Great Planes GPMA1224 User Manual

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 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 STAR TING
CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING
THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0197 for GPMA1224 V1.0Entire Contents © Copyright 2005

Champaign, IL

[phone], Ext. 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 80.5 in [2045mm]
Wing Area: 1518 sq in [97.9 dm2]
Weight: 13-15 lb [5900–6800g]
Wing Loading: 20–23 oz/sq ft [61–70 g/dm2]
Length: 54.5 in [1385mm]
Radio: 4 or 5-channel, 7 to 8 ser vos
Engine: 1.2–1.6 cu in [19.5–26.0cc] two-stroke,

1.2–1.8 cu in [19.5–29.5cc] four-stroke,

1.5–2.1 cu in [25–35cc] gas

™

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

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

IMAA ..................................................................................3

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................................3

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

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

Fuel Tank Setup...........................................................4

Spinner.........................................................................4

Building Stand..............................................................4

Flap & Aileron Setup....................................................4

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

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.....................................5

Hardware & Accessories .............................................5

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................5

Optional Supplies & Tools............................................5

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES.......................................5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ...............................6

METRIC CONVERSIONS..................................................6

KIT INSPECTION...............................................................7

PREPARATIONS................................................................8

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS ..................................................8

Mount the Servos.........................................................8

Hinge the Flaps & Ailerons..........................................9

Hook Up the Flaps & Ailerons .....................................9

Finish the Wings........................................................11

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE.........................................12

Mount the Stab ..........................................................12

Mount the Fin .............................................................13

Mount the Landing Gear............................................15

Mount the Engine.......................................................16

Glow Engine........................................................16

Gas Engine (Fuji BT-32)......................................16

Install the Fuel Tank...................................................18

Hook up the Throttle & Nose Gear Steering..............19

Hook up the Elevator & Rudder Servos.....................20

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

Mount the Receiver & Battery....................................20

Center the Servos ......................................................21

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

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

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................22

Balance the Model Laterally......................................23

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................23

Identify Your Model.....................................................23

Charge the Batteries ..................................................23

Balance the Propellers...............................................23

Ground Check............................................................24

Range Check.............................................................24

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................24

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................24

IMAA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)...................................25

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

FLYING.............................................................................27

Take Off......................................................................27

Flight..........................................................................28

Landing......................................................................28

ENGINE MOUNTING TEMPLATES.................................31

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Giant Big Stik

™

ARF. Due to the popularity of the “Stik” series of models, it
was only a matter of time before Great Planes released a
giant version. And this Stik, like all of its predecessors, is
simple and rugged.The Giant Big Stik ARF can be powered
by either a spark-ignition “gas” engine or a glow engine.
Refer to

“Engine Recommendations”

under the

“DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE”

section of this manual for
information that may help you decide how to power your
Giant Big Stik ARF.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Giant Big Stik ARF visit the Great Planes web
site at

www.greatplanes.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link,
then select the Giant Big Stik 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.

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the
governing body of model aviation and membership is
required to fly at AMA clubs. Though joining the AMA
provides many benefits, one of the primary reasons to join
is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to flying at
contests or on the club field. It even applies to flying at
public demonstrations and air shows.Failure to comply with
the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of the
manual) may endanger insurance coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the countr y.Contact the
AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below.

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can
do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to
avoid flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or
over groups of people.

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

AMA

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

The Great Planes Giant Big Stik ARF is an excellent sport­scale model and is eligible to fly in IMAA events.The IMAA
(International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive flying of giant­scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA event, obtain a
copy of the IMAA Safety Code by contacting the IMAA at
the address or telephone number below, or by logging on to
their web site.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

[phone]

www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html.

1.Your Giant Big Stik 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 Giant Big Stik 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 unflyable 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 first-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

5.You must correctly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates correctly on the ground and in
the air.

6.You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights. 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.

8.While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use, if
the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, 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.

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

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Giant Big
Stik ARF that may require planning or decision-making
before starting to build. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

The recommended engine size range for the Giant Big Stik
ARF is specified on the cover of this manual. All engines
within the specified range will power this model well.Never
fly the Giant Big Stik ARF with an engine larger than one in
the specified range because it has not been designed or
tested for larger engines. Powered by a two-stroke glow
engine such as the O.S.®MAX 1.60 FX, the Giant Big Stik
ARF performs like any .60-size sport plane with the added
stability and durability of any well-designed giant plane. If
flying the Giant Big Stik ARF with a spark-ignition gas
engine, the kit includes a plywood engine mount plate and
engine mount standoffs to facilitate the Fuji Engines

™

BT-32. If using another brand of gas engine, use the
instructions as a guide for how to mount yours.

