GREAT PLANES Reactor Instruction Manual

WARRANTY

Great Planes®Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great Planes’ liability exceed the
original cost of the purchased kit. Fur ther, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for
any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product.By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user
accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit
immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number,
e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will
be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION.IT CONT AINS IMPOR T ANT INSTR UCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ1021 for GPMA1021 V1.0Entire Contents © Copyright 2006

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 58 in [1475mm]
Wing Area: 745 sq in [48.1 dm2]
Weight: 5.25–6.16 lb [2410–2720g]
Wing Loading: 16-18 oz/sq ft [50–57 g/dm2]
Length: 59 in [1500mm]
Radio: 4-channel minimum with (5) 50 oz/in high-torque standard/mini servos
Power System: RimFire™42-60-480kV Out-runner brushless motor with 60A brushless

ESC and two 11.1V, 3200mAh LiPo batteries (in series), or
.46-.51 cu in [7.5cc] two-stroke, or .70 cu in [11.5cc] four-stroke

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Batteries & Charger.....................................................3

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

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

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASSEMBLE THE WING ....................................................7

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

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods.........................8

Finish the Wing..........................................................10

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE.........................................11

Install the Rudder & Tail Gear...................................11

Assemble & Install the Main Gear.............................12

Install the Elevators & Stabilizer ................................13

Install the Tail Servos and Pushrods.........................15

ENGINE INSTALLATION ................................................16

Brushless Motor Installation......................................17

Four-Stroke Glow Engine Installation........................18

Install the Fuel Tank & Throttle Servo.......................19

FINISH THE MODEL .......................................................22

Assemble the Fuselage Hatch..................................22

Install the Radio System (Brushless Motor) ..............23

Install the Radio System (Glow Engine) ...................25

Install the Cowl, Canopy and Spinner .......................26

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

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

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

Set the Control Throws..............................................28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................30

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE..............30

AMA SAFETY CODE (E

XCERPTS) ...................................31

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

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

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

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

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

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

3D FLYING.......................................................................33

Stepping up in size from its smaller counterpart, the Reactor
EP, is the Reactor .46 3D ARF. Full accommodations for
brushless and glow engine power plants make this plane
builder-friendly for both types of modelers. Using either
recommended engine/motor system, the Reactor .46 3D
ARF has all the power needed to fly virtually any aerobatic
maneuver with authority. Then turn the control throws down
for some smooth pattern flying. The semi-transparent
covering with bold, contrasting accent stripes will draw
onlookers before you even get in the air!

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Reactor .46 3D ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.g reatplanes.com.Open the “Airplanes” link, then select
the Reactor ARF. If there is new technical information or
changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in the
upper left corner of the page.

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club.The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership is required to fly at
AMA clubs.Though joining the AMA provides many benefits,
one of the primary reasons to join is liability protection.
Coverage is not limited to flying at contests or on the club
field. It even applies to flying at public demonstrations and
air shows. Failure to comply with the Safety Code (excerpts
printed in the back of the manual) may endanger insurance
coverage.Additionally, training programs and instructors are
available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right
way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.

IMPORTANT!!! T wo 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 peple.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

AMA

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

1.Your Reactor .46 3D 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 Reactor, if not assembled and operated
correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-class
condition and a correctly sized engine and components (fuel
tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

5.You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air .

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

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights.If you’ re not a member of a club, your local hob by
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit
are made of fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
(wheel pant, cowl) to remove fiberglass dust, as the dust will
blow back into your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a
particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and
sanding fiberglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work
area thoroughly after working with fiberglass parts.

Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Reactor .46
3D ARF that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

The Reactor .46 3D ARF requires a minimum 4-channel radio
system with two 50 oz.-in. [3.6 kg-cm] minimum mini servos
for the ailerons, and three 50 oz.-in. [3.6 kg-cm] minimum
mini or standard servos for the elevators and rudder. If you
are installing a glow engine, one standard torque servo (mini
or standard size) is required for the throttle. Extensive flight
testing has determined that optimum performance is achieved
by using Futaba S9650 digital high-torque mini servos for all
control surfaces. Digital servos are highly recommended for
the Reactor.Depending on the model servos being used, the
servo bays may need to be enlarged. An Illustration is
provided in the building section as a guide to enlarging the
bays.A variety of servo models and their order numbers that
would be suitable for the Reactor are listed below.

