Great Planes GPMA1435 User Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

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Model Manufacturing Co.

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PECIFICATION

eight

Wingspan:

Wingspan

Length:

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Wing Loading:

Wing Loading

Wing Area:

Wing Are

WARRANTY

WARRANTY

Great Planes® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to

Great Plane

be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the

e free from defects in both material and workmanship at the

date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component

date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component

parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great

arts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great

Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.

Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.

Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this

urther, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this

warranty without notice.

warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or
material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor

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

85 in [2160mm]

85 in
62 in [1575mm]
29– 33 oz/ft
116 8 i n

16mm

2

[75.3 dm2]

75.3

mm

2

[88– 101 g/dm2]

dm

guarantees this kit to

Weight:

Radio: 5-channel minimum

Engine: 1.8 - 2 cu in [30 - 35cc] two-stroke gasoline engine

Engine:1.8 - 2 cu in [30 - 35cc] two-

Motor:

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

14.5 –16 . 5 lb [ 6570 – 7480 g]

.

1

Great Planes RimFire 1.60 (63-62-250) Outrunner Brushles

Great Planes RimFire 1.60 (63-62-250) Outrunner Brushless

this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the

his kit immediately in new and unused condition to the

place of purchase.

lace of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to

o make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to

Hobby Services at the address belo

Hobby Services at the address below:

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

hampaign IL 61822 US

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.

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gasoline engin

Hobby Services

Hobby Services

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

© 2014 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1435

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

Engine Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Motor Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

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

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

KIT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

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

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Install the Stabilizer and Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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

Mount the Tail Wheel, Bracket and Support Wires . . 14

ELECTRIC MOTOR INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

IN STALL THE ENGINE, THROTTLE/CHOKE

SERVOS AND IGNITION SWITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

INSTALL THE COWL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

IN STALL THE WHEELS, WHEEL PANTS

AND WING STRUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

COMPLETE THE RADIO INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . 31

INSTALL THE COCKPIT, PILOT AND SPINNER . . . . . 32

APPLY THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

FIREWALL TEMPLATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

INTRODUCTION

Great Planes is very proud to bring you the Citabria. This is
a great flying model that you will enjoy and will turn heads at
the flying field. We have made a realistic airplane that has no
bad flight characteristics. We believe you will be very pleased
with the final product.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Giant Scale Citabria ARF visit the Great Planes web site
at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Giant Scale Citabria 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 fly at most R/C sites:

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

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.

IMAA

The Great Planes Giant Scale Citabria ARF is an excellent

sport-scale model and is eligible to fly in IMAA events. The
IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive flying of giant­scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA event, obtain a
copy of the IMAA Safety Code by contacting the IMAA at
the address or telephone number below, or by logging on to
their web site at:

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401

Tele. [phone]

www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html

Scale Competition

Though the Great Planes Citabria is an ARF and may not

have the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch-built
competition model, it is a scale model nonetheless and is
therefore eligible to compete in the Fun Scale class in AMA
competition (we receive many favorable reports of Great
Planes ARFs in scale competition!). In Fun Scale, the “builder

2

of the model” rule does not apply. To receive the five points for
scale documentation, the only proof required that a full size
aircraft of this type in this paint/markings scheme did exist is
a single sheet such as a kit box cover from a plastic model,
a photo, or a profile painting, etc. If the photo is in black and

white other written documentation of color must be provided.
Contact the AMA for a rule book with full details.

If you would like photos of the full-size Citabria for scale

documentation, or if you would like to study the photos to add
more scale details, photo packs are available from:

Bob’s Aircraft Documentation Tele: [phone]
3114 Yukon Ave Fax: [phone]
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 bobsairdoc.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1.

Your Citabria 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

Citabria, 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 good condi tion,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specified
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model
and all components before every flight.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. WARNING: The cowl and other miscellaneous parts included
in this kit are made of fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause
eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a
par t to remove fi berglass d ust, as t he dust wi ll 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.

NOTE: Some technically-minded modelers who wish to
check the wing, stab and motor thrust angles may do so by
visiting the web site at www.greatplanes.com and clicking
on “Technical Data.”

REMEMBER: Take your time and foll ow 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 CITABRIA

that m ay require planning or de c ision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

The Citabria can be flown with a minimum of a five channel radio.

For our installation we used six channels. One channel each
was used for the throttle, choke, elevator, rudder, ailerons, flaps.

Recommended servos: All control surfaces require the use

of a high-quality servo of at least 85 oz-in of torque. A servo
of 40 oz-in of torque can be used for the throttle, and choke.

