Great Planes GPMA1328 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wing Area: 572 in

54 in [1370mm]

[36.9 dm2]

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

6.5–7 lb [2950–3170 g]

26– 28 oz /ft

[79–85 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

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

Radio: 4-channel minimum with 4–5 servos

and standard receiver

Engine: .46-.55 cu in [7.5–9cc] two-stroke,

.70-.81 cu in [11.5–13.5cc] four-stroke, RimFire

™

.46 (42-60-800) brushless

outrunner motor

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.

Champaign, Illinois

(217) 398-8970, Ext 5

airsupport@greatplanes.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

Power System Recommendations .............................3

Propeller ..................................................................... 4

Batteries and Charger ................................................ 4

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

Required Hardware and Accessories ........................4

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

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

Building Stand ............................................................ 5

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

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

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION .....................................9

INSTALL THE TAIL SERVOS AND PUSHRODS ............ 12

ASSEMBLE & INSTALL THE MAIN LANDING GEAR ..13

INSTALL THE POWER SYSTEM .................................... 15

Glow Engine Installation ..........................................15

Brushless Motor Installation ..................................... 18

FINISH THE MODEL ....................................................... 21

APPLY THE DECALS .....................................................23

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................ 23

Install and Operate the Motor Battery ...................... 23

Check the Control Directions ................................... 24

Set the Control Throws ............................................ 25

Balance the Model (C.G.).........................................25

Balance the Model Laterally ..................................... 26

PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 26

Identify Your Model ................................................... 26

Charge the Batteries ................................................ 26

Balance Propellers ................................................... 26

Ground Check .......................................................... 26

Range Check ........................................................... 26

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................27

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE .............. 27

AMA SAFETY CODE ...................................................... 27

CHECK LIST ................................................................... 28

FLYING ............................................................................ 28

Fuel Mixture Adjustments ........................................29

Takeoff ..................................................................... 29

Flight ........................................................................ 29

Landing .................................................................... 29

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Great Planes Shoestring .46 ARF! This beautiful, ﬁ berglass fuselage model follows on the success of Great Planes’ larger, .60-sized version. Much of the typical ARF building work has been completed at the factory, leaving only the ﬁ nal steps needed to get you airborne quickly. Even a pilot comes already installed!

You‘ll enjoy sport performance with a .46-size engine, or experience scale-like speeds that recall the Cleveland Air Races with a .55. Accommodations have also been made for installing a brushless power system. A magnetic canopy hatch makes radio access and battery changes a breeze! The two-piece wing with a lightweight, carbon wing tube allows for easy transport.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the Shoestring .46 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at www. greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Shoestring .46 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.

AMA

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

Tele: (800) 435-9262

Fax (765) 741-0057

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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

1. Your Shoestring .46 ARF should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, the Shoestring, 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 ﬁ rst-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 ﬂ ight 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.

This is a partial list of items required to ﬁ nish the Shoestring .46 ARF that may require planning or decision making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

The Shoestring .46 ARF requires a minimum 4-channel radio system with four 44 oz.-in. [3.2 kg-cm] minimum standard sized servos. If you are installing a glow engine, an additional standard servo is required for the throttle.

In addition, two 6" [152mm] servo extensions are required for the aileron servos. If you are using a radio system that does not support mixing functions, Y-harnesses will also be required to connect the aileron servos to the receiver.

If you plan to install a brushless motor, you will need a 6" [152mm] servo extension for the ESC.

A charge jack receptacle is optional, but is useful for recharging the receiver pack without removing the canopy hatch. Recommended part numbers for the radio components are provided below:

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. WARNING: The cowl, wheel pants, and fuselage 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 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 follow the instructions to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

❏ Futaba ❏ Hobbico

(HCAM2701)

S9001 Servo Aircraft Coreless BB (FUTM0075)

Pro™ HD Extension 6" [152mm] Futaba J

❏ Hobbico Pro HD Y-Harness Futaba J (HCAM2751) ❏ Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)

Power System Recommendations

The recommended engine/motor size for the Shoestring .46 ARF is a .46 – .55 cu in [7 – 9 cc] two-stroke engine, a .70 – .81 cu in [11.5-13.5 cc] four-stroke engine, or a RimFire .46 (42-60-800) brushless outrunner motor. Engine and motor order numbers are provided below:

❏ O.S. ❏ Bisson O.S. .46 SF/FX .50 SX Pitts Mufﬂ er (BISG4046)

❏ Great Planes RimFire .46 (42-60-800) Outrunner

❏ Great Planes Brushless Motor Mount Medium Motors

If using the recommended brushless motor, a 80A brushless ESC is required:

❏ Great Planes Silver Series 80A Brushless ESC High Volt

46AX ABL w/Mufﬂ er (OSMG0547)

Brushless (GPMG4725)

(GPMG1255)

(GPMM1860)

Propeller

Adhesives and Building Supplies

If you are installing a glow engine, choose a prop based on the engine manufacturer’s recommendation. If you are installing the recommended RimFire brushless motor, we suggest an APC 11x5.5E propeller (APCQ1055).