If you haven’t yet built a model with a gas engine, but are
considering using one, two of the benefits are fuel economy
(not only is gasoline cheaper than glow fuel, but gas engines
typically burn less fuel as well) and considerably cleaner
exhaust residue. Most gas engines, however, are heavier
than glow engines and require premixing gas and oil.

Here are the order numbers for O .S.MAX and Fuji engines:

❏ O.S.1.60 FX ringed with muffler (OSMG0660)
❏ O.S.1.60 FX ringed without muffler (OSMG0661)

Engine Recommendations

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMAA

3

❏ #5010 muffler for O.S. 1.60 FX engine (OSMG2846)
❏ Fuji BT-32S R/C gas engine (FJIG0033)

Per the IMAA Safety Code, magneto spark-ignition engines
must have a coil-grounding switch on the aircraft to stop the
engine and prevent accidental starting.The switch must be
operated manually (without the use of the transmitter) and
be accessible by the pilot and assistant. For use with the
Fuji engine shown, the manually operated switch w as made
from a .3 amp slide switch, 16-gauge wire and a covered,
crimp-on connector purchased at the local Radio Shack®.
Slightly different hardware may be required if using a
different spark-ignition engine. All of the components
required are available at any hardware or home­improvement store.

If using the Fuji BT-32SB engine the following hardware
must be purchased separately:

❏ (4) 1/4-20 x 2-1/4" or 1/4-20 x 2-1/2" Phillips-head bolts
❏ (4) 1/4-20 blind nuts
❏ (4) 1/4" flat washers
❏ (4) 1/4" lock washers
❏ (4) 10-32 x 3/4" socket-head cap screws
❏ (4) #10 lock washers

Note: If using the Fuji BT-32 (or most other gas engines),
the nose-gear option may not be used and the model must
be built as a taildragger. This is because of the extended
distance from the firewall that the engine would have to be
mounted in order to clear the nose gear hardware.

The fuel tank included with this kit is suitable for use with
glow fuel.However, if using a gas engine, the fuel tank must
be converted to work with gasoline. This can be done by
purchasing a Sullivan #484 Gasoline/Diesel fuel tank
conversion kit (SULQ2684), a package of Du-Bro #813 1/8"
[3.2mm] I.D. fuel line barbs (DUBQ0670) and 3' of Great
Planes gasoline fuel tubing (GPMQ4135). Without the fuel
line barbs some types of gas-compatible fuel line may slip
off the metal fuel tubes. If the Sullivan conversion kit is not
available the Du-Bro #400 gas conversion stopper
(DUBQ0675) and one 12" [300mm] piece of K+S 1/8"
[3.2mm] soft brass tubing (K+SR5128, box of 5) could also
be used to make the conversion.Full instructions on how to
set up the fuel tank and make the conversion to gas are
provided in this manual.

The model on the kit box cover is shown with a Great Planes
2-3/4" [70mm] aluminum spinner (GPMQ4555) (not included).
An adapter nut for mounting the spinner cone is also required.
(Order No. OSMG4588 for use with the O.S. 1.60 FX.) The
Great Planes spinner is intended to be used on engines that
have a threaded crankshaft–not engines that use a propeller
bolt (such as most gas engines). In this case, a different type
of spinner will have to be used. In most cases the propeller
cutouts in the cone will also have to be enlarged.A rotary tool
with a carbide cutter works great for the rough work, followed
by a small metal file to clean up the edges. Always wear eye
protection when working with power tools.

A building stand or cradle comes in handy.We use the Robart
Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for all of our projects in R&D.

The Giant Big Stik ARF is intended to be flown with flaps using
a radio with a minimum of five channels.If, however, you have
only a four-channel radio, the Giant Big Stik ARF could be
flown without flaps.In this case, the flap servos will hav e to be
linked to the aileron servos using Y-connectors. Then, all four
control surfaces on the wings will function as ailerons.

Since the Giant Big Stik ARF is a large model, standard
servos should not be used to operate the control surfaces.
Servos with a minimum torque rating of 50 oz-in are

Radio Equipment

Flap & Aileron Setup

Building Stand

Spinner

Fuel T ank Setup

4

suitable for the flaps and ailerons.The elevator and rudder
should each be operated by a servo with approximately 70
oz-in torque.The throttle and nose wheel may be operated
by standard servos.