In addition, three 24" [610mm] servo extensions, two 12"
[305mm] servo extensions, and two 6" [152mm] are required
for the aileron, elevator, and rudder servos. If you are using
a radio system that does not support mixing functions, two
Y-harnesses (one reversing) will also be required to connect
the aileron servos and elevator servos to the receiver.

The following are suitable servos for the elevators and
rudder (3 required):

❏ Futaba

®

S9650 Digital Mini Servo (FUTM0260)

❏ Futaba S9001 Ser vo Aircraft Coreless BB (FUTM0075)
❏ Futaba S3010 Standard High-Torque Servo (FUTM0043)
❏ Futaba S3152 Ser vo Digital Std Hi-Torque (FUTM0311)
❏ Hobbico

®

CS-35MG High-Power Metal Gear Mini Servo

(HCAM0121)

❏ Hobbico CS-35 Servo High-P o wer Mini BB (HCAM0120)
❏ Hobbico CS-64 Servo High-Torque Standard 2BB

(HCAM0165)

❏ Hobbico CS-70MG Servo Super-Torque 2BB (HCAM0191)

The following are suitable servos f or ailer ons (2 required):

❏ Futaba S9650 Digital Mini Ser vo (FUTM0260)
❏ Hobbico CS-35MG High-Power Metal Gear Mini Servo

(HCAM0121)

❏ Hobbico CS-35 Servo High-P o wer Mini BB (HCAM0120)

Any of the servos listed above can be used as a throttle
servo for glow engine installations, also including the Futaba
S3101 Servo Micro Precision (FUTM0033).

The following extensions are required:

❏ (3) Hobbico Pro

™

HD Extension 24" Futaba J (HCAM2721)

❏ (2) Hobbico Pro HD Extension 12" Futaba J (HCAM2711)
❏ (2) Hobbico Pro HD Extension 6" Futaba J (HCAM2701)

If your radio is not capable of mixing,you will also need:

❏ (1) Hobbico Y-Harness Futaba J (HCAM2500)
❏ (1) EMS Ser vo Reverser, Futaba J (EMOM0027)

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality ,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished model depends on
how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model, and
no representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

The recommended engine/motor size for the Reactor .46 3D
ARF is a .46-.51 two-stroke, .70 four-stroke, or a RimFire
C42-60-480kV brushless out-runner motor. Engine and
motor order numbers are provided below:

❏ O.S.

®

.46 AX 2-Stroke ABL w/Muffler (OSMG0547)

❏ O.S. FS-70 II Sur pass

™

4-Stroke (OSMG0872)

❏ O.S.Exhaust Manifold Inside FS-70/FS-91 (OSMG2624)

This manifold is optional and will route the muffler along
the bottom of the fuselage to avoid having to cut a
muffler hole in the cowl.

❏ Great Planes RimFire 42-60-480 Brushless Motor

(GPMG4715)

❏ Great Planes Brushless Motor Mount Medium Motors

(GPMG1255)

❏ Great Planes Silver Series 60 (SS-60) ESC (GPMM1850)

For a brushless motor installation, two 3200mAh 11.1V
Lithium Polymer battery packs connected in series are
recommended. Order numbers for the battery packs and a
series connector adapter are provided below:

❏ (2) Great Planes LiPo 3200mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0623)

❏ Ser ies adapter Deans Ultra Plugs (GPMM3143)

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

❏ Great Planes Electr iFly Equinox LiPo Cell Balancer 1-5

(GPMM3160)

A suitable LiPo charger is also required:

❏ Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC Only 4 Output LiPo

Charger (GPMM3015), or

❏ Great Planes Electr iFly Triton DC Comp Peak Charger

(GPMM3150)

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the Reactor .46 3D 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)

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to finish the Reactor .46 3D ARF:

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❏ 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]

❏ 6-32 tap and dr ill set (GPMR8102) (Glow Engine)
❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120) (Glow Engine)
❏ Small metal file
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏ Top Flite