❍ Control surfaces – Futaba 3305 (FUTM0045)
❍ Throttle and choke – Futaba 9001 (FUTM0075)
❍ Two 20" [500mm] Heavy-Duty Servo Extensions

(FUTM4147) for the ailerons and two 8" [200mm] Heavy

Duty Servo Extensions for the flaps.

❍ Depending on your choice of receiver and the number

of channels you will be using, you may have to use “Y”
harnesses (FUTM4135) on the aileron and flaps.

❍ 3200 mAh NiCd receiver battery or equivalent

(FUTM1285).

❍ 2 - Heavy duty switch harness (FUTM4385).

❍ 2 - Earnst Charge Receptacle (ERNM3001).

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Citabria is a 30 –

35cc [1.8 - 2 ci.] two-stroke gasoline engine. We used the DLE
30 engine for our model. Other engines can also be used but
you may need to make modifications for mounting those engines.

❍ J'TEC Radiowave Wrap Around Pitts Muffler DLE30

(JTCG2100)

3

Motor Recommendations

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

❍ Great Planes RimFire 1.60 63-62-250 Outrunner

Brushless (GPMG4795)

❍ Great Planes large motor mount (GMPG1260)
❍ Great Planes 80A Brushless ESC (GPMM1860)
❍ Great Planes 6mm Male/4mm Female Bullet Adapter

(GPMM3119)

❍ Two - FlightPower LiPo Pro50 4S 14.8V 5000mAh 50C
❍ Spinner Adapter Kit (GPMQ4589)

Pilot

❍ Great Planes 1/4 scale sport pilot figure (GPMQ9010)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish

the CITABRIA. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❍ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000, or 1/2" [13mm]

- HCAQ1050)

❍ 1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6002)
❍ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❍ Silver solder w/flux (STAR2000)
❍ Hobbico Soldering Iron 60 Watt (HCAR0776)
❍ #1 Hobby knife (XACR4325)
❍ #11 blades (5-pack, XACR0211)
❍ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❍ Duratrax Shoe Goo (DTXC2460) or other silicone glue
❍ Masking tape
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❍ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm],

3/16" [4.8mm], 1/4" [6mm]

❍ One package of 3' x 1/8" I.D. Tygon fuel tubing (DUBQ0493)
❍ Fuel barbs (DUBQ0672)

Tools and Building Supplies

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that

will help you build the Citabria.

❍ 21st Century sealing iron (COVR2700)
❍ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

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

Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a
length. For example #6  3/4" [19mm].

This is a number six screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long.

Machine Screws are designated by a number,
threads per inch, and a length. For example

4-40  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  3/4" [19mm].

This is a 4-40 SHCS that

is 3/4" [19mm] long with

forty threads per inch.

● When you see the term test fit in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly

without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom
fit the part as necessary for the best fit.

● Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon
your experience to de cide 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 epox y. Whe n
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 Giant Scale Citabria 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.

Missile Red TOPQ0201
Jet White TOPQ0204
Black TOPQ0208

● 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

4

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 fly,
please expect slight deviations between your model and
the published values.

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 Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

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 Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Citabria 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

www.greatplanes.com. Select “Where to Buy” in the menu

across the top of the page and follow the instructions provided
to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

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.

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 [phone].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4535
GPMA4536
GPMA4537
GPMA4538
GPMA4539
GPMA4540
GPMA4541
GPMA4542
GPMA4543
GPMA4544
GPMA4545
GPMA4546
GPMA4547
GPMA4548

Wing Set
Fuselage
Horizontal Stabilizer
Vertical Stabilizer
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Hatch
Tailwheel Assembly
Spinner
Wing Tube
Wing Struts
Bracket Set
Decals

KIT CONTENTS

Kit Contents

2

8

9

7

10

12

13

6

11

1

3

5

4

1

15

14

5

1.

Wing Halves

2.

Fuselage

3.

Horizontal Stabilizer

4.

Fin

5.

Tailwheel Assembly

6.

Cockpit Floor

7.

Cockpit Seat Backs

8.

Spinner

9.

Fuel Tank

10.

Main Landing Gear

11.

Wheel Pants

12.

Interplane Struts

13.

Decal Sheet

14.

Wing Tube

15.

Wing Struts

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 5.

2. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat

❏

to tighten the covering if necessary. Do this for all of the
components of the model. Apply pressure over sheeted areas
to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

4. Glue the blocks to the servo cover. Once the glue

❏ ❏

has cured, drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the cover and
into the servo mounting blocks Secure the block to the cover

with a #2 x 3/8" [#2 x 9.5mm] wood screw. Do this for both of

the servo covers.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Note:

Throughout this instruction manual you will be instructed
to use screws to secure different parts. In all cases, whenever
a screw is threaded into wood sheeting or wood blocks we
recommend that you install the screw and then remove it.

