Great Planes GPMA1270 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-assemb led 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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE
STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS
IMPORTANT WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF
THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0276 for GPMA1270 V1.0© Copyright 2002

1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822

[phone], Ext 2

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

A. R. F.

Almost Ready to Fly

Wingspan: 65 in [1651mm]
Wing Area: 1072 sq in [69 dm2]
Weight: 7 lbs - 7 lbs 6 oz [3175 - 3345g]
Wing Loading: 15 - 15.9 oz/sq ft [46 - 48 g/dm2]
Length: 69.5 in [1765mm]
Engine: .61 - .91 cu in [10 - 15cc] two-stroke, .70 - .91 cu in [11 - 15cc] four-stroke

™

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

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.....................................3

Hardware and Accessories................................................3

Covering Accessories.........................................................4

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUILD THE WING..............................................................7

Mount the Ailerons.............................................................7

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods............................8

Mount the Wing to the Fuselage......................................10

BUILD THE FUSELAGE..................................................11

Mount the Stab and Fin....................................................11

Mount the Wheel Pants & Landing Gear..........................13

Mount the Engine.............................................................15

Mount the Cowl................................................................15

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

FINAL ASSEMBLY ..........................................................18

Install the Remaining Servos ...........................................18

Mount the Canopy ............................................................20

Apply the Decals..............................................................21

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................21

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

Set the Control Throws.....................................................21

Balance the Model (C.G.).................................................21

Balance the Model Laterally.............................................22

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................22

Identify Your Model...........................................................22

Charge the Batteries........................................................22

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

Ground Check..................................................................23

Range Check....................................................................23

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................23

AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................23

General.............................................................................23

Radio Control ...................................................................24

CHECKLIST.....................................................................24

FLYING.............................................................................24

Takeoff..............................................................................25

Flight.................................................................................25

Landing.............................................................................25

PERFORMANCE SETTINGS..........................................26

Whether you're just learning to do basic aerobatics or are
looking for a quick practice plane as a backup to your
$10,000 Unlimited aerobatic machine, U-CAN-DO 3D is just
the bird you're looking for.

Large control surfaces, light wing loading and an all around
performance design work together to put a fun-to-fly do-it-all
3D aerobatic machine in your hands. With the U-CAN-DO
3D on low rates, it is a perf ect choice f or learning to do basic
aerobatics or for great Sunday fun flying. With a powerful,
high torque 4-stroke such as an OS .91, the U-CAN-DO 3D
provides exceptional slow speed and below-stall-speed
(3D) aerobatic performance.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
U-CAN-DO 3D , visit the w eb site listed belo w and select the
Great Planes U-CAN-DO 3D 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.

http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html

1. Your U-CAN-DO 3D 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 U-CAN-DO 3D 60, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2.Y ou must assemb le 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

7. If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot, you

should fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.

8. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit
are made of fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part to
remove fiberglass 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 fiberglass
parts. Vacuum the parts and work area thoroughly after
working with fiberglass parts.

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

If you 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.

In addition to joining an R/C club, we strongly recommend y ou
join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.There
are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country.
Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance to its
members who fly at sanctioned sites and events .Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. Contact the AMA at
the address or toll-free phone number below:

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

This is a partial list of items required to finish the U-CAN-DO
3D that may require planning or decision-making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

4+ channel radio with 6 standard-sized servos as noted below .
Note that a 6+ channel, fully computerized radio system is
highly recommended for maximum fle xibility and perf ormance.

Ailerons:

• Two ball bearing ser vos (50+ in oz: HCAM0170)

• One 20+" y-harness (HCAM2751)

OR

• Two 6" extensions (HCAM2701) and one y-harness
(HCAM2500)

Rudder:

• One high torque servo (90+ in oz: HCAM0191)

• One 24" servo extension (HCAM2200)

Elevator:

• Two ball bearing ser vos (50+ in oz:HCAM0170)

• If using a computerized radio two 24" servo extensions

(HCAM2200)

• If not using a computerized radio with Ailevator prog ramming,
then a servo reversing harness is required (FUTM4150)

Throttle:

• One servo, standard (HCAM0150)

.61 to .91 2-stroke, .70 to .91 4-stroke
Appropriate props, fuel, glow plugs, etc.for your engine.

Engine notes: The U-Can-Do 3D will hover on all of the
recommended engines.The engines on the lower end of the
range will hover nicely without over-speeding the airframe in
level flight.The engines on the higher end of the range will
hover and give the added power to recover from unwanted
attitudes, but throttle management needs to be used to keep
the speed down. Whatever engine you choose, a 6 pitch
prop or less is recommended.

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions You Must
Make” section, following is the list of hardware and
accessories required to finish the U-CAN-DO 3D 60. Order
numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ Hook & Loop Velcro (GPMQ4480)
❏ 3' Medium fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ Easy Fueler

™

fuel filling valve for glow fuel (GPMQ4160)

❏ Handy Mounts air valve, fuel filler mounts (GPMQ6000)

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Engine Recommendations

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality
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.

3

❏ 21st Centur y

®

sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏ 21st Centur y trim seal iron (COVR2750)
❏ 21st Centur y iron cover (COVR2702)

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list”of the most important items required to build
the U-CAN-DO 3D 60.

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy

glue are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1/2 oz. Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Small T-pins (HCAR5100)
❏ Electric dr ill
❏ Drill bit set including (1/16" 3/32" 1/8" 5/64" and 1/2" bits)
❏ Small Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers (HCAR1040)
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ Standard Hex wrench set (HCAR0520)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the U-CAN-DO 3D 60.

❏ Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Top Flite

®

Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer™(TOPQ5700)

❏ Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)
❏ Cutting mat (HCAR0456)
❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ CA Applicator Tips (GPMR6033)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CA Accelerator (GPMR6034)
❏ Milled Fiberglass (GPMR6165)
❏ Microballoons (TOPR1090)
❏ R/C-56 Canopy Glue (JOZR5007)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Hobby Knife (HCAR0105), #11 Blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar fishing line (for stab

alignment)

❏ Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)
❏ Easy-Touch

™

Bar Sander (GPMR6170, or similar)

❏ Felt-Tip Marker (TOPQ2510)
❏ Small metal file
❏ Rotar y tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Rotar y tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❏ Curved Tip Canopy Scissors for trimming plastic parts

(HCAR0667)

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (for

measuring control throws, GPMR2405)

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

Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and a

length. For example #6 x 3/4" [19mm]

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

Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per
inch and a length. For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]

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

with forty threads per inch.

• 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 or6-minute epoxy.

• 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 U-CAN-DO 3D is factory-covered with Top Flite
MonoKote®film. 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)
True Red (TOPQ0227)

Sky Blue (TOPQ0206)

Sapphire Blue (TOPQ0226)

Black (TOPQ0208)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Covering Accessories

4

5

1 Fiberglass Cowl
2 Fuselage
3 Wing
4 Ailerons

5 Stab and Elevators
6 Fin and Rudder
7 Landing Gear
8 Canopy

9 Fuel Tank with Hardware
10 Adjustable Engine Mount
11 Spinner
12 Wheel Pants

(1) 17-1/2 .074 wire (throttle pushrod)
(2) 1/4 - 20 Blind Nuts (pre-installed in fuse)
(1) 11-3/4" Gray plastic outer pushrod tube

(throttle)
(5) 12" .074 wire threaded one end (ailerons)
(1) 2" x 9" hinge material
(6) Nylon clevis (rudder, elevator, ailerons,

throttle)
(5) Faslink (rudder, elevator, ailerons)
(2) Nylon 1/4 - 20 wing bolt (wing)
(5) Large nylon control horn (aileron,

rudder, elevator)
(7) Silicone clevis keepers (rudder, elevator,

ailerons, throttle)
(4) 6-32 x 3/4" socket head cap screw (main

gear and stab)