Batteries and Charger

For a brushless motor installation, two 3350mAh 11.1V Lithium Polymer battery packs connected in series are recommended. Order numbers for the battery packs and series connector are provided below:

❏ Great Planes LiPo 3350mAh 11.1V 25C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0541)

❏ Great Planes Series Deans

(GPMM3143)

A cell balancer is required for the LiPo battery listed above:

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly

Balancer 1-5 (GPMM3160)

A suitable charger is also required. The Great Planes PolyCharge4™ is designed for LiPo packs only, but is able to charge four LiPo packs simultaneously. The Great Planes Triton2™ charger will only charge one pack at a time, but is capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, and Pb acid batteries. Order numbers for both are provided below:

U 2 to 1 Adapter

™

Equinox™ LiPo Cell

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are required to ﬁ nish the Shoestring .46 ARF:

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6001)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA– (GPMR6013) ❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047) ❏ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060) ❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up) ❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm],

3/16" [4.8mm], 1/4" [6.4mm]

❏ Great Planes Tap & Drill Set 6-32 (GPMR8102) (Glow

engine installation only)

❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120) (Glow engine installation only) ❏ Rotary tool with cutting bit ❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105) ❏ #11 blades (XACR3111) ❏ Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150) ❏ Top Flite ❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ 220 grit sandpaper ❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the Shoestring .46 ARF:

❏ Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC Only 4 Output LiPo

Charger (GPMM3015)

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 DC Comp Peak Charger

(GPMM3153)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to ﬁ nish the Shoestring .46 ARF. Order numbers are provided in parentheses:

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

1/2" [13mm] - HCAQ1050)

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

(glow engine only)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007) ❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035) ❏ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034) ❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780) ❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039) ❏ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045) ❏ Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060) ❏ Mixing sticks (GPMR8055) ❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056) ❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630) ❏ Harry Higley's 3/16" Extended Drill (HIGR1020) ❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200) ❏ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698) ❏ Hobby Heat ❏ Dead Center

(GPMR8130)

™

micro torch II (HCAR0755)

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700) ❏ AccuThrow ❏ CG Machine

™

Deﬂ ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460) ❏ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200) ❏ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000) ❏ Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16 Collet w/6 Bits (HCAR0696)

❏ Hobbico 8-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench SAE

(HCAR0520)

❏ Hobbico 7-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench Metric

(HCAR0521)

❏ Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)

ORDERING REPLACMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Shoestring .46 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.

Building Stand

A building stand or cradle comes in handy during the build. We use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for all our projects in R&D, and it can be seen in pictures throughout this manual.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• 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.

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust angles have been factory-built into this model. However, some technically-minded modelers may wish to check these measurements anyway. To view this information visit the web site at www.greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.” Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no effect on the way your model will ﬂ y, please expect slight deviations between your model and the published values.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www. greatplanes.com. Choose “Where to Buy” and follow the instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling (217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-7721, 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 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 productsupport@greatplanes. com, or by telephone at (217) 398-8970.

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA3390 GPMA3391 GPMA3392 GPMA3393 GPMA3394 GPMA3395 GPMA3396 GPMA3397 GPMA3398

NOTE

Fuselage Wing Set Tail Set Canopy/Hatch Cowl Landing Gear Wheel Pants Wing Tube Decal

Full-size plans are not available. You can download a copy of this manual at www.greatplanes.com.

or MasterCard

KIT INSPECTION

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.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: (217) 398-8970, ext. 5

Fax: (217) 398-7721

E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com

13 13

1. Canopy/Hatch

2. Fuselage

3. Cowl

4. Spinner

5. Fuel Tank

6. Engine Mount Halves

7. Wheel Pants (2)

8. Main Landing Gear (2)

9. Main Wheels (2)

10. Tail Wheel Assembly

11. Rudder

12. Horizontal Stabilizer

13. Wing Halves

14. Wing Joiner Tube

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 6.

❏ 2. Remove the tape and separate all the control surfaces.

Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat to tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

❏ 2. Attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each aileron

servo and secure the connector using 1-1/2" [38mm] pieces from the included heat shrink tubing. Center the servos with your radio system and install the servo arms to the servos perpendicular to the servo cases as shown. Be sure to reinstall the servo arm screws into the servos.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Before completing this section, conﬁ rm that the servos that you will be using will properly ﬁ t between the servo mounting blocks on the aileron servo hatch covers. Make adjustments as necessary for your brand servos. A razor saw or hobby knife can be used to trim the blocks if necessary.

