Great Planes GPMA1431 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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SPECIFICATIONS

PECIFICATION

Wingspan:

Wing Area:

Top: 42.5 in [1080mm]
Bottom: 40 in [1015mm]

441 in
[28.4 dm2]

.46 – .72/EP ARF

The Christen Eagle name is used by Hobbico®, Inc. under license from Aviat Aircraft, Inc.

The Christen Eagle name is used by Hobbico, Inc. under license from Aviat Aircraft, Inc

Length: 39.5 in

ength

Radio:

Radio:

Weight:

2

Wing

Loading:

5.75– 6.25 lb
[2610– 2830 g]

30– 33 oz/ft
[92– 101 g/dm2]

2

Engine:

.5 in

[1005mm]

100 5mm

4-Channel minimum with

4-Channel minimum with
4 – 7 servos and

– 7 servos and

standard size receiver

tandard size r

.46 – .55 cu in [7.5 – 9cc] two-stroke
.72 cu in [12cc] four-stroke
RimFire
brushless outrunner motor

™

.55 (42-60-480)

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.

© 2011 Hobbico®, Inc. GPMA1431 Mnl

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

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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 CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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

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

INSTALL THE TAIL SURFACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

INSTALL THE TAIL PUSHRODS AND SERVOS. . . . . . .14

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR . . . .15

INSTALL THE POWER SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Glow Engine Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Brushless Motor Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

FINISH THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Install the Receiver and Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Install the Cowl and Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Install the Wings and Struts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Install the Canopy/Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Install and Operate the Brushless Motor Battery . . . .28

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Ground Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE. . . . . . . . 31

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Congratulations on your purchase of the Great Planes
Christen Eagle .46 ARF! The highly popular kit sport plane,
first released in 1978, was originally produced as a model
by Great Planes in 1/3 scale size. The popularity of the 1/3
scale led us to develop a smaller .46 size Eagle for those
modelers who prefer to fly smaller planes.

The Christen Eagle has all the great flying characteristics

of its larger counterpart that helped make the 1/3 scale
successful. In addition, a brushless power system option
is detailed in this manual and accommodations have been
provided in the fuselage structure for electric components.

A wingspan of only 42.5" [1080mm] allows the plane to be

transported fully assembled with ease. If you do need to
remove the wings, they disconnect from the fuselage quickly
by removing four screws, two wing bolts, and sliding the
interplane struts out of their slots.

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

Academy of Model Aeronautics: If you are not already a

member of the AMA, please join! The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership provides liability
insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights and interests
and is required to fly at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model

Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!!

Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the

radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid flying near full­scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over groups of people.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Christen Eagle .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 Eagle, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2

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 ensure 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
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8. 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, 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 landing gear
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 the work
area thoroughly after working with fiberglass 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.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Christen

Eagle .46 ARF that may require planning or decision making

before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in

parentheses.

Radio Equipment

The Eagle requires a minimum 4-channel radio system with

two 44 oz.-in. [3.2 kg-cm] minimum standard sized servos.

Two micro servos are required for the ailerons in the bottom

wing. Two more micro servos are required if you plan to
have the top wing ailerons controlled by their own dedicated
servos. If you are installing a glow engine, an additional
standard servo is required for the throttle.

Two 12" [305mm] servo extensions are required for the bottom

wing aileron servos. If you plan to install aileron servos in the
top wing, you will need four more 12" [305mm] servo extensions
for a total of six. If you are using a radio system that does not
support mixing functions, a Y-harness (dual servo extension)
will also be required to connect the bottom aileron servos to
the receiver. If you have installed servos in the top wing, two
additional Y-harnesses will also be needed for a total of three. A
6" [152mm] servo extension is needed for the receiver pack if
you plan to install a brushless motor.

Recommended part numbers for the radio components are
provided below:

Futaba

❏

(FUTM0004) -OR- Futaba S9001 Servo Aircraft
Coreless BB (FUTM0075)

Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servo (FUTM0415) -OR-

❏

Futaba S3150 Slim Digital Servo (FUTM0303)

Hobbico

❏

Hobbico 12" Extension Futaba J (HCAM2100)

❏

Futaba Dual Servo Extension 6" J (FUTM4130)

❏

Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)

❏

®

S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo

®

6" Extension Futaba J (HCAM2000)

Power System Recommendations

The recommended engine/motor size for the Eagle is a .46-.55

cu in [7.5-9 cc] two-stroke engine, .72 cu in [12cc] four-stroke
engine, or a RimFire .55 (42-60-480) brushless outrunner motor.
Engine and motor order numbers are provided below:

®

O.S.

❏
❏
❏
❏

If using the recommended brushless motor, a 60A brushless
ESC and motor mount are required:

❏

❏

3

.46AX ABL w/Muffler (OSMG0547)

®

O.S.

