Great Planes GPMA1300 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.

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, the
modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the high stress points.

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

Manual GPMZ0211 For Kit GPMA1300 V1.0

© Copyright 1998

P.O. Box 788 Urbana, IL 61803 [phone]

www.greatplanes.com

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Almost Ready-to-Fly

Important Safety Precaution............................................2

Introduction ......................................................................2

Precautions.......................................................................2

Decisions You Must Make................................................3

Engine Selection..........................................................3

Preparations......................................................................3

Required Accessories..................................................3

Building Supplies and Tools.........................................3

Optional Supplies and Tools ........................................3

General Inspection.......................................................4

IMAA Information .........................................................4

Metric Conversions......................................................4

Parts List......................................................................5

Wing Assembly.................................................................6

Join the Two Wing Halves............................................6

Mount the Wing to the Fuselage..................................7

T ail Assembly....................................................................7

Install the Stabilizer and Vertical Fin............................7

Install the Rudder, Elevators and Ailerons...................8

Install The Main Landing Gear ......................................10

Engine Installation..........................................................11

Radio Installation............................................................12

Install the Throttle, Elevator and Rudder Servos.......12

Install the Aileron Servos ...........................................14

Install The Cowl..............................................................15

Adding Details To Your SpaceWalker ARF...................16

Set The Control Throws.................................................17

Balance Y our Model .......................................................18

Balance The Model Laterally.........................................18

Preflight...........................................................................18

Charge the Batteries..................................................18

Balance the Propeller.................................................18

Find a Safe Place to Fly.............................................19

Ground Check the Model...........................................19

Range Check Your Radio...........................................19

Engine Safety Precautions.........................................19

AMA Safety Code (excerpt) ...........................................20

General......................................................................20

Radio Control.............................................................20

Flying...............................................................................20

Takeoff .......................................................................20

Flight..........................................................................20

Landing......................................................................21

Engine Mount Template.................................................21

Building Notes........................................23 & Back Cover

Your SpaceWalker ARF is not a toy, but rather a
sophisticated, working model that functions very much like
a full size airplane. Because of its realistic performance, the
SpaceWalker ARF, if not assembled and operated correctly,
could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and
damage property.

To make your R/C modeling experience totally enjoyable,
we recommend that you get experienced, knowledgeable
help from an instructor with assembly and during your first
flights. You’ll learn faster and avoid risking your model
before you’re truly ready to solo. Your local hobby shop has
information about flying clubs in your area whose
membership includes qualified instructors.

You can also contact the national Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500 chartered
clubs across the country. Through any one of them,
instructor training programs and insured newcomer training
are available. 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

If you have been looking for a way to WOW them at the
field without a lot of work, you have just found it. The Great
Planes SpaceWalker ARF is a balsa, built-up, semi-scale,
1/4 scale airplane that assembles in only a few hours and
is easy on the budget. It does not require any special
building or flying skills. With its thick airfoil and light wing
loading, the SpaceWalker is great for a day of relaxed
flying. What

more can we say? Impress your flying buddies

and

maximize your fun for minimal cost and time!

The Great Planes SpaceWalker ARF combines the design
expertise and high quality standards of all Great Planes kits
with state-of-the-art ARF technology - for craftsmanship and
performance superior to all other pre-built models.
However, this is not a beginner ’s airplane! While the
SpaceWalker ARF is easy to assemble, we must discourage
you from selecting this kit as your first R/C airplane. It is
highly maneuverable, and lacks the self-recovery
characteristics of a good basic trainer such as the Great
Planes PT™Series airplanes. On the other hand, if you are
confident with your flying skills and can safely handle
aileron airplanes, the SpaceWalker ARF is an excellent

choice.

1. 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.

2. Take time to build straight, true and strong.

PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THIS

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

3. Use an R/C radio system that is in first-class condition,
and a correctly sized engine throughout the building
process.

4. You must properly install the R/C radio system and other
components so that the model operates correctly on the
ground and in the air.

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

Remember: Take your time and follow directions to end
up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
Please inspect all parts carefully before starting to build!

YOU CAN CONT ACT US...
If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if you

have any questions about building or flying this
airplane, please call us at [phone]. You can also
check our web site at www.greatplanes.com for the
latest SpaceWalker ARF updates, or e-mail your
questions to [e-mail]. If you
are calling for replacement parts, please reference the
part numbers and have them ready when calling.