(4) #6 lock washers (main gear and stab)
(4) #6 flat washers (main gear and stab)
(4) 6-32 blind nuts (main gear and stab)
(14) #2 x 3/8" screws (cowl, canopy, wheel

pants)
(4) #2 washers (for mounting the cowl)
(4) 8-32 blind nuts (engine mount to firewall)
(4) 8-32 x 3/4" socket head screws (engine

to engine mount)

(4) 8-32 x 1" socket head screws (engine

mount to firewall)

(8) #8 flat washers (mounting engine and

engine mount)

(8) #8 lock washers (mounting engine and

engine mount)

(4) 5/32" wheel collar (main wheels)

(4) 6-32 x 1/8" socket head screw (main

wheels)

(6) 2-56 x 1/2" socket head screw (rudder,

elevator, ailerons)

(4) 2-56 x 3/4" socket head screw (aileron

control horns)

(1) Brass quick connect body (throttle

connection)
(1) Nylon retainer (Throttle connection)
(1) 4-40 x 1/4" SHCS (Throttle connection)
(1) 3/32 wheel collar (tail wheel)
(1) 4-40 set screw (tail wheel)
(2) Axles
(2) Nuts for the axles

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

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:

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

1

8

7

12

6

2

3

4

9

10

5

11

6

To order replacement par ts for the Great Planes U-CAN-DO 3D ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts
List that follows.Replacement parts are available only as listed. 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, but can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/Internet order firms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts)
are also available from these outlets. If you need assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts, visit

www.greatplanes.com and click on “Where to Buy.” If this kit is missing parts, contact Product Support.

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description Ho

w to Purchase

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

Instruction manual...........................................Contact Product Support

Full-size plans.................................................Not available

Kit parts listed below .......................................Hobby Supplier

GPMA2300 ...........Wing Kit (one piece wing, ailerons, dowels and hinge material)

GPMA2301 ...........Fuselage Kit (Fuse, belly pan, (2) balsa tank holders, stab fillet, (4) cowl

mounting blocks and servo tray)

GPMA2302 ...........Tail Set (stab, elevators, fin, rudder and hinge material)

GPMA2303 ...........Landing Gear

GPMA2304 ...........Fiberglass Cowl

GPMA2305 ...........Canopy

GPMA2306 ...........Wheel Pants (left and r ight wheel pant, (4) mounting plates)

GPMA2307 ...........Decal Sheet

GPMA2308 ...........Tailwheel Assembly (tail gear and tail wheel)

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Inch Scale

Metric Scale

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

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

1/8" = 3.2mm

5/32" = 4mm

3/16" = 4.8mm

1/4" = 6.4mm
3/8" = 9.5mm
1/2" = 12.7mm
5/8" = 15.9mm
3/4" = 19mm

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

6" = 152.4mm
12" = 304.8mm
15" = 381mm

18" = 457.2mm
21" = 533.4mm
24" = 609.6mm
30" = 762mm
36" = 914.4mm

Metric Conversions

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

parts of the kit from the box (wings, fuse, wheel pants, cowl,
tail parts, etc.) and inspect them for damage.If any parts are
damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the address
or telephone number on page 5.

❏ 2. Remove the masking tape and separate the ailerons

from the wing, the rudder from the fin and the elevators from
the stab. Where necessary, use a covering iron with a
covering sock to tighten the covering that may have
loosened during storage or from removing the masking tape.
Apply pressure over sheeted areas and the servo openings
to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

❏ 1. Trim the covering on the wing from

❏ A) The servo wire hole in the top center of the wing;
❏ B) Both servo openings;
❏ C) Both dowel holes;
❏ D) Top and Bottom wing-bolt holes.