Apply a drop of thin CA glue into the hole to harden the threads.
After the glue has hardened, re-install the screw. Following this

step will insure that you have a solid thread for your screws.

Begin with your left wing panel first so your assembly
matches the photos in the manual.

1. Install the grommets and eyelets into the servo and

❏ ❏

then attach a 20" [500mm] servo extension to your aileron
servo. Secure it with heat shrink tubing, tape or other method
for securing them together.

2. Install a 8" [200mm] servo extension to your flap

❏ ❏

servo. Secure it with heat shrink tubing, tape or other method
for securing them together.

3. Remove the tape

❏ ❏

holding the servo covers
to the bottom of the wing.
Locate two 5/16" x 3/4"

x 3/4" [8mm x 19mm x

19mm] hardwood blocks.

Place your servo on the

cover, centering the servo
arm in the slot. Adjust the
positioning of the blocks for

your brand of servo.

5. If you haven’t already, center the servos and install

❏ ❏

the servo arm onto your servos. The servos require a 3/4"
[19mm] servo arm (typically the longest servo arm with your
servo). Place your servo onto the mounting blocks. Drill a

1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the servo mounting tabs into the

mounting blocks. Secure the servos to the mounting blocks

with the screws that came with your servos.

6. Inside the aileron and flap servo compartment you

❏ ❏

will find a string. Tie the string to the servo lead. The other

end of the string is taped to the root wing of the rib. Pull the
leads through the wing.

6

7. Install the servo cover to the wing securing them to

❏ ❏

the wing with four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screws and four #2 flat

washers.

8. Tape the servo lead to the top of the wing to prevent

❏ ❏

the leads from falling back into the wing.

10. Place a black nylon control horn onto the plywood

❏ ❏

mounting plate in the aileron in line with the servo arm.

Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole through each of the holes in the

control horn. Drill only through the plywood plate. Do not
drill through the top of the control surface. Mount the horn
with four #4 x 3/8" [10mm] screws.

11. Each aileron and flap pushrod are made from a

❏ ❏

5-3/4" [146mm] 4-40 pushrod wire threaded on one end, a

threaded metal clevis, a 4-40 nut, a metal solder clevis and

two silicone clevis keepers.

9. Located in both the aileron and the flap is a plywood

❏ ❏

mounting plate. If you look at the control surface at a slight
angle you will be able to see the plate through the covering.

12. Screw the 4-40 nut and the threaded metal clevis

❏ ❏

onto the pushrod wire. Attach the clevis to the second hole

down on the control horn. Attach the metal solder clevis into

the outer hole of the aileron servo arm. Center the aileron

servo arm and the aileron. Mark on the pushrod wire where

to cut the wire. Remove all of the pushrod wire components.
Solder the metal solder clevis to the pushrod. If you are not

familiar with soldering, read the Expert Tip that follows.

7

HOW TO SOLDER

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

2. Apply a few drops of soldering fl ux to the end of the
pushrod, and then use a soldering iron or a torch to heat
it. “Tin” the heated area with silver solder by applying the
solder to the end. The heat of the pushrod should melt the
solder – not the fl ame of the torch or soldering iron – thus
allowing the solder to fl ow. The end of the wire should be
coated with solder all the way around.

3.

Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod. Add another
drop of fl ux, then heat and add solder. The same as before,
the heat of the parts being soldered should melt the solder,
thus allowing it to fl ow. 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.

4. Immediately after the solder has solidifi ed, but while it
is still hot, use a cloth to quickly wipe off the fl ux before
it hardens. Important: After the joint cools, coat the joint
with oil to prevent rust. Note: Do not use the acid fl ux that
comes with silver solder for electrical soldering.

15. Install the modified control horn to the flap. However,

❏ ❏

the flap horn is rotated 180° from the direction the aileron
horn was installed. Install the horn using the same method
used for the aileron. Make sure the base of the horn is even

with the flap leading edge.

This is what a properly soldered clevis looks like –
shiny solder with good flow, no blobs and flux removed.

13. Once the solder has cooled slide a silicone clevis

❏ ❏

keeper over each clevis. Install the pushrod wire assembly to
the aileron servo arm and aileron control horn.

14. The flap control horn needs to be modified. Trim a

❏ ❏

control horn as shown. A high speed motor tool works well
for this.