Items in parentheses (GPMQ4243) are suggested part
numbers recognized by distributors and hobby shops and

are listed for your ordering convenience. GPM is the Great
Planes brand, TOP is the Top Flite®brand, and HCA is the
Hobbico®brand.

❏ 4-Channel Radio With 4 Standard Servos and 1 servo

with 45 oz.-in. or more of torque

❏ Engine – See Engine Selection
❏ Propeller (Top Flite

®

Power Point™–Refer To Your

Engine’s Instructions For Proper Size)

❏ Medium Fuel Tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ 1/4 Scale Pilot Figure
❏ 1/4" Foam Rubber (HCAQ1000)
❏ Switch and Charge Jack (GPMM1000)
❏ Large Scale Control Horns (2)
❏ 24" Servo Extension (2)
❏ “Y” Harness

These are the building tools that are required. We
recommend Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy glue.

❏ 1/2 oz. Pro CA (Thin, GPMR6001)
❏ 1 oz. Pro CA+ (Medium, GPMR6008)
❏ 6-Minute Pro Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ 30-Minute Pro Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Canopy Glue
❏ Pro Thread Locking Compound (GPMR6060)
❏ T-pins (HCAR5150)
❏ Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)
❏ Hobby Knife (HCAR0105), #11 Blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Dead Center

™

Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Small Phillips and Flat Blade Screwdrivers
❏ Pliers w/Wire Cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ 4mm Hex Wrench (HCAR0521)
❏ Sealing Iron (COVR2700)
❏ Heat Gun (TOPR2000)
❏ Straightedge w/Scale (HCAR0475)
❏ Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ Masking T ape (TOPR8018)
❏ Sandpaper (coarse, medium, fine grit)
❏ Easy-Touch

™

Bar Sander (GPMR6170, or similar)

❏ Paper T owels
❏ Electric Drill
❏ Drill Bits: 1/16", 7/64", 1/8", 3/32", 3/16", 7/32" 5/32"

1/4", 5/64" (HCAR0699)

❏ Petroleum Jelly

❏ CAApplicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Curved Tip Canopy Scissors For Trimming

Plastic Parts (HCAR0667)

❏ Fuel Filler Valve (GPMQ4160)
❏ Bar Of Hand Soap

Optional Supplies and Tools

Building Supplies and Tools

Required Accessories

PREPARATIONS

Engine Selection

There are several engines that will work well in your
SpaceWalker ARF. We recommend a hot 2-stroke such
as an O.S.®.61FX or SuperTigre™G61. For

unsurpassed
power and realistic sound, an O.S. FS-70 or FS-90
4-stroke can’t be beat.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a
top quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the
quality 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

4

Remove the fuselage, wing panels, rudder assembly and stabilizer assembly from their bags. Inspect all items closely to
check for any damage. If any damage is found, contact the place where your SpaceWalker ARF was purchased, or Hobby
Services, to obtain a replacement for your damaged items.

The Great Planes SpaceWalker ARF is an excellent sport scale model. Because the SpaceWalker ARF is 1/4 scale it is
eligible for IMAA events. The IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an organization that promotes
non-competitive flying of giant scale models.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

Tele. [phone]

If you intend to fly the SpaceWalker ARF at IMAA events, it may be necessary to replace the 2-56 pushrods, clevises and
control horns with 4-40 pushrods, clevises and control horns designed for 1/4 scale airplanes. Although the plane flies
great with the hardware supplied, many events require the use of 4-40 style hardware. Also, all control surface related
servos must have at least 45 in.-oz. of torque in IMAA events.

IMAA Information

General Inspection

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

Metric Conversions

Inch Scale

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

Metric Scale

5

Key# Description Qty

1 Fuselage 1
2 Wing Panel Right & Left 2
3 Wing Tips 2
4 Aileron Right & Left 2
5 Forward Plywood Wing Joiner 3
6 Aft Plywood Wing Joiner 2
7 Wing Bolt Plate 1
8 Horizontal Stabilizer 1
9 Vertical Fin 1
10 Rudder 1
11 Elevator 2
12 Wire Landing Gear 1
13 Main Landing Gear Cover 2
14 Wheel Pants 2
15 Cowl 1
16 Windshield 1
17 Scale Fuel Level Fairing 1
18 Adjustable Engine Mount Right & Left 2
19 1" Tail Wheel 1
20 Wood Dowel Pushrod 2
21 Plastic Heat Shrink Tubing 1
22 Throttle Pushrod 1
23 2-56 x 12" Threaded Pushrod 7
24 5mm x 50.8mm Wing Bolt 2

