Great Planes GPMA1230 User Manual

INSTRUCTION

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan: 88 in [2235mm]

Wing Area: 1473 in

Wing Loading: 28−31 oz/ ft

2

[95 dm2]

2

[85−95 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: 82.5 in [2095mm]
Weight: 18−19.5 lb [8160−8840 g]

Radio: 5 channel minimum / 9 channel or greater preferred

MANUAL

Engine: 50-55cu in [3.0 – 3.4cc]

two-stroke gasoline engine

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 © 2010 GPMA1230 Mnl

TABLE OF CO NTENTS

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

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

International Miniature Aircraft Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

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

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

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

Radio Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Servo Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

Muffl er Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

Required Hardware & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Install the Stabs & Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Install the Rudder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Install the Rudder Servos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Complete the Rudder Control Installation . . . . . . . . .15

Install the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Install the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

INST ALL THE MUFFLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Pitts Style Muffl er Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Canister Muffl er Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Tuned Pipe Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

MOUNT THE COWLING AND DUMMY ENGINE . . . . . . 21

INSTALL THE MAIN & TAIL WHEELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

COMPLETE THE RADIO INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . .24

INSTALL THE CANOPY, PILOT

AND INSTRUMENT PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

APPL Y THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Proper Pushrod Hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

AMA SAFETY CODE EXCERPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

INTRODUCTION

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Yak-55M visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.

com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Yak-55M 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

Ph. [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.

International Miniature Aircraft Assoc.

The Great Planes Yak-55M is an excellent sport-scale model

and is eligible to fl y in IMAA events. The IMAA (International
Miniature Aircraft Association) is an organization that promotes
non-competitive fl ying of giant-scale 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 at:

www.fl y-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401

[phone]

2

SAFETY PRE CAUTION S

DECISI ONS YOU MUST MAKE

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others …

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Yak-55M 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 Yak-55M, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.

Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in
an unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions
may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the
written instructions should be considered as correct.

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

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition,

a correctly sized engine, and other components as specifi ed
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model

and all components before every fl ight.

5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type

of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance
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 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 follo w the instructions to

end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Yak-55M that

may require planning or decision making before starting to
build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A fi ve-channel radio is the minimum requirement to fl y the Yak­55M. However, it is recommended that you use a computer
radio with more than fi ve channels. We would recommend at
least a seven channel radio with mixing capabilities and inputs
to put all of the servos on their own channel instead of using

“Y” connectors. When choosing servos be sure to use high

quality servos with torque ratings that are equal or greater
than those listed here. The Yak has very large control surfaces
that will strain inexpensive or lower than recommended torque
rated servos.

Radio Recommendations

❍ Futaba® 7C (FUTJ67**)
❍ Futaba 10C (FUTJ9150)
❍ Futaba 10CAG (FUTK9255)

Servo Recommendations

❍ Ailerons – Minimum rating of 150 oz-in. Two required.

Futaba 9155 (FUTM0215)

❍ Elevator – Minimum rating of 150 oz-in. Two required.

Futaba 9155 (FUTM0215)

❍ Rudder – Minimum rating of 250 oz-in. One required.

Futaba 9156 (FUTM0216)

(The rudder can also be controlled with two servos
ganged together. Each servo should have at least a

125 oz-in or greater rating if you choose the tandem

servo method.)

❍ Throttle and choke – Any precision servo of at least 30

oz-in is acceptable. Futaba 9001 (FUTM0075)

Battery Recommendations

❍ Receiver battery with a minimum capacity of 4.8V and

3000 mAh HCAM6355)

❍ Ignition battery with a minimum capacity of 1000 mAh

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Yak-55M is a 50

to 55 cc two-stroke gasoline engine. The DLE™ 55 (DLEG0055)
is a perfect choice for this airplane. This engine provided
enough power to hover and pull straight out from the hover
when coupled with an APC 22x10 propeller (APCQ2201).

3

Muffler Recommendations

Optional Supplies & Tools

This airplane has been designed to accommodate a wide

variety of muffl er confi gurations. The stock muffl er and Pitts

style muffl ers will require cutting some of the cowl to provide

clearance. We have also provided a tunnel that can be used
with either a canister or tuned pipe. We fl ew our test model
with the canister. This provided very good power and quiet
fl ights. The choice is yours. The following are some of the

available muffl ers that will work with the Yak-55M:

❍ Bison Inverted Wrap Around Pitts Muffl er (BISG1052)
❍ KS Canister Model 86 with KS Flexible header
❍ KS Tuned Pipe Model 1060 with KS Flexible header

ADD ITIONAL ITEMS R EQ UI RE D

Required Hardware & Accessories

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

the Yak-55M. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

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

❍ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)

❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)

❍ Super RC Z 56 glue (JOZR5007)

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

3/16" [4.8mm], 13/64" [5.2mm

❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

❍ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

❍ Masking tape (TOPR8018)

❍ Microballoons (TOPR1090)

❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)

❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❍ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000, or 1/2"

[13mm] - HCAQ1050

❍ 3’ [900mm] gasoline fuel tubing (GPMQ4135)

❍ 6" [150mm] servo extension (HCAM2701 for Futaba)

❍ Four - 12" [300mm] servo extension (HCAM2711

for Futaba)

❍ Two - 36" [914mm] servo extension (HCAM2726

for Futaba)

❍ Two - 1-1/2" [38mm] heavy duty servo arm

(FUTM2118)

❍ Two - 1" [25mm] heavy duty servo arm (FUTM2120)

❍ Two - Heavy duty switch harness (FUTM4385)

❍ Dubro® Fuel Line Barb (DUB0670)

❍ Ernst Futaba charge jack (ERNM3001)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Yak-55M.

