Great Planes GPMA1307 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 STARTING
CONSTRUCTION.IT CONT AINS IMPOR T ANT INSTR UCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0192 for GPMA1307 V1.0© Copyright 2005

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 65 in [1650mm]
Wing Area: 1446 sq in [93dm2]
Weight: 12 – 13.5 lb [5440 – 6120g]
Wing Loading: 19 – 22 oz/sq ft [58 – 67g/dm2]
Length: 72 in [1830mm]
Radio: 4-channel radio (minimum), 7-channel or greater computer

radio with mixing capabilities (preferred).

Engine: 1.60 cu in [26cc] two-stroke, 43cc gasoline engine

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

METRIC CONVERSIONS ......................................................5

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

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS.................................................5

KIT INSPECTION...................................................................6

KIT CONTENTS.....................................................................6

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

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS.......................................................7

Install the Ailerons ...........................................................7

Install the Aileron Servo & Pushrods...............................8

Join the Bottom Wing.......................................................9

Install the Center Cabanes & “I” Struts..........................11

Assemble the Top Wing.................................................13

Mount the Belly Pan.......................................................14

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

Install the Elevators & Rudder.......................................15

Build the Carry Handle ..................................................15

Assemble the Landing Gear & Wheel Pants .................16

Install the Elevator & Rudder Servos.............................18

Install the Tail Wires.......................................................19

Install the Engine ...........................................................20

Install the Fuel Tank.......................................................23

Install the Cowl...............................................................24

Install the Receiver, Battery & Complete

the Aileron Connections.................................................25

FINISHING TOUCHES..........................................................27

Apply the Decals............................................................27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ground Check ................................................................29

Range Check.................................................................29

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS......................................30

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts).........................................30

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

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

CHECK LIST........................................................................31

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

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

Takeoff............................................................................32

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

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

FUJI-IMVAC BT-43 EIS ENGINE MOUNTING TEMPLATE.....33

O.S.

1.60 ENGINE MOUNTING TEMPLATE...................33

Any model called the “Ultimate” better be as good as it
sounds.The Great Planes Ultimate has been designed with
an eye on high performance and light weight. You will find
that there is not much this airplane cannot do.You are only
limited by your own abilities.We have no doubt that you too
will find it the “Ultimate” in model flying.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
“Ultimate” visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the “Ultimate” 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 prog r ams 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
country. 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.

1.Your “Ultimate” should not be considered a toy, but rather
a sophisticated, working model that functions very much like

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

AMA

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities,
the “Ultimate,” 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 hob by
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

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
(wheel pant, cowl) 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 the work
area thoroughly after working with fiberglass parts.

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 “Ultimate”
that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build.

Radio:

4-channel radio (minimum), 7-channel or greater
computer radio with mixing capabilities (preferred).

Receiver:

4-channel minimum. 7 channel or greater (preferred).

Battery:

1000mAh (minimum)

Servos (IMAC type aerobatics):

Ailerons – four 50 oz-in servos
Elevator – two 50 oz-in servos
Rudder – one 100 oz-in servo or two 50 oz-in servos
Throttle – one 30 oz-in servo

Extreme and 3D aerobatics

Ailerons – four 75 oz-in servos
Elevator – two 75 oz-in servos
Rudder – one 130 oz-in servo or two 70 oz-in servos
Throttle – one 30 oz-in servo

Connectors:

Two “Y” harnesses.
Four 12" extensions.
Two or four 24" extensions.

The Great Planes “Ultimate” has been tested and flown with
the O.S. 1.60 cu in two-stroke [26cc] glow engine and the
Fuji-IMVAC BT-43EIS [43cc] gasoline engine. If you choose
another brand of engine, the following guidelines should
be followed.

1.5 – 1.8 cu in [25 – 30cc] two-stroke glow engine

1.8 – 2.1 cu in [30 – 36cc] four-stroke glow engine

1.9 – 2.6 cu in [32 – 43cc] gasoline engine

Note: The model was also tested with a DA50 gas engine
using a 20x8 prop.The model was considered over-pow ered
and will require throttle management for successful
operation. The use of engines weighing more than 2.5
pounds will require corresponding balancing tail weights and
will raise the all-up weight accordingly.