.55AX ABL w/Muffler (OSMG0556)

®

O.S.

.72FS-a Ringed 4-stroke (OSMG0877)

Great Planes RimFire .55 (42-60-480) Outrunner

Brushless (GPMG4715)

Great Planes Silver Series 60A Brushless ESC High Volt

(GPMM1850)
Great Planes Brushless Motor Mount Medium (GPMG1255)

Propeller

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 a 13x10E APC propeller.

APC 13x10 Electric Propeller (APCQ4140)

❏

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

❏

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

Great Planes ElectriFly

❏

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:

Great Planes PolyCharge4

❏

Charger (GPMM3015) -OR- Great Planes ElectriFly

Triton2 DC Comp Peak Charger (GPMM3153)

®

U 2 to 1 Adapter (GPMM3143)

®

Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer

™

DC Only 4 Output LiPo

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish

the Christen Eagle .46 ARF. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses:

R/C foam rubber 1/4" [6mm] (HCAQ1000)

❏

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

❏

(glow engine only)

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

❏

engine installation only)

Tap handle (GPMR8120) (Glow engine installation only)

❏

Dead Center

❏

Rotary tool with cutting bit

❏

Revell

❏

(RMXR6900)

Top Flite

❏

Top Flite Hot Sock

❏

Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

❏

T-pins

❏

Household oil

❏

Ruler or measuring tape

❏

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

®

Premium Soft Handle Knife w/Blades (5)

®

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

Optional Supplies and Tools

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

Great Planes Pro Epoxy 6-Minute Formula 4 oz

❏

(GPMR6042)

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

❏

2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)

❏

4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)

❏

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏

CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❏

Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)

❏

Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)

❏

Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏

Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

❏

Harry Higley’s 3/16" Extended Drill Bit (HIGR1020)

❏

T.A. Emerald Performance Duster Compressed Air

❏

(TAEC1060)

Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)

❏

Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)

❏

Hobby Heat

❏

Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

❏

AccuThrow

❏

CG Machine

❏

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)

❏

™

micro torch II (HCAR0755)

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

™

(GPMR2400)

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are

required to finish the Christen Eagle .46 ARF:

1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

❏

1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)

❏

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], 11/64" [4.4mm]

❏

™

CA (GPMR6001)

4

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.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Christen Eagle are available using
the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List that follows.

The fastest, most economical service can be provided by

your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site

at greatplanes.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.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services
by calling [phone], or fax 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
and expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

®

or MasterCard® number

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• 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, and then slightly modify or custom

fit the part as necessary 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 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 greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.” Due
to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no effect
on the way your model will fly, please expect slight deviations
between your model and the published values.

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 telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4160
GPMA4161
GPMA4162
GPMA4163
GPMA4164
GPMA4165
GPMA4166
GPMA4167
GPMA4168
GPMA4169
GPMA4170
GPMA4171
GPMA4172

NOTE

Fuselage
Top Wing
Bottom Wing
Tail Set
Hatch
Cowl
Cabanes
Struts
Wheel Pants
Landing Gear
Decals
Spinner
Landing Gear Fairings

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

5

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. 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 CONTENTS

1

3

4

5

17

1. Cowl

2. Fuselage

3. Spinner

4. Engine Mount

5. Main Landing Gear

6. Main Wheels

6

7

8

2

9

15

16

7. Landing Gear Fairings

8. Wheel Pants

9. Belly Pan

10. Fuel Tank

11. Horizontal Stabilizer

12. Tail Wheel Assembly

10

12

11

13

14

13. Vertical Fin

14. Interplane Struts

15. Bottom Wing

16. Top Wing

17. Cabane Struts

6

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 the opposite page.

2. Remove the tape and separate all the control surfaces

❏

if not pre-hinged. 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.

CUT OFF UNUSED ARMS

2. 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.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Note: Servos in the top wing are optional. The installation

of the servos is the same procedure for the top and bottom
wings. The top wing is shown in the following steps. The
same procedure should be used to install the servos into the

bottom wing.

1. If you plan to install servos into the top wing, trim the

❏

covering from the servo arm slots in the servo hatch covers
using a sharp hobby knife. If you plan to connect the upper
and lower ailerons with pushrods and have all four ailerons
controlled by the two servos in the bottom wing, then do
not trim the covering from the top wing hatch covers. Skip
to step #9. After step #9, complete the bottom wing servo
installation as described in step #14.

3. Attach a 12" [305mm] servo extension to each

❏ ❏

aileron servo and secure the connector using tape or heat
shrink tubing (not included). 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. Install the rubber grommets and
eyelets onto the servo mounting tabs.