❍ 21st Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)
❍ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Hobbico® Duster™ can of compressed air
❍ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❍ AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

®

(HCAR5500)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

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

Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a

length. For example #6 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number six screw that is

3/4" [19mm] long.

Machine Screws are designated by a number, threads
per inch, and a length. For example

4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number four screw that

is 3/4" [19mm] long with forty

threads per inch.

Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) are designated by
a number, threads per inch, and a length. For example

4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a 4-40 SHCS that is 3/4"

[19mm] long with forty threads

per inch

● 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.

4

● The Yak-55M 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.

True Red (TOPQ0227) Black (TOPQ0208)
Jet White (TOPQ0204) Metallic Platinum (TOPQ0408)

KIT CONTENTS

1

2

KIT IN SPE CTIO N

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make
sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not
of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,

contact Pr oduct Support. When reporting defective or missing

parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: [phone], ext. 5

Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

12

1. Fuselage

2. Cowl

5

11

10

9

3

8

13 14

15

6. Rudder

7. Stabilizer Tubes

4

7

11. Landing Gear

12. Dummy Engine

6

3. Canopy

4. Stabilizers with Elevators

5. Tail Wheel Assembly

8. Fuel Tank

9. Wheel Spats

10. Wheels

5

13. Right Wing

14. Left Wing

15. Wing Tube

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Yak-55M 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.

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 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
by personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

2. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat

❏

to tighten the covering if necessary. Do this for all of the
components of the model. Apply pressure over sheeted areas

to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

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 No. Description

GPMA4050 Fuselage
GPMA4051 Wing
GPMA4052 Horizontal Stabilizers
GPMA4053 Rudder
GPMA4054 Cowl
GPMA4055 Landing Gear
GPMA4056 Gear Spats
GPMA4057 Canopy
GPMA4058 Canopy Hatch
GPMA4059 Tail Wheel Assembly
GPMA4060 Decals
GPMA4061 Wing Joiner Tube

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Note: Throughout this instruction manual you will be instructed

to use screws to secure different parts. In all cases, whene ver
a screw is threaded into wood sheeting or wood blocks, we
recommend that you install the screw and then remov e it. Apply
a drop of thin CA glue into the hole to harden the threads. After
the glue has hardened, re-install the screw. Following this
step will insure that you have a solid thread for your screws.

Whenever a screw is threaded into a blind nut or a nut is

installed onto a screw, it is recommended that you always
apply a drop of thread locker to them.

PREPARATIONS

1. If you have not done so already, remove the major

❏

parts of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any
parts are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at
the address or telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection”
section on page 5.

Begin with your right wing panel fi rst so your assembly

matches the photos in the manual.

1. Install a 12" [305mm] servo extension to your aileron

❏ ❏

servo. Secure it with heat shrink tubing, tape or other method
for securing them together.

6

4. The aileron servo

Hi

❏ ❏

will require a 1" [25mm]
servo arm to get the
required aileron throw.
We recommend that a
high strength metal

servo arm be used. For
our model we used the aluminum Futaba arm (FUTM2120).
Open up the outermost hole in the servo arm by drilling a 1/8"
[3.2mm] hole through it.

5. Install the servo

❏ ❏

arm to the servo as

shown. Be sure to apply

thread locker to the

spline screw.

2. Inside the aileron servo compartment you will fi nd a

❏ ❏

string. Tie the string to the servo lead. The other end of the
string is taped to the root wing of the rib. Pull the leads through
the wing and then tape the servo lead to the wing to prevent
it from falling back into the wing.

3. Place your servo onto the mounting blocks. Drill a

❏ ❏

1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the servo mounting tabs into the

mounting blocks. Secure the servos to the mounting blocks

with the screws that came with your servos. Note: When

installing the servo into the wing, the end of the servo with the
spline should be located towards the trailing edge of the wing.

CORRECT INCORRECT

Hinge Line Hinge Line

6. Located in the aileron is a plywood mounting plate.

❏ ❏

If you look at the control surface at a slight angle you will be
able to see the plate through the covering. Draw a line from
the outer hole of the servo horn perpendicular to the hinge
line with a felt tip marker. Place a large nylon black control
horn on the plate, in line with the line you have drawn. Position
the control horn on the hinge line as shown in the illustration.
Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole through each of the holes in the

control horn. Drill only through the plywood plate. Do not drill
through the top of the control surface. Mount the horn with

four #4 x 1/2" [13mm] screws.