5/64" [2mm]

CUT OFF UNUSED ARMS

❏ 1. Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm for each

aileron servo. Enlarge the outer hole of each remaining arm with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit.

❏ 3. Position the servos against the underside of the aileron

servo hatch covers between the mounting blocks. Shim the servo away from the hatch cover approximately 3/64" [1.2mm] (a business card folded in thirds works well for this). Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the mounting tabs on the servo cases into the blocks. Thread a servo mounting screw (included with the servo) into each hole and back it out. Apply a drop of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. When the CA has dried, install the servos onto the hatch covers using the hardware supplied with the servos.

❏ 4. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo hatches

to pull the servo leads through the wing.

❏ 6. Thread a nylon clevis 20 complete turns onto each 4"

[102mm] pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis retainer onto each clevis and connect the clevises to the outer holes of two control horns.

CORRECT INCORRECT

Hinge Line Hinge Line

❏ 5. Position the aileron servo hatch covers in place and drill

a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the mounting holes and into the hatch mounting blocks. Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] selftapping screw into each hole and back it out. Apply a drop of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood surrounding the hole. Install the hatch covers to the wings using eight #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws and eight #2 ﬂ at washers.

❏ 7. Position the control horns over the plywood plates in

the ailerons (if you cannot see them, hold the aileron at a shallow angle in good lighting or use a small pin to puncture the covering) using the position of the servo arms as a guide. Align the holes in the control horns directly over the aileron hinge line and mark the location of the control horn mounting holes.

❏ 8. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes at the marks you made

through the plywood plates. Do not drill all the way through the ailerons! Thread a #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screw through each hole and back it out. Apply a couple drops of thin CA glue to each hole to harden the wood. When the glue has dried, install the control horns onto the ailerons using four #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screws.

2-56 (.074")

Pushrod Wire

FasLink

ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION

Servo Horn

1/16"

❏ 9. Use tape or a small clamp to hold the ailerons in the

neutral position. Make a mark on the pushrods where they cross the outer holes in the servo arms. Make a 90° bend at the mark on the pushrod and cut off the excess pushrod 1/4" [6mm] beyond the bend. Attach the pushrods to the servo arms using nylon FasLinks. Thread the clevises up or down on the pushrods as necessary to center the ailerons with the servo arms centered. When satisﬁ ed, slide the silicone clevis retainers to the ends of the clevises to secure them.

❏ 1. Insert the wing tube into the fuselage and center its

position. Slide the wing panels onto the tube and feed the aileron servo leads through the mating holes in the fuse. Tighten the wing panels against the fuse using the two nylon wing bolts.

and right and align it with the wing panels. Use denatured alcohol to clean up any excess epoxy. Allow the epoxy to cure undisturbed.

❏ 4. When the epoxy has cured, the wing panels can be

removed from the fuselage and set aside. They will not be needed again until it is time to set up the control throws.

3/4"

❏ 5. Cut the included 2" x 9" [51mm x 229mm] CA hinge

strip into 3/4" x 1" [19mm x 25mm] individual hinges. Clip the corners of each hinge to make them easier to insert into the hinge slots.

❏ 2. Test ﬁ t the horizontal stabilizer into the stab slot at

the aft end of the fuselage (without glue). Center the stab left and right in the fuse. Measure the distance from the stab tips to the wing tips and make the measurements equal. Now, stand behind the model approximately 5-6 ft [1.5-1.8m] and conﬁ rm that the stab and wings are parallel. If not, weight can be added to one side to bring them parallel, or the stab can be taped to the ﬁ n to pull it parallel with the wing.

❏ 3. After you have determined if any weight will need to

be added during the gluing process, remove the stab from the fuse. If necessary, lightly sand away any excess paint from inside the stab slot. Mix up a batch of 30-minute epoxy and coat the stab slot as well as the exposed wood of the stabilizer (coating the stab slot will require additional cleanup after inserting the stab into the fuse. However, it will make a stronger glue joint). Slide the stab into the fuse, center it left

DRILL A 3/32" HOLE,

1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER

OF HINGE SLOT

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

center of each hinge slot in the stab and elevator halves.

❏ 7. Test ﬁ t a CA hinge into each of the hinge slots in the

stab and elevator halves. If necessary, enlarge the slots with a hobby knife. When satisﬁ ed with the ﬁ t, insert a CA hinge halfway into each hinge slot in the wing panel. Push a pin through the middle of each hinge to keep them centered.

+ 22 hidden pages

Great Planes GPMA1328 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual