Great Planes GPMA1202 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan: 52 in [1320 mm]

Wing Area: 449 in

Wing Loading: 26−28 oz /ft

2

[29 dm2]

2

[79−85 g/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 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

Length: 45 in [1145mm]
Weight: 5− 5.5 lb [2270−2490 g]

Radio: 4-channel radio system with 5 servos

Engine: .46− .55 in

™

Electric Motor: RimFire™ .46-.55, 60A ESC

Battery: One 4S 3350mAh 14.8V LiPo

3

[7.45–9.0cc] two-stroke, .52 – .70 in3 [8.5 – 11.1cc] four-stroke

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]

© 2013 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc. GPM A1202 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

Engine Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

Required Hardware and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

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

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

TIGHTEN THE COVERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

INSTALL THE AILERON SERVOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Install the Elevator and Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Mount the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Mount the Electric Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Mount the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the Motor Cover and Spinner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Mount the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Mount the Glow Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

HOOK UP THE THROTTLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Two-Stroke Hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Install the Fuel Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Four-Stroke Hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

FINAL ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Final Radio Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Install the Propeller and Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Install the Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

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

Install and Connect the Motor Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

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

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

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

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

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

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

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

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

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

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

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

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Fuel Mixture Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Flight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

INTRODUCTION

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Escapade MX ARF visit the Great Planes web site at www.

greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the

Escapade MX 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 PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & 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 could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property if not assembled and
operated correctly.

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 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

2

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 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.

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

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

❍ Suitable propeller and spare propellers (APC 11 x 7

APCQ4128)

❍ 8mm prop reamer (for propellers and included spinner

– GPMQ5007)

If powering your Escapade with an engine:

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Escapade is
.46 to .55 two-stroke or .52 to .70 four-stroke. If an engine in

the upper end of the size range is used, responsible throttle
management should be practiced.

❍ O.S.® 55AX ABL w/Muffl er (OSMG0557)

❍ (1) APCQ1107 APC 11x7 Sport Propeller

❍ 3' Great Planes Silicone Fuel Tubing (GPMG4131)

❍ (1)

Great Planes Aluminum Fuel Line Plug (GPMQ4166)

Fuel, fueling system (pump, fuel line, fuel can fi ttings set),

1.5V glow driver, fi eld box, tools

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.

If powering your Escapade with an electric motor:

Motor Battery Recommendations

If powering your Escapade with an electric motor, it performs

superbly on a:

❍ RimFire™ .55 motor (GPMG4715)

❍ One 4S 3350mAh 14.8V LiPo batteries. (FlightPower®

EONX™ 30 3350 mAh 4s 14.8V 30C LiPo FPWP6356)

❍ ElectriFly® Series 2 Deans® Male Ultra Plug® / 1 Deans

Female Ultra Plug Adapter

❍ GPMM3155 Great Planes ElectriFly Triton™ EQ AC/

DC Charger

Radio Equipment

4-channels are required to fl y the Escapade. However, the
number of servos required is fi ve. Only four servos will be
required if fl ying the Escapade with an electric motor. 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 aileron. 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:

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

battery back, on/off switch

❍ (2) ea. standard size/40 oz-in torque elevator and

rudder servo

❍ (1) standard size/40 oz-in torque throttle servo

❍ (2) standard size/40 oz-in torque aileron servos

❍ (2) 6" [152 mm] servo extension wires

(HCAM2711 for Futaba

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

®

)

If experimenting with different batteries, make certain they

are rated for at least a 30C discharge.

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

recommended.

3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware and Accessories

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

the Escapade. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❍ Phillips screwdriver
❍ 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],13/64" [5.2mm],

3/16" [4.8mm] #29 (or 9/64" [3.6mm]). #48 (.076"
[1.9mm]) drill or hobby knife

❍ Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❍ 21st Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)
❍ Side cutters
❍ Crescent wrench
❍ Clear tape
❍ Felt-tip marker

Optional Supplies and 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™ Engine Mount Hole Locator

(GPMR8130)

❍ C.G. Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ Moto-tool
❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

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

Self-Tapping 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.

● 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.

● The Escapade is factory-covered with Top Flite® MonoKote®
fi lm. Should repairs ever be required, MonoKote can be
patched with additional MonoKote 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
Purple TOPQ0225
Metallic Charcoal TOPQ0407

KIT INSPECTION

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 Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Escapade MX 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 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.