16. Screw the 4-40 nut and the threaded metal clevis

❏ ❏

onto the pushrod wire. Attach the clevis to the second hole
down on the control horn. Attach the metal solder clevis into
the outer hole of the flap servo arm. For the flap servo you

will not center the servo. Instead, make sure the flap is fully

closed to the bottom of the wing. Then position the servo arm
so that it is rotated toward the wing trailing edge. Now you can
proceed with making the pushrod wire assembly.

Mark on the pushrod wire where to cut the wire. Remove
all of the pushrod wire components. Solder the metal solder
clevis to the pushrod. Once the solder has cooled slide a
silicone clevis keeper over each clevis. Install the pushrod

wire assembly to the servo arm and control horn.

17. Repeat steps 1-16 for the right wing.

❏

8

18. The kit includes two 5/16" x 1-5/16" [8 x 35mm] wood

❏

dowels and one 5/16" x 1-1/8" [8 x 30mm] wood dowel. Using
5 minute epoxy, glue the two 5/16" x 1-5/16" [8 x 35mm] wood
dowels into the holes in the leading edge of both wings. The
dowels should be completely seated into the hole. This will
allow approximately 5/16" [8mm] to extend out of the wing.

20. Once the glue has hardened test fit the two wing halves

❏

together by inserting the wing tube into one of the wings
and then sliding the other wing onto the tube. Once you are
satisfied they fit together well, set the wing aside and move
on to the fuselage assembly.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

1. Remove the windshield from the front of the fuselage.

❏

It is attached to the fuselage with magnets. Pull forward on

the top of the windshield frame to release the frame from the
fuselage.

19.

Using 5 minute epoxy, glue the 5/16" x 1-1/8" [8 x 30mm]

❏

wood dowel into the hole at the trailing edge of the root rib on

either the left or right wing.

2. Install the landing gear. With the landing gear in place

❏

you will find it easier to handle the fuselage while assembling

the components. Locate the landing gear and the landing
gear doubler plate.

9

Install the Stabilizer and Rudder

3. Slide the landing gear into the slots in both sides of the

❏

fuselage and place the aluminum doubler onto the landing

gear. Secure the doubler and the landing gear to the fuselage
with ten #6 x 3/4" [19mm] socket head cap screws, #6 lock
washers and #6 flat washers. Apply a drop of thread locker

to each of the screws. NOTE: The landing gear will have a

slight forward sweep when installed correctly.

1. Locate the stabilizer and vertical fin. Test fit them in

❏

place on the back of the fuselage.

2. Use a felt tip pen to outline the fin on the top of the

❏

stabilizer and to outline the fuselage on the bottom of the
stabilizer.

10

3. Remove the fin and stabilizer from the fuselage. Cut the

❏

covering from the stabilizer just inside of the lines you have

drawn. Be careful to only cut through the covering. DO
NOT cut the wood structure. You may find it easiest to cut

the covering away using the Expert Tip “How to Cut Covering

from Balsa”.

HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA

Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the stab. 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.

4. Install the wing on top of the fuselage securing it with

❏

two 1/4-20 x 2" [51mm] nylon wing bolts. Glue the horizontal
stabilizer and vertical fin in place on the fuselage with 30
minute epoxy. Any excess glue can be cleaned up with paper
towels and rubbing alcohol. Before the glue hardens check
the alignment of the stab in relation to the wing to be sure
they are aligned with each other. After you are satisfied things
are aligned, leave the parts undisturbed until the glue has
hardened.

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.

5. Locate six hinges. Apply a drop of oil to each hinge to

❏

prevent glue from getting into the hinge when installing them
in the stabilizer.

11

Install the Elevator and Rudder Servos

1. Install a 4-40 nut, clevis keeper and 4-40 threaded clevis

❏

onto two 4-40 x 48" [1220mm] threaded wires.

6. Mix 1/4 ounce of 30 minute epoxy. Use a toothpick to

❏

apply a small amount of glue into each of the hinge holes

in the stab and both halves of the elevator. Apply 30 minute

epoxy to one side of each of the six hinges and install them in

the holes in the left and right half of the elevator. Clean excess

epoxy with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Move quickly

and apply 30 minute epoxy to the other half of the hinge and

then install each elevator to the horizontal stabilizer. Allow

the glue to harden.

2. On the bottom of each elevator there is a plywood

❏

plate. Install one of the clevises into the second hole from
the bottom of a control horn. Slide the 4-40 wire into the hole
in the side of the fuselage and the place the control horn onto
the plywood plate. The holes in the control horn should be
aligned over the hinge line.

