COVR2700)

In addition to the engine, follo wing are the additional items
required if powering your Escapade with a glow engine:

❏ Suitable propeller and spare propellers
❏ Fuel, fueling system (pump, fuel line, fuel can fi ttings

set), 1.5V glow driver, fi eld box, tools

❏ #36 (or 7/64) [2.6mm] drill
❏ Optional: 6-32 tap and drill set (GPMR8102), (4) 6-32

x 1" socket-head cap screws (GPMQ3038) for mounting
engine with machine screws instead of included sheet­metal screws.

Radio Equipment

4-channels are required to fl y the Escapade. However, the
number of servos required can be from three to fi ve. Only
three channels will be required if fl ying the Escapade with
an electric motor and using the single aileron servo option.
If powering the model with a glow engine, a servo will be
required for the throttle. And in either case (glow or electric),
two servos will be required for the ailerons if using the dual
aileron servo option. In all cases, standard-size servos with
standard output torque (40 – 50 oz-in torque) are suitable.

Following is the specifi c radio gear required for the
different confi gurations:

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Escapade.

❏ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❏ 21st Century trim seal iron (COVR2750)
❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ Dead Center
❏ C.G. Machine
❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

• 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" [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 x 3/4" [19mm]

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

™

(GPMR2400)

™

(TOPQ5700)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

For all versions;

❏ 4-channel radio system w/4.8V 500-600mAh fl at Rx

battery back, on/off switch

❏ 1 ea. standard size/torque elevator and rudder servo

For single aileron servo option:

❏ (1) standard torque/size aileron servo
❏ (2) 6" [150mm] servo extension wires (HCAM2000)

This is a number 4 screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long

with forty threads per inch.

• The Escapade is factory-covered with Top Flite
MonoKote® fi lm. Should repairs ever be required,
MonoKote can be patched with additional MonoKote

4

®

purchased separately. MonoKote is packaged in six-foot
rolls, but some hobby shops also sell it by the foot. If
only a small piece of MonoKote is needed for a minor
patch, perhaps a fellow modeler would give you some.
MonoKote is applied with a model airplane covering iron,
but in an emergency a regular iron could be used. A roll
of MonoKote includes full instructions for application.
Following are the colors used on this model and order
numbers for six foot rolls.

Jet White – TOPQ0204
Orange – TOPQ0202
True Red – TOPQ0227

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine 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.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Escapade ARF are
available using the order n umbers 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.

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:

GPMA3250 Fuselage
GPMA3251 Wing
GPMA3252 Tail Surface Set
GPMA3253 Landing Gear
GPMA3254 Wheel Pants
GPMA3255 Wing Joiner
GPMA3256 Canopy/Hatch
GPMA3257 Decal
GPMA3258 Out-runner Mount
GPMA3259 OPTIONAL Fiberglass Cowl

METRIC CONVERSIONS

1" = 25.4mm (conversion factor)

1/64" = .4mm
1/32" = .8mm
1/16" = 1.6mm
3/32" = 2.4mm
1/8" = 3.2mm
5/32" = 4.0mm
3/16" = 4.8mm
1/4" = 6.4mm
3/8" = 9.5mm
1/2" = 12.7mm
5/8" = 15.9mm

3/4" = 19.0mm
1" = 25.4mm
2" = 50.8mm
3" = 76.2mm
6" = 152.4mm
12" = 304.8mm
18" = 457.2mm
21" = 533.4mm
24" = 609.6mm
30" = 762.0mm
36" = 914.4mm

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 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].

555

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

3

4

1 Fuselage
2 Canopy
3 Spinner
4 Wheel Pants (L&R)
5 Main Landing Gear (L&R)
6 Main Wheels (2)
7 Motor Mount

2

1

7

5

6

5

13 14

8

10

12

9

11

Kit Contents

8 Fuel Tank
9 Tail Gear Assembly
10 Horizontal Stabilizer & Elevators
11 Vertical Stabilizer (Fin) & Rudder
12 Aluminum Wing Joiner Tube
13 Left Wing Panel w/Aileron
14 Right Wing Panel w/Aileron

6

PREPARATIONS

Tighten the Covering

Refer to the separate instruction sheet titled How To Tighten
Covering On ARF Models. Follow the instructions to tighten

the covering. If you pref er 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).