4

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 productsupport@greatplanes.

com, or by telephone at [phone].

KIT CONTENTS

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA2000
GPMA2001
GPMA2002
GPMA2003
GPMA2004
GPMA2005
GPMA2006
GPMA2007
GPMA2008
GPMA2009
GPMA2010
GPMA2011
GPMA2012

Wing Escapade Mx ARF
Fuselage Escapade Mx ARF
Horizontal Stabilizer Escapade Mx ARF
Vertical Stabilizer Mx Escapade ARF
Canopy Escapade Mx ARF
Wheelpants Escapade Mx ARF
Landing Gear Escapade Mx ARF
Spinner Escapade Mx ARF
Motor Cover Escapade Mx ARF
Motor Mount Escapade Mx ARF
Decals Escapade Mx ARF
Wing Tube Escapade Mx ARF
Wing Bolts Escapade Mx ARF

1

12

10

9

8

2

7

5 5

11

6

14

4

3

13

1. Fuselage

2. Motor Cover

3. Fin and Rudder

4. Stabilizer and Elevator

5. Right and Left Wings

6. Wheel Pants

7. Wheels

8. Landing Gear

9. Nylon Engine Mount

10. Spinner

5

11. Fuel Tank

12. Electric Motor Mount

13. Tail Wheel Assembly

14. Wing Tube

TIGHTEN THE COVERING

NO NO

Cut off the

90°

YES

Left Wing

Right Wing

Refer to the separate instruction sheet titled How To 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).

INSTALL THE AILERON SERVOS

3.

❏ ❏

with it. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes for the servo mounting screws.
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 remount the servo. Don’t over tighten 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.

Temporarily mount the servo with the screws that came

1. Connect a 6" [152mm] 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, match or a hobby torch—use care not to

scorch the wires!

unused arms.

4. Temporarily connect the servo to the receiver with

❏ ❏

the battery and switch. Turn on the transmitter and receiver
and center all the trims on the transmitter. With the radio on,
fi t the servo arm onto the splined output shaft so it will be 90°
as shown in the sketch.

2. Use the string in the wing to pull the servo extension

❏ ❏

out the end and place the aileron servo in the wing.

5. Note the position of the servo arms in the sketch. Cut

❏ ❏

off the unused arm(s) from each aileron servo arm.

6

6. Thread a nylon clevis approximately 20 turns onto the

❏ ❏

threaded end of the 2-56 x 6" [152mm] wire and then slide
a silicone clevis keeper onto the wire. Install the clevis into
the control arm as shown in the photograph. Slide the clevis
keeper over the clevis.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Install the Elevator and Rudder

7. Making sure the servo and the aileron are centered,

❏ ❏

use a fi ne-point felt-tip pen to mark the pushrod wire where
it crosses the outer hole in the servo arm.

8. Make a 90° bend in the wire at the mark. Fit the

❏ ❏

pushrod into the outer hole in the servo arm and then attach
a 90° pushrod connector to the assembly. Cut the excess wire

1/16" [2mm] above the connector. Install the servo arm screw

and slip the silicone retainers over the pushrod.

9. Repeat steps 1– 8 for the other wing.

❏

1. Cut the balsa block free from the stabilizer opening with

❏

a hobby knife.

2. Slide the horizontal stabilizer (stab) into the stab opening

❏

in the back of the fuselage.

7

3. Slide the vertical fi n (fi n) into the opening in the top of

❏

the fuselage, guiding the threaded wires into the holes in the
bottom of the fuselage. Make sure the fi n is fully seated in the
fuselage and in the stab.

Add a drop of threadlocker to the threads of the wires. Then,
tighten the assembly to the fuselage with #4 fl at washers and
a 4-40 lock nut on each rod. The included socket tool may be
used to tighten the nuts. These should be snug, but do not
overtighten and crush the stab.

5. Mount the tail gear assembly in the following order:

❏

A. Assemble the tail gear as shown. It may be necessary

❏

to add a small amount of CA to the retainer.

B. Add a small drop of threadlocker to the threads on

❏

the 4-40 set screw for the wheel collar. Then, thread
the set screw into the wheel collar. Fit the tail gear
wire through the hole in the strap, then the collar, but
don’t tighten the set screw yet.

4. Even though the nuts used on the fi n wires are locking

❏

nuts, a drop of threadlocker on the threads is recommended.

C. Fit the assembly into the bushing in the fuselage.

❏

8