Parts Included in the Hardware Bag

Inner Throttle Pushrod 1
2-1/2" Main Wheels 2
2-1/2" Spinner 1
Cockpit Coaming 1
Large Nylon Control Horn 3
Nylon Clevis 5
Silicone Clevis Retainer 5
Faslink Pushrod Keeper 4
CA Hinge Strip 1
14 oz. Fuel Tank 1
Screw-Lock™Pushrod Connector 1
Pushrod Connector Retainer 1

Description Qty

4-40 Hex Nut 6
4-40 Lock Nut 4
8-32 Blind Nut 4
2-56 x 1/8" Set Screw 1
2-56 x 5/8" Machine Screw 6
4-40 x 1/8" Socket Head Cap Screw 1
4-40 x 3/8" Machine Screw 6
4-40 x 3/4" Machine Screw 4
6-32 x 1/8" Set Screw 4
8-32 x 1" Socket Head Cap Screw 4
#2 x 3/8" Sheet Metal Screw 4
#4 x 1/2" Sheet Metal Screw 18
#6 x 1" Sheet Metal Screw 4
3/32" Wheel Collar 1
3/16" Wheel Collar 4
#4 Flat Washer 20
#8 Flat Washer 4
#8 Lock Washer 4
Landing Gear Cover Brackets 6
Wheel Pant Bracket 2
3mm x 9.5mm Machine Screw 2
Landing Gear Straps 4

Replacement Parts

If needed, replacement parts for SpaceWalker ARF are available through
your hobby supplier.

Canopy .....................................................................................GPMA2163

Cowl..........................................................................................GPMA2164

Spinner.....................................................................................GPMQ4522

Wing Set ...................................................................................GPMA2160

Tail Fin Set ................................................................................GPMA2162

Fuselage Set.............................................................................GPMA2161

Landing Gear Set......................................................................GPMA2165

Parts List

616933

5

141415

111110

1222

19

1

20

22

788

4

41313

23

181724

21

❏ 1. Use 5-minute epoxy to glue the three plywood forward

wing joiners together and the two aft wing joiners

together. Use clothespins or c-clamps to clamp the joiners
together until the epoxy cures. Wipe off any excess epoxy
with a paper towel and isopropyl alcohol before it cures.
Draw a vertical centerline on the forward and aft wing

joiners.

❏

2. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut the covering from the
servo cord exits on the top of each wing half. Carefully
untie the string from the stick at the root rib and route the
string through the servo cord exit. Re-tie the strings around
the stick.

❏

3. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut the covering from the

wing dowel holes in the leading edge and the wing bolt
holes at the trailing edge of each wing half. The wing dowel

holes are approximately 2" [50.8mm] from the wing root.
The wing bolt holes are approximately 2" [50.8mm] from
the wing root and 2-1/2" [63.5mm] from the trailing edge.

❏4.

Test fit the wing joiners in both wing halves. A snug fit
is desirable. If the joiners do not fit properly, lightly sand the
edges and sides of the joiners. Note: The plywood wing
joiners have a slight dihedral angle. This angle should point
toward the top of the wing.

When satisfied with the fit of the

wing joiners, use 30-

minute epoxy to glue the joiners in the
left wing half. Use plenty of epoxy, making sure the joiners
are glued to the spars and shear webs. Before the epoxy
cures, make sure the joiners are straight and in good
contact with the spars. Wipe off any excess epoxy from the
root rib and the wing covering using a paper towel
dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

❏

5. Test fit the two wing halves together. The wing halves
should seat together without any gaps and the front and
back edges of each wing should line up with each other.
Completely cover the exposed portion of the wing joiners,
spars and root ribs with 30-minute epoxy. Slide the two

Join the Two Wing Halves

WING ASSEMBL Y

6

wing halves together, removing any excess epoxy with a
paper towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Use masking
tape to hold the wing halves together while the epoxy cures.

❏

6. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the two 1-5/8" [41.3mm]
wing dowels in the wing dowel holes. The rounded end
should protrude from the wing approximately 1/2"

[12.7mm].

❏

1. The plastic wing bolt mounts are temporarily glued to
the inside of the fuselage. Use a T-pin to locate the four
wing bolt mounts’ screw holes in the side of the fuselage.
Use a sharp hobby knife to cut the covering from the screw
holes. Use four 4-40 x 3/4" machine screws, four #4 flat
washers and four 4-40 lock nuts to attach the wing bolt
mounts to the fuselage sides. Do not crush the balsa
fuselage sides by overtightening the screws.