The following servo extensions and Y-harnesses were
also used to build the Giant Big Stik ARF as shown in
the manual.

❏ (2) 36" [910mm] servo extensions for elevator and

rudder (HCAM2726 for Futaba)

❏ (2) 24" [610mm] servo extensions for ailerons

(HCAM2721 for Futaba)

❏ (2) 6" [150mm] servo extensions for flaps (HCAM2701

for Futaba)

❏ (2) Futaba AEC-13 Y-connectors for flap and aileron

servos (FUTM4130)

A battery pack with a minimum of 1,000mAh should also
be used. When flying giant-scale models such as this,
ALWAYS check the battery condition before each flight.

In addition to the items listed in the

“Decisions Y ou Must

Make”

section, following is the list of hardware and
accessories required to finish the Giant Big Stik ARF. Order
numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ Propeller and spare propellers suitable for your engine
❏ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] – HCAQ1000, or 1/2"

[13mm] – HCAQ1050)

❏ 3' [900mm] standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)

-or-

❏ 3' [900mm] gasoline fuel tubing (GPMQ4135)
❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the Giant Big Stik ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and

Epoxy glue are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Threadlocker

™

thread-locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm],

3/16" [4.8mm], 13/64" [5.2mm] (or 3/16"), 15/64 [6mm]
(or 1/4"), 1/4" [6.4mm], 9/32" [7.1mm]

❏ 8-32 tap and drill set (GPMR8103)

-or-

❏ 8-32 Tap and #29 drill
❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120)
❏ Small metal file
❏ Silver solder w/flux (GPMR8070)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ 21st Century

®

sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Giant Big Stik ARF.

❏ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ 3M 75 Repositionable spray adhesive (MMMR1900)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ 36" Metal ruler (HCAR0475)
❏ Large T-pins (100, HCAR5200)
❏ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❏ Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set (GPMM1000)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❏ Hobby Heat

™

Micro Torch II (HCAR0755)

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

• 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].

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

with forty threads per inch.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

Hardware & Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

5

• When you see the term

test fit

in the instructions, it
means that you should first position the part on the
assembly without using any glue, then slightly modify
or custom fit the part as necessar y for the best fit.

• Whenever the term

glue

is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use.When
a specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

• Whenever just

epoxy

is specified you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy.When
30-minute epoxy is specified 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.

• Following are the MonoKote®colors used on the Giant
Big Stik ARF in case patches or repairs are ever needed:

True Red – TOPQ0227

Black – TOPQ0208

White – TOPQ0204

• 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 fly,
please expect slight deviations between your model and
the published values.

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Giant Big Stik 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 Hobbico®web site at

www.hob bico .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.If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may
also be ordered from Tower Hobbies®at

www.to werhob bies.com

,

or by calling toll free [phone].
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 Dr ive, 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].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces..........Contact Product Support

Instruction manual ....Contact Product Support

Full-size plans ............................Not Available

GPMA2815 ..........Wing Set ....................Contact Hobby Supplier

GPMA2816 ..........Fuselage ....................Contact Hobby Supplier

GPMA2817 ..........Tail Surface Kit ..........Contact Hobby Supplier

GPMA2818 ..........Main Gear ..................Contact Hobby Supplier

GPMA2819 ..........Nose Gear..................Contact Hobby Supplier

GPMA2820 ..........Wing Tube ..................Contact Hobby Supplier

1" = 25.4mm (conversion factor)

METRIC CONVERSIONS

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

6

1/64" = .4 mm
1/32" = .8 mm
1/16" = 1.6 mm
3/32" = 2.4 mm

1/8" = 3.2 mm
5/32" = 4.0 mm
3/16" = 4.8 mm

1/4" = 6.4 mm

3/8" = 9.5 mm

1/2" = 12.7 mm

5/8" = 15.9 mm

3/4" = 19.0 mm

1" = 25.4 mm
2" = 50.8 mm
3" = 76.2 mm

6" = 152.4 mm
12" = 304.8 mm
18" = 457.2 mm
21" = 533.4 mm
24" = 609.6 mm
30" = 762.0 mm
36" = 914.4 mm

7

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, use the Kit Contents list to 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 Great Planes Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly
as they are written in the Kit Contents list on this page.