®

MonoKote®sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Reactor .46 3D ARF:

❏ 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)
❏ Hobbico Duster

™

can of compressed air (HCAR5500)

❏ Er nst Charge Receptacle Futaba J (ERNM3001)
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotar y tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Rotar y tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❏ Ser vo horn dr ill (HCAR0698)
❏ Hobby Heat

™

micro torch (HCAR0755)

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ 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)
❏ Great Planes Precision Prop Reamer Standard

(GPMQ5006)

❏ Great Planes Precision Prop Reamer Metric (GPMQ5007)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Batteries and Charger

Power System Recommendations

4

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

• There are three types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and a

length. For example #6 x 3/4" [19mm]

This is a number six screw that is 3/4

"

[19mm] long.

Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per
inch and a length. For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]

This is a number four screw that is 3/4"
[19mm] long with forty threads per inch

.

Socket head cap screwsare designated by a number , threads
per inch and a length.For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]

This is a number four screw that is 3/4"
[19mm] long with forty threads per inch

.

• When you see the term

test fit

in the instructions, it
means that you should first position the part on the
assembly without using any glue, then slightly modify or

custom fit

the part as necessar y for the best fit.

• Whenever the term

glue

is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use.When a
specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

• Whenever just

epoxy

is specified you may use

either

30­minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or6-minute epoxy. When 30­minute 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 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.

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Reactor .46 3D
ARF are available using the order numbers in the
Replacement Parts List that follows. The fastest, most
economical service can be provided by your hobby dealer or
mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at
www.hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom
of the menu on the left side of the page. Follow the
instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian
or International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone],
but full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will
apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged
sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa®or MasterCard

®

number and expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in
the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or
personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason contact Product
Support by e-mail at [e-mail], or
by telephone at [phone].

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support

Full-size plans Not available
GPMA2956 Wing Set w/o Joiner Tube
GPMA2957 Fuselage
GPMA2958 Tail Surface Set
GPMA2959 Wing Joiner Tube
GPMA2960 Cowl
GPMA2961 Canopy
GPMA2962 Landing Gear Set (L&R)
GPMA2963 Wheelpants Set (L&R)
GPMA2964 Decal Sheet
GPMA2965 Battery/ Radio Hatch

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Building Stand

5

6

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly ,
contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in
the Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax:[phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

Tail Wheel Assembly
2-1/4" [57mm] Red Spinner Assembly
Wood Anti-Rotation Dowels (4)
Plywood Throttle Servo Tray
Plywood Throttle Servo Adapter Plates (2)
Plywood Outer Pushrod Tube Clip
1/4"x1/4"x12" [6x6x305mm] Balsa Stick
Battery Hatch Door
6mm Diameter Magnets (8)
2-5/64"x2-3/4"x5/64" [53x71.5x2mm]

Cooling Hole Coverplate
18" [457mm] Hook & Loop Strap
6" [150mm] Adhesive-Backed Hook &

Loop Material
3x8mm Round Head Machine Screws (4)
Large Control Horns (5)

12" [305mm] 2-56 Threaded One-End

Pushrods (5)
2-56 Faslinks (5)
#2x1/2" [13mm] Phillips Screws (10)
Silicone Clevis Retainers (6)
Nylon Clevises 2-56 (6)
6-32x1/2" [13mm] SHCS (4)
.40-.70 Nylon Engine Mount Halves (2)
#6 Flat Washers (12)
#6 Lock Washers (12)
6-32 Blind Nuts (4)
4-40x1/2" [13mm] SHCS (4)
#4 Flat Washers (4)
6-32x3/4" [19mm] SHCS (8)
#2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] Phillips Screws (10)
#2 Flat Washers (10)

2x9" [51x229mm] CA Hinge Strip
5/32"x1-1/4" [4x32mm] Axles (2)
Large Axle Nuts 5/16"–24 (2)
5/32" [4mm] Wheel Collars (4)
6-32 Set Screws (4)
4-40x3/8" [9.5mm] Machine Screws (4)
#4 Lock Washers (4)
Aluminum Fuel Line Plug
36" [914mm] 2-56 Threaded One-End