7

4-40 Bolt

Ball Swivel

4-40 Nut

Brass Bushing

4-40 Nut

7. Locate all of the components shown in the picture, a

❏ ❏

4-40 x 5 3/4" [146mm] pushrod wire and an additional 4-40 nut.
Examine the diagram that shows the proper way to assemble

the swivel ball link. Mount the swivel ball link into the hole you
drilled in the servo arm.

How to Solder

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 fl ux to the end of the
pushrod, then use a soldering iron or a torch to heat it.
“Tin” the heated area with silver solder by applying the
solder to the end. The heat of the pushrod should melt the
solder – not the fl ame of the torch or soldering iron – thus
allowing the solder to fl ow. 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 fl ux, then heat and add solder. The same as
before, the heat of the parts being soldered should melt
the solder, thus allowing it to fl ow. Allow the joint to cool
naturally 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 solidifi ed, but while it
is still hot, use a cloth to quickly wipe off the fl ux before

it hardens. Important: After the joint cools, coat the joint
with oil to prevent rust. Note: Do not use the acid fl ux that

comes with silver solder for electrical soldering.

8. The photo shows how your pushrod assembly should

❏ ❏

look. Center the aileron and the aileron servo. Install the servo
arm onto the servo and the solder clevis into the second most
outer hole of the control horn. Mark where to cut the pushrod

wire. Cut the wire on the mark you made. Remove all of the

components of the pushrod wire from the clevises and the
control horn. Solder the pushrod wire to the solder clevis using
the soldering “Hot Tip” that follows.

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

9. After the solder cools, install the pushrod assembly

❏ ❏

to the aileron servo and the aileron. Be sure to use thread
locker on the nuts and a silicone clevis keeper on the clevis.

8

10. Glue a 5/16" x 1" [7.9mm x 25mm] wood dowel into

❏ ❏

the two outermost holes in the wing root. The dowel should
extend out of the wing 1/2" [13mm].

11. Repeat steps 1- 10 for the left wing panel.

❏

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Install the Main Landing Gear

The following steps explain mounting the main landing gear.

We will fi nish the tail wheel gear and installation of the wheels

later in the manual. You will fi nd the fuselage much easier to
work with when the landing gear is installed.

1. Slide the landing gear into the fuselage on both the left

❏

and right side of the fuselage. The straight side of the landing
gear should be towards the front of the fuselage.

2. Secure the landing gear with 8-32 x 3/4" SHCS, #8 lock

❏

washers and #8 fl at washers. Be sure to apply thread locker
to the screw threads.

Install the Stabs & Elevators

1. Including the servo lead from the servo, you will need

❏

58" [1475mm] of wire to reach from the elevator to the radio
compartment in the airplane. For a Futaba servo this means
you will need some combination of servo leads to equal 45"
[1145mm] or more. We used a 12" [305mm] and 36" [914mm]
lead plugged together. Be sure to secure all of the connections
with heat shrink tubing, tape or some other method to secure
all of the connections. If you have the ability make your own
leads you may choose to do this and eliminate one of the
connections. Make two of these extensions. Install the rubber
servo pads and metal grommets on the servos.

9

2. To achieve proper elevator control

❏ ❏

you will need to use a 1-1/2" heavy duty servo
arm. We used the Futaba aluminum arm
(FUTM2118). Enlarge the hole that is 1-1/4"
[32mm] from the center of the servo spline

with a 1/8" [3.2mm] drill. (The 1-1/4" [32mm]

dimension is approximate. You may fi nd that
for your brand of servo, the holes might be
spaced slightly different than the Futaba.
Open up the hole closest to this dimension.)

6. Guide the servo lead through the stab exiting through

❏ ❏

the root rib. Secure the servo cover in place with four #2 x 3/8"
[9.5mm] screws and #2 fl at washers.

3. Center your servo and then install the arm to the servo.

❏ ❏

Remove the servo tray cover from the left stab. Place the

servo on the tray with the servo arm centered in the slot. Glue
a 5/16" x 9/16" x 13/16" [8mm x 14mm x 21mm] wood servo
block on each side of the servo.

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

❏ ❏

hole through each of the
mounting tabs of your servo.
Mount the servo with the
hardware that came with

your servos.

7. Cut one of the 4-40 x 5-3/4" [146mm] pushrod wires

❏ ❏

to a length of 2-3/4" [70mm]. Using the solder technique used
on the ailerons, solder the unthreaded end of the wire to the
4-40 threaded solder connector.

5. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the servo cover

❏ ❏

into the hardwood blocks you glued in place. Install a #2 x 3/8"
[9.5mm] wood screw into each block to secure them.

8. Assemble the pushrod as shown in the photo. Be sure

❏ ❏

to use thread locker on the nuts when doing the fi nal assembly.
Install the nylon swivel ball link to the servo arm with a 4-40
x 1/2" [13mm] screw and 4-40 nut.

10