Great Planes Product Support:

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail:

[e-mail]

Parts Layout

Kit Contents

1. Fuselage

2. Wings, Flaps & Ailerons

3. Fin & Rudder

4. Stabilizer & Elevator

5. Tail Gear Assembly

6. 13-3/4" [350mm] Velcro Strip

7. Fuel Tank

8. Wing Joiner Tube

9. Nose Gear Wire

10. Nose Gear Bearing

11. Main Landing Gear

12. Wheels (3)

Wood Parts:

(2) Plywood Fuel Tank Former Set
(2) Plywood Fuji Engine Mount Plates
(1) Plywood Receiver/Battery Tray
(1) 1/4" x 1/4" x 8" [6.3 x 6.3 x 200mm]

Hardwood Stick
(1) 1/16" x 1" x 8" [1.6 x 25 x 200mm] Sheeting
(2) 3/8" x 2" [9.5 x 50mm] Hardwood Dowels
(1) 1/4" x 1-3/16" [6.3 x 30mm] Hardwood Dowel

Hardware:

(1) Nylon Tail Gear Eyelet
(4) Fuji Gas Engine Mounting Standoffs
(1) 1.20 – 1.60 Engine Mount, Right
(1) 1.20 – 1.60 Engine Mount, Left
(2) 2-56 x 36" [914mm] Pushrods
(6) 4-40 x 12" [305mm] Pushrods
(1) 36" [914mm] White Pushrod Tube

(for gas engine)
(1) 3/16" x 36" [4.8 x 914mm] Pushrod

Guide T ube
(6) Giant Control Horns
(6) Giant Control Horn Mounting Plates
(2) CA Hinge Strips
(6) Heat-Shrink T ubing
(1) Steering Arm

Nuts, Bolts, Connectors:

(2) 1/4-20 Blind Nuts (factory-installed

in fuselage)
(2) 1/4-20 x 2" [51mm] Nylon Wing Bolts
(12) 6-32 Blind Nuts (8 factory-installed)
(4) 6-32 x 1" [25mm] Screws
(8) #6 Flat Washers
(8) #6 Lock Washers
(2) 3/16" x 2" [4.8 x 50mm] Bolt-on Axles
(2) 5/16" Lock Nuts (for axles)
(2) 3/16" [4.8mm] Wheel Collars
(2) 6-32 Set Screws (for wheel collars)
(4) 6-32 x 3/4" [19mm] Phillips Screws
(1) 6-32 x 1/4" [6mm] Socket-Head Cap Screw
(4) 8-32 x 1-1/4" [32mm] Socket-Head Cap

Screws (engine mount)
(4) 8-32 x 1" [25mm] Socket-Head Cap

Screws (engine)
(4) 8-32 Blind Nuts
(4) #8 Flat Washers
(8) #8 Lock Washers
(2) Brass Screw-Lock Pushrod Connectors
(2) Nylon Retainers (for screw-lock

pushrod connectors)
(2) 4-40 x 1/8" [3.2mm] Socket-Head

Cap Screws

(2) Nylon Clevises
(2) 2-56 x 1" [25mm] Threaded Rod (gas)
(1) Nylon Ball Link (gas)
(1) 2-56 Ball Link Ball (gas)
(1) 2-56 Lock Nut (gas)
(6) 4-40 Clevises
(6) Large Solder Clevises
(6) 4-40 Nuts
(24) 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm] Phillips Screws

(control horns)
(14) Silicone Clevis Retainers
(8) #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] Phillips Screws (4-fuel

tank hatch cover, 4-battery/receiver tray)
(8) #2 Washers
(1) 3/32" [2.4mm] Wheel Collar (tail gear)
(1) 4-40 Set Screw

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

1

12

8

3

4

6

5

7

9

11

10

2

Use a covering iron with a covering sock to remove any
wrinkles in the covering. Over sheeted areas, first glide the
iron over the wrinkle until it disappears, then come back
pressing hard on the iron to thoroughly bond the covering to
the wood. Hint: Use a small T-pin to poke several holes in
the covering over the lightening holes on the bottom of the
control surfaces. This will allow expanding air to escape
during the heating and tightening process.

❏ 1. Use a straightedge and a hobby knife to cut the

covering 1/8" [3mm] inside the openings in the bottom of
both wings for the flap and aileron servos.

❏ 2. Slit the covering up to the corners of the openings,

then use a trim iron to iron the covering down inside.

❏ 3. Cut the covering from the bottom of the wing over the

holes for the servo wires next to the root end of both wings.