Engine Recommendations

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, 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.

3

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the “Ultimate.” Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ 3' [900mm] Standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ 2' [600mm] Large silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4133)
❏ 3' [900mm] Gasoline fuel tubing (GPMQ4135)
❏ 1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6002)

❏ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm],

9/64" [3.6mm], 5/32" [4mm], 7/32" [5.6mm],
1/4" [6.4mm]

❏ 8-32 Tap
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)
❏ Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Masking tape
❏ Paper towels
❏ Flat file

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the “Ultimate.”

❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic

parts (HCAR0667)

❏ Threadlocker

™

thread-locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏ Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set (GPMM1000)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

and cut-off wheel

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

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

• Sheet metal screws (SMS) 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 (MS) 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.

• Socket-head cap screws (SHCS) are designated by a
number, threads per inch, and a length. For example,
4-40 x 1-1/2" [38mm].

This is a number four screw that is 1-1/2" [38mm] 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 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.

• The “Ultimate” 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.

White – TOPQ0204

Sapphire Blue – TOPQ0226

Missile Red – TOPQ0201

Metallic Gold – TOPQ0404

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies & Tools

Required Hardware & Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

4

1" = 25.4mm (conversion factor)

Replacement parts for the Great Planes “Ultimate” 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.hobbico.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.towerhobbies.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 Drive, 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
GPMA2830 Bottom Wing Set Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2831 Top Wing Set Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2832 Fuselage Set Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2833 Tail Set Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2834 Cowl Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2835 Landing Gear Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2836 Wheel Pants (2) Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2837 Canopy Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2838 Tail Wheel Assembly Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2839 Aluminum Spinner Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2840 Interplane Struts (2) Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2841 Interplane Thumb Screws (4) Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2842 Cabane Struts (2) Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2843 Decal Set Contact Hobby Supplier
GPMA2844 Flying Wire Set Contact Hobby Supplier

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Ver tical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood

" = Inches

mm = Millimeters

SHCS = Socket-Head Cap Screw

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

METRIC CONVERSIONS

5

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

6

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 Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in
the Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax:[phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

Description Quantity

Wire Clip 4
120-180 Engine Mount Left 1
120-180 Engine Mount Right 1
4-40 Threaded Metal Clevis 8
4-40 Solder Clevis 8
3/16" x 2" Axles 2
Screw-Lock Pushrod Connector 2
4-40 Blind Nuts 10
4-40 Nut 8
6-32 Blind Nuts 6
8-32 Blind Nuts 4
5/16-24 Lock Nut 2
1/4-20 Blind Nut 2
4-40 Nylon Lock Nut 10
1/4-20 Nylon Bolt 2
Large Black Control Horn 8
Nylon Retainer 2

2" x 9" Hinge Material 2
11-3/4" Gray Plastic Outer Tube 1
Clevis Keeper 16
#4 x 1/2" SMS 33
#2 x 3/8" SMS 8
4-40 x 3/8" Machine Screw 4
6-32 x 1/2" SHCS 4
4-40 x 1" SHCS 4
4-40 x 1/2" SHCS 4
4-40 x 3/4" SHCS 4
4-40 x 1/2" Machine Screw 4
6-32 x 1" SHCS 6
8-32 x 1-1/4" SHCS 4
8-32 x 1" SHCS 4
4-40 x 1/8" SHCS 2
3/16" Wheel Collar 4
.074 x 12" Wire Threaded One End 1
.095 X 5-3/4" Wire Threaded One End 4
.095 X 12" Wire Threaded One End 3

4-40 Lock Washer 12
#6 Flat Washer 6
#4 Flat Washer 17
#2 Flat Washer 8
#8 Lock Washer 8
#8 Flat Washer 8
#6 Lock Washer 6
2-56 x 5/8" Machine Screw
#64 Rubber Bands 2
Aluminum Knurled Knobs 4
8-32 x 2" Threaded Rod 4
Aluminum Engine Stand-offs 4
Flying Wire Hardware 1 set
Spinner Nut 1
Spinner Bolt 1
Aluminum Rib 1