❏

2. Test fit the wing on the fuselage, checking that the
wing bolts will thread into the wing bolt mounts. Remove
the wing bolts from the wing.

❏

3. With the wing centered on the fuselage, center the
plywood wing bolt plate on the aft edge of the wing. Trace
the outline of the wing bolt plate onto the wing.

❏

4. Use a sharp hobby knife to trim the covering from the
wing, 1/8" [3.2mm] inside the wing bolt plate outline. Be
careful to not cut into the balsa wood of the wing as this
will weaken it.

❏

5. Glue the wing bolt plate to the wing using 6-minute
epoxy. Wipe off any excess epoxy with a paper towel
dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Hold the wing bolt plate
in place with clamps until the epoxy cures.

❏

6. Drill two 1/4" [6.3mm] holes through the wing bolt
plate using the pre-drilled holes in the wing as a guide. Test
fit the wing on the fuselage, making sure the wing bolts
align with the wing bolt mounts.

❏

1. Trim the covering from the stabilizer slot. Remove the

balsa spacer block at the aft end of the slot.

❏

2. Draw a centerline on both sides of the stabilizer.
Center the stabilizer in the stabilizer slot. Attach a piece of
string with a T-pin to the fuselage centerline as shown.

Install the Stabilizer and Vertical Fin

TAIL ASSEMBLY

Mount the Wing to the Fuselage

7

Stretch the string to one corner of the stabilizer. Repeat the
procedure on the other side of the stabilizer. Adjust the
angle of the stabilizer until the distance from the pin to the
stabilizer is equal on both sides. With the wing installed,
sight the aft end of the plane from 8' to 10' back. If the
stabilizer is not parallel to the wing, carefully sand the high
side of the stabilizer slot.

❏

3. Carefully use a felt-tip pen to mark where the fuselage

sides contact the top and bottom of the stabilizer.

❏

4. Remove the stabilizer from the fuselage. Carefully
trim the covering from inside the marks. Important: You
must not cut into the wood, as this will weaken the stabilizer
which may cause it to break in flight.

❏

5. Apply 30-minute epoxy to the bare wood at the center
of the stabilizer. Insert the stabilizer back into the stabilizer
slot. Use the pin and string method to confirm the stabilizer
alignment. Wipe off any excess epoxy before it cures, then
recheck alignment.

❏

6. Test fit the vertical fin in the fin slot. Use a Hobbico
Builder’s Triangle to ensure that the fin is perpendicular to
the stabilizer. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the fin to the
stabilizer and fuselage. Hold the fin in position with masking
tape until the epoxy cures.

❏

1. You may need to cut the covering from the hinge slots

in the elevator and stabilizer.

INSTALLING CA HINGES

The hinge material supplied in this kit consists of a
3-layer lamination of mylar and polyester. It is specially
made for the purpose of hinging model airplane control
surfaces. Properly installed, this type of hinge provides
the best combination of strength, durability and ease of
installation. We trust even our best show models to
these hinges, but it is essential to install them correctly.
Please read the following instructions and follow them

carefully to obtain the best results. These instructions
may be used to effectively install any of the various
brands of CA hinges.

The most common mistake made by modelers when
installing this type of hinge is not applying a sufficient
amount of glue to fully secure the hinge over its entire
surface area; or, the hinge slots are very tight, restricting
the flow of CA to the back of the hinges. This results in
hinges that are only “tack glued” approximately 1/8"
[3.2mm] to 1/4" [6.3mm] into the hinge slots. The
following technique has been developed to help ensure
thorough and secure gluing.

Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole, 1/2" [12.7mm] deep, in the
center of the hinge slot. If you use a Dremel Moto-Tool

™

for this task, it will result in a cleaner hole than if you use
a slower speed drill. Drilling the hole will twist some of
the wood fibers into the slot, making it difficult to insert
the hinge, so you should insert a knife blade, working it
back and forth a few times to clean out the slot.

It is best to leave a very slight hinge gap, rather than
closing it up tight, to help prevent the CA from wicking
along the hinge line. Make sure the control surfaces will
deflect to the recommended throws without binding. If
your hinge slots are cut too deep, the hinges may slide
in too far, leaving only a small portion of the hinge in the
control surface. To avoid this, you may insert a small pin
through the center of each hinge before installing. This
pin will keep the hinge centered while you install the
control surfaces.

Install the Rudder, Elevators and Ailerons

8

DRILL A 3/32" HOLE

1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER

OF HINGE SLOT

TEMPORARY PIN

TO KEEP HINGE

CENTERED