❏ 2. Temporarily mount the servo with the scre ws that came

with it. Remove the screws and take out the servo. Add a
few drops of thin CA to each screw hole. Wait a minute for
the CA to harden and re mount the servo (guiding the wire
between the right side of the servo and the servo mount).
Don’t overtighten the servo mounting screws—just make
sure the heads of the screws apply a little pressure to the
grommets and that the servo is secure.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Hook Up the Ailerons (Single Servo Option)

If using dual aileron servos, skip to the next section on
page 9.

❏ 1. Place your aileron servo in the servo mount built into

the right wing half (note the servo wire coming out between
the right side of the servo and the mount). Drill 1/16" [1.6mm]
holes for the servo mounting screws.

❏ 3. Temporarily connect the aileron servo to your receiver

with a battery and on/off switch. Turn on the transmitter and
receiver and center all the trims on the transmitter.

CUT OFF THE

YES 90°

UNUSED ARMS

❏ 4. With the radio on, position the servo arm on the splined

output shaft on the servo so it will be 90-degrees as shown in
the sketch. Once you fi nd the orientation that’s 90-degrees , cut
off the other two unused arms. The radio may now be turned
off, disconnected from the aileron servo and set aside.

7

7

TORQUE ROD HORN

AILERON TORQ UE ROD

❏ 5. Screw a torque rod horn onto the right aileron torque

rod so that the top of the horn is even with the top of the
torque rod. Tempor arily fi t the clevis on the end of one of the
shorter pushrod wires for the ailerons onto the horn. Use
a fi ne-point felt-tip pen to mark the pushrod wire where it
crosses the outer hole in the servo arm.

❏ 7. Temporarily join the wings with the aluminum wing

joiner tube. Connect the other aileron pushrod the same wa y
you did the fi rst one. Install the servo arm screw and slip the
silicone retainers over the pushrod.

❏ 8. When it’s time to join the wings for fl ying, mount the

strap to the wings as shown in step 12 on page 11. When
you want to separate the wing halv es , simply disconnect the
clevis on the left aileron pushrod from the torque rod horn,
and then slide the wings apart.

Later, during fi nal radio and control throws set up, the
pushrods will be adjusted so the ailerons are centered when
the radio is on (or, you could reconnect your aileron servo to
the radio and do this now).

Proceed to Assemble the Fuselage.

90° PUSHROD
CONNECTOR

❏ 6. Disconnect the pushrod from the torque rod horn and

make a sharp, 90° bend in the wire at the mark. Enlarge the
holes in the aileron servo arm with a #48 (.076" [1.9mm]) drill
or a hobby knife . Fit the pushrod into the outer hole in the servo
arm, then attach a 90° pushrod connector to the assembly.
Cut the excess wire 1/16" [2mm] abov e the connector.

8

8

Hook Up the Ailerons (Dual Servo Option)

You can do both servos simultaneously, or do them one
at a time as described below:

SERVO OPENING
IN WING

CUT THE COVERING 1/8" [3mm]
FROM THE EDGES OF THE OPENING.
SLIT THE COVERING UP TO THE
CORNERS.

❏ 1. Cut the covering from one (or both) of the aileron servo

openings in the bottom of the wings. The “neatest” way is to
cut the covering 1/8" [3mm] inside the opening, cut slits up to
the corners, and then use a trim iron to seal the edges down
inside the openings. Or, just cut the cov ering up to the edges.

❏ 3. Use the string in the wing to pull the servo extension

out the end and place the aileron servo in the wing. Drill
1/16" [1.6mm] holes for the servo mounting screws.

❏ 2. Connect a 6" [150mm] servo extension to the aileron

servo and secure the connection with a 1-1/2" [40mm] piece of
heat shrink tubing included with this kit—shrink the tubing with
a heat gun or a hobby torch—use care not to scorch the wires!

❏ 4. Temporarily mount the servo with the scre ws that came

with it. Remo v e the screws and tak e out the servo . Add a fe w
drops of thin CA to each screw hole. Wait a minute for the
CA to harden and remount the servo. Don’t overtighten the
servo mounting screws—just make sure the heads of the
screws apply a little pressure to the grommets and that the
servo is secure.

9