❏ 4. Connect one 12" [300mm] servo extension wire to

each aileron servo and connect one 6" [150mm] extension
wire to each flap servo.Cut two pieces of the included blac k
heat shrink tubing in half, making four 1-1/2" [40mm] pieces.
Center the pieces of tubing over the connections between
the servo wires and the extensions. Use a heat gun to
shrink the tubing, making the connections secure.

Mount the Servos

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

During construction there will be several occasions where
epoxy cleanup will be necessary. Instead of wasting
whole paper towels, stack three or four paper towels on
top of each other and cut them into small squares. This
will conserve paper towels and the little squares are
easier to use. For epoxy clean up dampen the squares
with denatured alcohol.

PREPARATIONS

8

❏ 5.Use the strings in the wings to pull the servo wires out

while placing the servos into the openings.With the servos
in position, drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes into the wing for all the
servo mounting screws.Temporarily mount the servos with
the servo mounting screws that came with your servos.

❏ 6.Remove the servo mounting screws and take the servos

out of the openings.Add a few drops of thin CA to each screw
hole to harden the “threads.” After the CA has hardened
reinstall all the screws to securely mount the servos.

❏ 1. Cut twelve 1" x 1" [25 x 25mm] CA hinges from the 2"

x 9" [50 x 230mm] CA hinge strip.Cut the corners off so the
hinges go in easier.

❏ 2.Stick a T-pin through the middle of all the hinges.Insert

six hinges into the hinge slots of both wings.

❏ 3. Join the flaps and ailerons to the wings with the hinges.

Make sure there is a small gap between the leading edge of
the flaps and ailerons and the trailing edge of the wings–just
enough to see light through or to slip a piece of paper through.
Take out the T-pins, then apply at least eight drops of thin CA
to both sides of all the hinges on both wings. Allow enough
time between each drop of CA so the hinge can absorb it
instead of running into the hinge gap. CA applicator tips are
highly recommended here so the amount and location of the
CA can be controlled.

❏ 4.After the CA has hardened for a f e w min utes, pull hard

on the flaps and ailerons to make sure they are secure.Add
more CA to any hinges that aren’t securely glued.

If you’re building your Giant Big Stik ARF with flaps
hook up the servos this way.

Hook Up the Flaps & Ailerons

Hinge the Flaps & Ailerons

9

❏ 1. Make four pushrod assemblies from the hardware

shown in the photo. Turn the pushrods into the clevis
approximately twenty full turns.

❏ 2. Connect a solder-on clevis into the outer hole of one

of the aileron servo arms. (Do not cut off the unused servo
arms until instructed to do so when setting up the radio
later.) Hold one of the control horn/pushrod assemblies to
the wing with the horn resting on the aileron (as shown in
the sketch) and the pushrod up to the clevis.

❏ 3.Use a fine-point felt-tip pen to mark the pushrod where

it should be cut for soldering onto the clevis.

❏ 4. Cut the pushrod at the mark. Take the clevis off the

horn, then refer to the

“Expert Tip”

that follows about

soldering and solder the clevis onto the end of the pushrod.

This is what a properly soldered clevis looks like–shiny
solder with good flow, no blobs, flux removed.

1. Use denatured alcohol or other solvent to thoroughly
clean the pushrod. Roughen the end of the pushrod with
coarse sandpaper where it is to be soldered.

2. Apply a few drops of soldering flux to the end of the
pushrod, then use a soldering iron or a torch to heat it.
“Tin” the heated area with silver solder (GPMR8070) by
applying the solder to the end. The heat of the pushrod
should melt the solder–not the flame of the torch or
soldering iron–thus allowing the solder to flow .The end of
the wire should be coated with solder all the way around.

3.Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod.Add another
drop of flux, then heat and add solder. The same as
before, the heat of the parts being soldered should melt
the solder, thus allowing it to flow. Allow the joint to
naturally cool without disturbing. Avoid excess blobs, but
make certain the joint is thoroughly soldered. The solder
should be shiny, not rough. If necessary, reheat the joint
and allow to cool.

4. Immediately after the solder has solidified, but while it
is still hot, use a cloth to quickly wipe off the flux before it
hardens. Important: After the joint cools, coat with oil to
prevent rust. Note: Do not use the acid flux that comes
with silver solder for electrical soldering.

HOW T O SOLDER

If you’re

not

building your Giant Big Stik ARF with

flaps hook up the servos this way.

10