Great Planes GPMA1210 User Manual

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MX 30cc

INSTRUCTION

™

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wingspan

Length: 67 in [ 1700 mm]

Wing Area: 118 4 in

80 in [2030 mm]

80 in

m

2

[76.4 dm2]

Weight:

Weight

Wing

Loading:

12.75– 13.75 lbs

.7513.75 lb

[5780–6230 g]

25– 27 oz/ft
[76– 82 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

MANUAL

Radio: 4-6 Channel

adio:4-

2

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:

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.

Engine: 1.8−2.0 cu in [30 − 35 cc]

Electric: RimFire 1.60 (63-62-250) Brushless

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

© 2015 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico,® Inc.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1210

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

EngineRecommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

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

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

MODEL INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

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

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

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

Aileron Servo Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Flap Servo Installation (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Install the Tail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install the Rudder and Elevator Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Motor Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Engine Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assemble the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install the Cowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Install the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

INTRODUCTION

Continuing with the success of the Escapade line, Great
Planes brings you the Escapade MX 30cc ARF. This is a
great fi rst gas powered model. The plane is as easy to fl y
as a .60 size sport plane. The optional fl aps allow you to
add the fl aps later if you desire. We believe you will be very
pleased with the ease of assembly and fl ight performance
of the Escapade MX 30cc ARF.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Escapade MX 30cc ARF visit the Great Planes web site
at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Escapade MX 30cc 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 MX 30cc 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 Escapade MX 30cc ARF, 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 g ood condit ion,
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 i g h t .

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.

2

.

6. While this kit has been fl ight-tested to exceed normal

ELEVATORS 85 oz-in

85 oz-in

85 oz-in

85 oz-in

54 oz-in

54 oz-in

2

1

2

2

1

1

9 Servos

Futaba S3305

FUTM0045

Futaba S3305

FUTM0045

Futaba S3305

FUTM0045

Futaba S3305

FUTM0045

Futaba S9001

FUTM0075

Futaba S9001

FUTM0075

SUGGESTED

SERVO

RUDDER

AILERONS

OPTIONAL

FLAPS

THROTTLE

OPTIONAL

CHOKE

#FUNCTION

TOTAL

MINIMUM

TORQUE

RECOMMENDED SERVOS: All control surfaces require the use
of a high-quality servo of at least 85 oz-in of torque. A servo
of 40 oz-in of torque can be used for the throttle and choke.

use, 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
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.

8. If you are building this plane as electric powered, set
the failsafe on your transmitter and follow the safety
precautions in the back of the manual.

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.

Radio Equipment

The Escapade MX 30cc ARF can be flown with a minimum of

a 4-channel radio. For our installation we used six channels.
One channel each for the throttle, choke, elevator, rudder
ailerons and flaps.

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

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Escapade MX

30cc ARF that may require planning or decision m aking before
st ar ting to build. Ord er nu mbers are provided in parentheses.

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Escapade MX

30cc ARF is a 30 – 35cc [1.8 – 2.0 ci.] two-stroke gasoline
engine. We used the DLE 30 engine for our model. Other
engines can also be used but you may need to make
modifi cations for mounting those engines.

Motor Recommendations

❍ Great Planes RimFire 1.60 [63-62-250] Outrunner

Brushless Motor (GPMG4795)

❍ Great Planes SS-80 ESC (GPMM1860)

❍ Great Planes 6mm Male/4mm Female Bullet Adapter

(GPMM3119)

❍ Two 5S FlightPower LiPo Pro50 or FP50 5000mAh 18.5V

Batteries (FPWP5102 or FPWP5505)

❍ Spinner Adapter Kit (GPMQ4589)

ELECTRIC MOTOR INSTALLATION

❍ (2) 20" Servo extension (FUTM4147)

OR

(2) 24" Servo extension (TACM2721)

❍ (3) 8" Servo extension (FUTM4140)

OR

(2) 6" Servo extension (TACM2701)

❍ (2) Y-harness (FUTM4135) (TACM2751)

❍ (1) Additional Y-harness for fl aps

❍ (1) Heavy duty on/off switch (FUTM4385) (TACM2761)

❍ (1) 1900mAh LiFe receiver battery (HCAM6521)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR GAS INSTALLATION

❍ (1) Additional Y-harness for choke if using a 6-channel

receiver

❍ (1) Heavy duty on/off switch (FUTM4385 or

TAC M2761)

❍ (1) 1300mAh LiFe ignition battery (HCAM6411)

The instructions show the two aileron servos connected with

a Y-harness that is plugged into the aileron channel of the
receiver. If using a computer radio, the two aileron servos can
be plugged into separate channels of the receiver and mixed
together. The two fl ap servos and the two elevator servos
also use a Y-harness. If plugging the servos into separate
channels, follow the instructions included with your radio
system on how to mix the channels.

3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Optional Supplies and Tools

Required Hardware and Accessories

❍ (1) Dubro #554 X-Large Tygon Fuel Line (DUBQ0427)

❍ (1) R/C Foam Rubber (1/4" [6mm], HCAQ1000; or 1/2"

[13mm], HCAQ1050)

❍ Propeller and spare propellers suitable for your engine.