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

Kit Contents

1. Canopy

2. Cowl

3. Fuselage

4. T op Wing Halves (L&R)

5. Bottom Wing Halves (L&R)

6. Fin

7. Rudder

8. Cabanes (6)

9. Main Landing Gear

10. Main Wheels (2)

11. Wheel Pants (L&R)

12. T ail Wheel Assembly

13. Belly Pan

14. Inter plane Struts (2)

15. Horizontal Stabilizer

16. Elevators (L&R)

1

5

4

3

12

13

15

16

14

11

11

7

8

9

6

2

10

❏ 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 Suppor t at
the address or telephone number listed in the

“Kit

Inspection”

section on page 6.

❏ 2. Remove the tape and separate the ailerons and flaps

from the wing and the elevators from the stab. Use a
covering iron with a covering soc k on high heat to tighten the
covering if necessary.Apply pressure over sheeted areas to

thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

Do the bottom right wing first so your work matc hes the
photos the first time through.

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

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

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 2.Use a sharp #11 blade to cut a strip of covering

from the hinge slots in the wing and aileron.

❏ 3. Cut sixteen 1" x 1" [25 x 25mm] hinges from a CA

hinge strip. Snip off the cor ners so they go in easier.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 4. Test fit the ailerons to the wing with the

hinges. If the hinges don’t remain centered, stick a pin
through the middle of the hinge to hold it in position.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 5.Remove any pins y ou ma y ha v e inserted into

the hinges. Adjust the aileron so there is a small gap
between the LE of the aileron and the wing.The gap should
be small, just enough to see light through or to slip a piece
of paper through.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 6.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 aileron.

❏ 7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 for the left wing panel and the two

wing panels for the top wing.

Install the Ailerons

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

PREPARATIONS

7

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 1. Cut away the covering from the servo bay in

the bottom of the bottom right wing panel.Turn the wing ov er
and cut the covering from the hole in the top of the wing at
the wing root.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 2. Inside the servo bay a string is taped.

Carefully remove the string from the servo bay and tape it to
the outside of the wing to prevent it from dropping back into
the wing.The other end of the string is taped to the root rib.
Remove the tape, thread the string through the small holes
you cut the covering from on the bottom of the wing, and
tape the string to the wing.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 3. Install a 12" [305mm] servo extension onto

the servo lead. Secure the extension to the lead with tape, a
piece of shrink tube or some other method to keep them
from coming unplugged.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 4.Tie the string to the servo extension.Pull the

string and the servo lead through the wing. Untie the string
from the lead and insert the lead through the small hole you
cut the covering from.Tape the lead to the wing to prevent it
from falling back into the wing.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 5. Install the servo into the servo opening. Drill

through the servo mounting holes with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill
bit. Remove the servo from the servo opening. Install and
then remove a servo mounting screw into each of the holes
you have drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to
harden the threads. Once the glue has cured, install the
servo into the servo opening using the hardware included
with your servo.Center the servo then install a servo arm as
shown.The arm should be pointing towards the wing tip.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 6. Place a nylon control horn in line with the

outer hole in the servo arm. When positioned properly, the
control horn will rest on a hardwood plate in the aileron.
Mark the location of the mounting holes onto the aileron.
Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole on the marks, drilling through the
plywood plate

but not

through the top of the aileron. Insert
and remove a #4 x 1/2" [13mm] screw into each of the holes .
Apply a couple drops of thin CA into the holes to harden the
threads. Once the glue has hardened attach the horn to the
aileron with four #4 x 1/2" [13mm] screws.

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

8

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 7.Thread a 4-40 nut onto a 4-40 x 5-3/4" [146mm]

threaded rod approximately twenty turns.Slide a silicone clevis
retainer onto a threaded 4-40 metal clevis. Then, thread the
clevis onto the rod, tightening it against the nut. Install the
clevis onto the nylon control horn. Install an unthreaded clevis
onto the servo arm. Center the aileron and then mark the
threaded rod where it should be cut to fit the clevis.Remove all
of the pushrod components from the servo and control horn.
Read the

Expert Tip

that follows and then silver solder the

clevis to the pushrod.