4. Position the servos onto the aileron servo hatch

❏ ❏

covers with the servo arms centered in the openings. Place
an aileron servo mounting block behind each servo mounting
tab and mark their locations onto the hatch covers.

7

5. Epoxy the aileron mounting blocks onto the hatch

❏ ❏

covers. Allow the epoxy to harden completely before moving on.

into the blocks. Thread a servo mounting screw (included
with the servos) 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.

6. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the hatch cover

❏ ❏

and through each aileron mounting block. The hole should be
slightly off center to prevent interference when drilling holes for
the aileron mounting screws in the next step. Thread a #2 x 3/8"
[9.5mm] self-tapping fl athead screw into each block as shown.

7. Position each servo against the undersides of the

❏ ❏

aileron servo hatch covers between the mounting blocks.
Shim the aileron servos away from the hatch covers
approximately 3/64" [1.2mm] to isolate it from vibration (a
business card folded in thirds works well for this). Drill 1/16"
[1.6mm] holes through the mounting tabs on the servo case

8. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo

❏ ❏

hatches to pull the servo leads through the wing panels and
out the servo lead exit holes.

9. Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screw into

❏ ❏

each hatch cover mounting hole in the wing and back it out.

Apply a drop of thin CA glue to each hole and allow the glue

to harden. Install the hatches using eight #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm]
self-tapping screws and eight #2 fl at washers.

8

10. Thread a nylon clevis 20 complete turns onto two

❏ ❏

4" [102mm] pushrods. Slide a silicone clevis retainer onto

each clevis and connect the clevises to the outer holes of
two small control horns.

CORRECT INCORRECT

glue to each hole to harden the wood. When the glue has dried,
install the control horns onto the ailerons using four 2-56 x 1/2"
[13mm] machine screws and the control horn backplates.

Servo Horn

Hinge Line Hinge Line

11. 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.

2-56 (.074")

Pushrod Wire

13. 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.

FasLink

1/16"

12. Drill 5/64" [2mm] holes at the marks you made

❏ ❏

through the plywood plates. Apply a couple drops of thin CA

14. Repeat steps 2-13 for the bottom wing.

❏

9

15. Glue the bottom wing dowels into the holes in the

❏

leading edge. Position the dowels so that 3/8" [9.5mm]
protrudes beyond the holes.

16. Mount the bottom wing to the fuselage using two

❏

1/4-20 x 2" [51mm] nylon wing bolts.

HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA

Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the area
beneath the belly pan. The tip of the soldering iron doesn’t
have to be sharp, but a fi ne 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 fi ne cut. Peel off the covering.

17. Align the belly pan onto the bottom of the wing and

❏

tape it in position. Use a felt-tip pen to trace around the belly
pan onto the wing.

18. Carefully cut the covering 1/16" [1.6mm] inside the

❏

lines you drew and remove a strip of covering approximately

1/4" [6mm] from each side. Use a sharp hobby knife and take

care to cut only through the covering and not into the wood
beneath. Use denatured alcohol to wipe away the lines you
drew (or use CA debonder). See the following Expert Tip for
an alternative method for removing covering.

19. Apply a thin bead of glue along each side of the belly

❏

pan and glue it into place on the underside of the wing. Take
care not to inadvertently glue the belly pan to the fuselage.
Pieces of wax paper can be placed between the belly pan
and the fuse to ensure this will not happen.

10

INSTALL THE TAIL SURFACES

1. Carefully cut away the support block at the aft end of

❏

horizontal stabilizer slot.

3. Measure the distance from the corners of the ailerons

❏

on the wing to the tips of the stab. Adjust the stab until the
distance from the tip of the stab to the wing is equal on both
sides. Before gluing the stab, test fi t the vertical fi n part way
into the fuse and confi rm the fuse sides fi t snugly against
the fi n. If the fi t is loose, leave the fi n in place while gluing
the stab into the slot and use small clamps to hold the fuse
sides against the fi n.

2. Insert the horizontal stabilizer into the stab pocket and

❏

center the stab left and right in the fuselage. Stand back

15-20ft [5-6m] and check to be sure the stab is parallel to

the wing. If necessary, adjust the stab saddle as needed by

lightly sanding it until the stab and wing are parallel.

A = A'

A

A'

4. When satisfi ed with the fi t, coat the exposed wood of

❏

the stabilizer with 30-minute epoxy. For a stronger joint, we
recommend also coating the stab pocket with epoxy. Set
the stab in position in the stab pocket and confi rm that it is
centered and parallel with the wing. When satisfi ed, clean up
any excess epoxy from the stab and fuse with paper towels
dampened with denatured alcohol. Be thorough when
cleaning to prevent a haze left behind on the covering after
the epoxy cures. Re-check the alignment. Allow the epoxy to
cure undisturbed.

11