Pushrod
3/8" [9.5mm] Black Heat Shrink Tubing (3)
Brass Screw-Lock Connector
Brass Screw-Lock Connector Retainer
4-40x1/8" [3mm] SHCS
Outer Pushrod Tube 36" [914mm]

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

Kit Contents

1. Wing Halves (Left & Right)

2. Main Landing Gear (Left & Right)

3. Wheel Pants (Left & Right)

4. Main Wheels (2)

5. Fuel Tank

6. Aluminum Wing Tube

7. Horizontal Stabilizer

8. Rudder

9. Fuselage

10. Canopy

11. Cowl

12. Ailerons (Left & Right)

13. Elevators (Left & Right)

10

11

2

3

5

4

1

12

9

7

13

6

8

❏ 1. If you have not done so already, remove the major

parts of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any
parts are damaged or missing, contact Product Suppor t at
the address or telephone number listed in the “Kit
Inspection” section on page 6.

❏ 2. Carefully remove the tape and separate all the control

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

Do the left wing first so your work matches the photos
the first time through.You can do one wing at a time, or
work on them together.

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

into 3/4" x 1" [19 x 25mm] pieces.Trim the corners as shown
in the sketch.

❏ ❏ 2.Test fit the hinges into the aileron and wing panel.

If the hinges are difficult to insert, enlarge the hinge slots
with a sharp hobby knife.

❏ ❏ 3. Using a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill bit, drill a 1/2" [13mm]

deep hole in the center of each hinge slot. Cut away the
covering from just around each hinge slot with a sharp
hobby knife as shown.

❏ ❏ 4. Reinser t the hinges half way into the aileron hinge

slots.Stick a T-pin through the middle of each hinge in order to
keep them centered. Join the aileron to the wing panel and
remove the T-pins.Push the aileron against the wing hinge line.

Install the Ailerons

ASSEMBLE THE WING

PREPARATIONS

7

❏ ❏ 5. Confir m that there is a 3/32" [2.4mm] gap between

the outside end of the aileron and the wing tip.If not, adjust
the aileron as necessary for the proper gap.When satisfied,
deflect the aileron down far enough to obtain the 3D throws
recommended on page 28 and apply 6 drops of thin CA glue
to the center of each hinge. Flip the wing panel over and
apply 6 more drops to the underside of each hinge.

❏ ❏ 6. Cut the covering 1/8" [3mm] inside the opening in

the wing for the aileron servo. Use a covering iron or trim
iron to seal the covering to the inner edges of the opening.

❏ 7. Repeat these steps for the right wing panel.

❏ ❏ 1. Installing the servos in the wing will require the use

of one 12" [305 mm] servo extension for each aileron servo.
One Y-harness connector is required and is used to allow
the aileron servos to plug into one slot in your receiver.You
may have a computer radio that allows you to plug the
servos into separate slots and then mix them together with
the radio transmitter .If y ou choose to mix them together with
the radio rather than a Y-harness, refer to the manual for
your particular model radio system.

❏ ❏ 2. Attach the 12" [305 mm] servo extension to the

aileron servo and secure it with a piece of the included large
heat shrink tubing. The tubing can be shrunk around the
connector with a heat gun or micro torch.Only 1-1/2" [38 mm]
of heat shrink tubing is required for each connector. If your
aileron servo has tabs molded into the case for mounting the
servo on its side, they must be cut off in order for the servo
to fit into the servo bay in the wing panel. Follow the
instructions included with the servo for cutting the tabs.Install
the eyelets and grommets included with the servo.

❏ ❏ 3. Securely tie the string from inside the opening for

the aileron servo to the end of the servo extension.Remove
the tape holding the other end of the string to the wing root
rib and pull the servo wire and extension through the wing.