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 8. After the rod has cooled, install a clevis

retainer onto the clevis you have just soldered.Then, install
the pushrod onto the aileron and servo.

❏ 9. Repeat steps 1-8 for the left wing panel. Repeat steps

1-8 for the top wing panels.Note: When cutting the covering
from the hole in the top wing for the servo lead, the hole is
located on the bottom-middle of the wing.

❏ 1. Epoxy a 3/16" x 1" [4.8 x 25mm] hardwood dowel into

the root rib of the bottom right wing panel. (Note: The
bottom wing can be identified by the set back at the wing
center-section). The dowel should extend 1/2" [13mm] into
the hole in the wing.

Join the Bottom Wing

How to solder

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

B. 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.

C.Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod. Add another
drop of flux. Then, simultaneously heat the clevis and
pushrod. Slide the clevis the rest of the way onto the
pushrod as the solder melts. Apply another small amount
of solder while the pushrod and clevis are still hot. The
same as before, the heat of the parts being soldered
should melt the solder, thus allowing it to flow. 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.

D. Immediately after the solder has solidified, but while it
is still hot, carefully 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.

9

❏ 2. Test fit the plywood and balsa wing joiner into the

joiner pocket of both wing halves. When you are satisfied
with the fit of the joiners, glue the joiner into the bottom wing
panels with 30-minute epoxy. When gluing the wing panels
together, be sure to get glue into the joiner pockets in the
wing.This can be done by applying the glue into the pocket
with a small stick.Apply glue to the pocket, the joiner and the
root rib of the wing.

❏ 4. Hold the wing together while the glue is curing with

masking tape. Be sure that both of the root ribs are pulled
tightly against one another. Excess epoxy can be cleaned
away with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.

❏ 5. Epoxy two 3/8" x 1-1/4" [9.5 x 32mm] hardwood

leading edge dowels into the two holes in the front of the
wing.The dowel should extend 1/2" [13mm] from the front of
the wing. Set the wing aside until the glue fully hardens.

❏ 6. Place the plywood wing bolt mounting plates in

position on the bottom of the wing, over the wing bolt holes.
When positioning the plates be sure the widest part of the
plate is towards the center of the wing. Using a fine tip
marker, trace the outline of the plate onto the wing. Use a
sharp #11 hobby knife or refer to the

Expert Tip

that follows
to cut the covering from the wing along the lines you have
marked.Use care to cut only into the coveringand notinto
the wood.

❏ 7. Glue the plates in position onto the wing.

Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from a balsa
sheeted surface.The tip of the soldering iron doesn’t have
to be sharp, but a fine tip does work best.Allow the iron to
heat fully.Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at
a rate that will just melt the covering and not burn into the
wood. The hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must
travel to melt a fine cut.Peel off the covering.

How to cut covering from balsa

10

❏ 1. Cut the covering away from the openings in the top of

the fuselage as well as the covering away from the holes
located on both sides of the front of the fuselage.

❏ 2. Identify the parts of the cabanes. Assemble them as

shown with 4-40 x 3/8" [9.5mm] machine screws, #4 flat
washers and 4-40 nylon lock nuts. When assembling the

cabanes apply a couple of drops of Threadlocker to the
screws.Do not fully tighten the screws;just make them snug
for now.

❏ 3. Inser t the cabane for the left side of the fuselage into

the slots on the top, left side of the fuselage. Be sure the
cabane slides into the slots located inside of the fuselage.

❏ 4.Located inside the fuselage are 4-40 blind nuts.Align the

holes in the cabanes with the blind nuts.Mount the cabanes to
the fuselage with 4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] socket-head cap screws
and #4 lock washers.Apply a couple of drops of Threadlocker
onto the screws. Install the screws through the holes you cut
the covering from on the sides of the fuselage. Do this for all
four of the cabane legs. Tighten all of the screws for the
cabane assembly and the mounting screws.

❏ 5. Cut the covering from the openings on both of the

“I” struts.

Install the Center Cabanes & “I”Struts

11