7. Use the same technique to install the rudder to the fin.

❏

3. Once the horn is properly positioned mark the location

❏

of the control horn mounting holes onto the elevator with a felt
tip marker. On each of the marks drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole
through the plywood plate. Do not drill through the top of

the elevator!

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4.

Install and then remove a #4 x 3/8" sheet metal screw

❏

into each of the holes. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into each of

the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has hardened

secure the control horn to the elevator with the four screws.

the outer hole in each of the servo arms. Place the two servos
in the servo tray with the servo arms aligned with the pushrod

wires. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through each of the mounting

holes in the two servos. Install and remove a servo mounting
screw into each of the holes you drilled. Apply a drop of thin

CA glue to harden the threads. When the glue has hardened,

secure the servos with the screws.

5. Use the same technique for the remaining elevator half.

❏

6. Install the grommets and eyelets onto two servos. Cut

❏

three arms from a four arm servo horn, center the servo and

install the horn onto the servo. Install a 4-40 solder clevis into

7. Center the elevator halves and the two elevator servo

❏

arms. Using the solder clevis as your guide, make a mark on
the pushrod wire where it needs to be cut. Remove the clevis
from the elevator control horn and remove the pushrod from
the fuselage. Do this for both pushrod wires.

Once the wires have been removed cut the wires on the

marks you made. Solder a 4-40 solder clevis to the wire
using the same procedure used on the ailerons. When the
solder has cooled remove the threaded clevis and 4-40 nut
from the threaded end of the wires. Slide a silicone clevis
keeper onto the solder clevis. Re-install the wire through the
front of the fuselage into the pushrod guide tubes. Attach
the clevis from each pushrod wire to the outer hole of the
servo arm. Re-install the nuts and threaded clevises onto
each wire, adjusting them so that the elevators are centered.

Then secure the elevators with the clevises.

8. Install a 4-40 nut, clevis keeper and 4-40 threaded clevis

❏

onto the remaining 4-40 x 48" [1220mm] threaded wire.

13

9. Just like the elevator there is a plywood plate at the

❏

bottom of the rudder. Install the clevis into the second hole

from the bottom of a control horn. Slide the 4-40 wire into the

hole in the side of the fuselage and the place the control horn

onto the plywood plate. The holes in the control horn should

be aligned over the hinge line.

10. Once the horn is properly positioned mark the location

❏

of the control horn mounting holes onto the rudder with a felt

tip marker. On each of the marks drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole

through the plywood plate. Do not drill through the top of

the rudder!

11.

Install and then remove a #4 x 3/8" sheet metal screw

❏

into each of the holes. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into each of

the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has hardened

secure the control horn to the elevator with the four screws.

12. Install the grommets and eyelets on to a servo. Cut

❏

three arms from a four arm servo horn, center the servo and

install the horn onto the servo. Install a 4-40 solder clevis into

the outer hole in each of the servo arms. Place the servo in

the servo tray with the servo arms aligned with the pushrod
wire. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through each of the mounting

holes in the two servos. Install and remove a servo mounting

screw into each of the holes you drilled. Apply a drop of thin
CA glue to harden the threads. When the glue has hardened

secure the servo with the screws.

Mount the Tail Wheel, Bracket

and Support Wires

1. Locate all of the components of the tail wheel assembly.

❏

13. Center the rudder and the rudder servo arm. Using the

❏

solder clevis as your guide, make a mark on the pushrod wire
where it needs to be cut. Remove the clevis from the rudder

control horn and remove the pushrod from the fuselage. Cut

the wire on the mark you made. Solder a 4-40 solder clevis

to the wire using the same procedure used on the elevators.
When the solder has cooled remove the threaded clevis

and 4-40 nut from the threaded end of the wires. Slide a

silicone clevis keeper onto the solder clevis. Re-install the
wire through the front of the fuselage into the pushrod guide

tubes. Attach the clevis from each pushrod wire to the outer

hole of the servo arm. Re-install the nut and threaded clevis

onto the wire, adjusting it so that the rudder is centered. Then

secure the rudder with the clevis.

2. Place the aluminum “T” bracket on the bottom of the

❏

rudder. Mark the location of the mounting holes with a felt tip
marker onto the bottom of the rudder.

3. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole into the rudder on each of

❏

the marks. Insert and then remove a #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] sheet
metal screw into each of the holes you drilled. Apply a drop

of thin CA glue into each of the holes to harden the threads.
Once the glue hardens secure the “T” bracket to the rudder
with two #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screws.

14