❏2.Use your sanding bar to round one end of each of the 5/16"

x 1-3/4" [8 x 70mm] wing dowels.Use epoxy to glue the two wing
dowels into the wing, with the non-rounded end in the wing.

❏ 3. Cut eight 3/4" x 1" [19 x 25mm] hinges from the

2" x 9" [50 x 230mm] CA hinge strip.Snip the corners off so
they go in easier.

❏ 4. Test fit the hinges in the hinge slots of the aileron and

the wing. If you have difficulty inserting the hinges, insert a
#11 blade into the slot and carefully move it back and forth
to slightly widen the slot.

❏ 5. Test fit the ailerons to the wing with the hinges. Use a

fine-point ballpoint pen to mark the wing and ailerons at the
middle of each hinge.

1"
1"

3/4"

Mount the Ailerons

BUILD THE WING

PREPARATIONS

7

❏ 6. Separate the ailerons from the wing and take out all

the hinges.

❏ 7. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole, 1/2" [13mm] deep at the

marks you made in the center of each hinge slot.This space
will allow the CA to “wick”in. Follow with a #11 blade to clean
out the slots. Hint: If available, use a high-speed rotary tool
to drill the holes.

❏ 8. Cut a small strip of covering from both sides of each

hinge slot. If this is not done the covering may interfere with
the penetration of the CA into the slot and may also interf ere
with the free movement of the aileron.

❏ 9. Stick a pin through the center of each hinge. Fit the

ailerons to the wing with the hinges. The pin will keep the
hinge centered.Remove the pins from the hinges.Adjust the
ailerons so there is a small gap–just enough to see light
through or to slip a piece of paper through–between the
aileron and the wing.

❏ 10. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of

each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator. After the CA has
fully hardened, test the hinges by pulling on the ailerons.

❏ 1. Add servo extensions to the two aileron servos , so that

the total length of the leads will be at least 18" [460mm] from
the servo to the end of the extension. Using tape or heat
shrink tubing, securely attach the servo extension to the
servo. Note: If you are using Futaba®servos, a 6" [150mm]
lead is perfect.

❏❏2. Using needle nose pliers, pull the string out of the

right wing's servo hole.Tie the string to the end of the servo
lead. Note: Take care not to pull the string loose from the
other side of the wing.

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods

AWAY FROM THE SLOT

CUT THE COVERING

8

❏❏3. Pull the center of the str ing out of the servo hole in

the wing. It might take a little fishing to get it out. Take your
time. Use the string to pull the servo wire through the wing,
being careful to not pull the string loose from the other end
taped in the wing. Fit the servo in the wing.

❏❏4. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the servo mount

for the servo screws.Add a few drops of thin CA to the holes
and allow to fully harden. Mount the aileron servo using the
hardware that came with the servo.

❏❏5. Make a mark on the bottom L.E. of the right aileron

12-1/2" [315mm] from the inboard end of the aileron.

❏❏6. Center a control horn on the mar k you made. Drill

two 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the aileron for mounting the
control horn. Mount the control horn using the 2-56 x 3/4"
[19mm] socket head cap screws (SHCS) with the nylon
backing plate on the top-side of the aileron. Note: Tur ning a
2-56 tap through the back plate holes makes it easier to get
the SHCS to thread into them.

❏❏7. Thread a clevis 25 turns onto the end of one 12"

[305mm] pushrod. Slip a silicone retainer over the pushrod
down to the clevis.

❏❏8. Make a one-arm ser vo arm by cutting three arms

off a four-arm servo arm. Enlarge the holes in the ar m with
a Hobbico®Servo Horn Drill (or a #48 or 5/64" [2mm] drill bit)
so the pushrod will fit. Connect the servo lead to the
receiver. Tur n on the transmitter and receiver to center the
servo. Place the servo arm on the servo so it is pointing
straight towards the wing tip.

Correct Incorrect

9

Enlarge to 5/64"

Cut Off

Unused Arms