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are

required to fi nish the Escapade MX 30cc ARF.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)

❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)

❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)

❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❍ Masking tape

❍ Sandpaper

❍ Drill

❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8"

[3.2mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 13/64" [5.2mm], 1/4" [6.4mm],
25/64" [10mm]

❍ Small metal fi le

❍ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

❍ Silver solder w/fl ux (STAR2000)

❍ Hobbico 60 Watt Soldering Iron (HCAR0776)

❍ #1 Hobby knife (RMXR6903)

❍ #11 blades (5-pack, RMXR6930)

❍ Rotary tool such as Dremel

❍ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)

❍ DLE-30 Propeller Drill Guide (DLEQ0301)

®

Covering Tools

❍ Top Flite® MonoKote® Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)

❍ Top Flite Hot Sock Iron Cover (TOPR2175)

❍ Top Flite MonoKote Trim Seal Iron (TOPR2200)

❍ Top Flite MonoKote Heat Gun (TOPR2000)

❍ Coverite® 21st Century® Sealing Iron (COVR2700)

❍ Coverite 21st Century Cover Sock (COVR2702)

❍ Coverite 21st Century Trim Sealing Iron (COVR2750)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Escapade MX 30cc ARF.

❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)

❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❍ 36" metal ruler

❍ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)

❍ Robart® Super Stand II™ (ROBP1402)

❍ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)

❍ AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)

❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● Anytime a sheet metal screw is installed in wood, fi rst
install the screw, remove the screw and apply a couple
of drops of thin CA in the hole to harden the threads.

After the CA has cured, reinstall the screw.

● Anytime a threaded screw or nut is installed, a drop of

threadlocker must be applied to the threads. An exception,

do not use threadlocker on the screws installed in the
nylon control horns.

● Denatured alcohol is great for cleaning epoxy from
surfaces before the epoxy cures

● Replacement MonoKote colors

Jet White (TOPQ0204)
Black (TOPQ0208)

Dove Gray (TOPQ0211)
True Red (TOPQ0227)

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, 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 30cc
ARF are available using the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical service
can be provided by your h obby dealer or mail- order company.
Not all parts are available separately (an aileron cannot be
purchased separately, but is only available with the wing kit).
Replacement parts are not available from Product Support,

4

but can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/Internet
order fi rms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts) are also
available from these outlets.

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

www.greatplanes.com. Choose “Where to Buy”. 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® 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

GPMA5380
GPMA5381
GPMA5382
GPMA5383
GPMA5384
GPMA5385
GPMA5386
GPMA5387
GPMA5388
GPMA5389
GPMA5390
GPMA5391

Wing Set
Fuselage Set
Tail Surface Set
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Wing Tube
Canopy/Hatch
EP Motor Mount Box
Spinner
Tailwheel Assembly
Hatch Screws

1. Fuselage

2. Cowl

3. Horizontal Stabilizer

4. Vertical Stabilizer

5. EP Motor Mount Box

6. Wing Tube

7. Canopy/Hatch

8. Spinner

9.

Battery/Fuel Tank Tray

10. Servo Tray

11. Fuel Tank

12. Wing Halves

13. Wheel Pants

14. Main Wheels

15. Main Landing Gear

KIT CONTENTS

1

3

4

2

5

7

8

10

9

11

12

6

12

13

15

14

16

16. Tailwheel Assembly

5

PREPARATIONS

1. Firmly pull on each of the control surfaces to confi rm

❏

they are securely glued.

2. Tighten the covering with a covering iron as needed.

❏

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Aileron Servo Installation

Begin with the left wing panel.

1. Install a servo lead extension (not included).

❏ ❏

3. Route servo lead through wing.

❏ ❏

4. Drill servo screw mounting hole.

❏ ❏

2. Install grommets and eyelets on all servos.

❏ ❏

❏ ❏

6

5. Install servo screws.

6. Install servo horn.

❏ ❏

7. Aileron pushrod components.

❏ ❏

10. Position control horn on aileron.

❏ ❏

8. Install the 4-40 threaded clevis.

❏ ❏

9. Attach clevis to control horn.

❏ ❏

❏ ❏

7

11. Mount control horn.

HOW TO SOLDER

Apply a few drops of soldering fl ux to the end of the pushrod.
“Tin” the end of the pushrod by applying heat. Apply silver
solder to the heated area. The pushrod should melt the
solder, not the fl ame of the torch. The end of the pushrod
should be tinned all the way around.

Position the solder clevis on the pushrod and apply a drop
of fl ux to the joint. Apply heat and add solder. Again, the
heat of the part should melt the solder, not the fl ame of
the torch. Allow the part to cool naturally. Make sure the
joint is thoroughly soldered. It should be shiny, not rough.
Reheat if necessary.

Wipe off the fl ux residue with denatured alcohol. Coat the
joint with oil to prevent rust.

12. Install the solder clevis.

❏ ❏

13. Reinstall the aileron pushrods and slide the retainers

❏ ❏

over the clevises.

14. Repeat steps 1 – 13 to install the aileron servo in

❏

the right wing. The two aileron servos are connected with a

Y-harness and plugged into the aileron channel on the receiver.

8

Flap Servo Installation (Optional)

Flaps are not necessary to land the 30cc Escapade. However,

if you have never fl own with fl aps, the 30cc Escapade is a
great plane to learn with.

1. Install a servo lead extension (not included).

❏

2. Install grommets and eyelets in the fl ap servo .

❏

5. Install the fl ap servo following the same procedure used

❏

to install the aileron servos.

3. Remove the covering from fl ap servo opening.

❏

4. Separate the fl ap from the aileron.

❏

6. Install the fl ap servo in the right wing. The two fl ap

❏

servos are connected with a Y-harness and plugged into the
fl ap channel on the receiver.

7. Install the nylon wing dowels.

❏

9

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

A

A = A

A

Install the Tail

1. Slide the Carbon Wing Tube into the fuselage.

❏

5. Check the alignment of the horizontal stabilizer. The

❏

distance from the center of the nose of the fuselage to the
tips of the horizontal stabilizer should be equal.

2. Install the wing panels.

❏

3. Temporarily install the horizontal stabilizer and the

❏

vertical fi n.

The wing and stabilizer should be parallel. If they are not,

lightly sand the stabilizer slot.

10