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods

8

❏ ❏ 4.Temporarily position the aileron ser vo into the servo

bay with the servo spline towards the leading edge of the
wing. Drill a 1/16" [1.6 mm] hole through the four mounting
holes of the servo, drilling through the plywood mounting
plate in the wing. Install and remove a servo mounting screw
into each of the four holes. Apply a drop of thin CA into the
holes to harden the wood. After the glue has hardened,
install the servo into the opening.Cut three arms from a four­armed servo arm (arms may need to be purchased
separately). Center the servo with your radio system and
install a servo arm parallel to the aileron hinge line as shown.

❏ ❏ 5.The aileron has a triangular block for mounting the

control horn. You can see the outline of it underneath the
covering by looking at the aileron at a shallow angle. If you
cannot see it, use your finger to lightly push in on the
covering until you find the edges of the mounting block.

❏ ❏ 6. Place a large nylon control horn on the aileron,

positioning it as shown in the sketch and aligning it with the
servo arm using a straight edge as a guide.Mark the location
for the screw holes.Using a 1/16" [2.4mm] drill bit, drill a 1/2"
[13mm] deep hole at the marks you made. (Be sure you are
drilling into the triangular mounting block on the bottom of the
aileron. Do not drill all the way through the aileron!).
Install and remove a #2 x 1/2" [13mm] sheet metal screw into
each of the holes. Harden the holes with a drop of thin CA.
After the glue has hardened completely, install the control
horn with two #2 x 1/2" [13mm] sheet metal screws.

❏ ❏ 7. Locate a .074" x 12" [1.9 x 305mm] pushrod wire

threaded on one end. Screw a nylon clevis onto the rod 20
complete turns. Slide a silicone clevis retainer onto the base
of the clevis.Connect the clevis to the second hole from the
bottom in the control horn.

9

❏ ❏ 8. Use tape or a small clamp to hold the aileron in the

neutral position.With the servo arm still parallel to the hinge
line, make a mark on the pushrod where it crosses the outer
hole in the servo arm. Remove the pushrod and clevis from
the control horn and make a 90 degree bend at your mark.
Cut off the excess pushrod wire 1/4" [6mm] beyond the
bend. Enlarge the outer hole in the ser vo arm using a 5/64"
[2mm] drill bit. Connect the pushrod to the servo arm using
a nylon FasLink. Slide the silicone clevis retainer up to the
end of the clevis.

❏ 9. Repeat these steps for the right wing panel.

❏ 1.Locate the f our 1/4" [6mm] diameter anti-rotation do wels.

❏ ❏ 2.Coat half of two anti-rotation dowels with epoxy and

insert them into the forward and aft holes in the wing panel
root rib.It may be necessary to carefully tap them into place
with a mallet. The dowels should extend out approximately
1/2" [13mm]. Wipe away any excess epoxy with denatured
alcohol before the epoxy cures.

❏ ❏ 3.Use sandpaper to bevel the ends of the anti-rotation

dowels to ease their insertion into the fuselage.

❏ 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the right wing panel.

Finish the Wing

10

Servo Arm

1/4” [6mm]

2-56(.074") Pushrod Wire

Faslink

❏ 1. Make a mark 1-1/8" [28.4mm] from the bottom edge of

the rudder at the center of the hinge line. Carefully drill a
3/32" [2.4mm] diameter hole 1" [25mm] deep at the mark
perpendicular to the hinge line. Be sure that your hole is
drilled straight into the rudder.

❏ 2. Make a mark 1" [25mm] from the bottom edge of the

fuselage at the center of the rudder hinge line. Draw a line
down from that mark to just above the bottom of the fuse.
Use a hobby knife to cut a slot 1/32" [0.8mm] wide and 1/2"
[13mm] deep along the line you drew.

❏ 3. Test fit the plastic bracket of the tail gear assembly

into the slot in the fuselage. Temporarily install CA hinges
into the rudder. Guide the 90 degree bend in the tail gear
wire into the hole you drilled in the rudder and fit the rudder
into place with CA hinges as far as it will go (do not glue the
hinges yet).Mark the location on the rudder where a groove
will need to be carved to accommodate the plastic bracket.

❏ 4. Carve a groove at your marks until the rudder can fit

up against the fuselage.When satisfied with the fit, prepare
the hinge slots in the rudder and fuselage by enlarging them
as necessary with a sharp hobby knife.Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm]
diameter hole 1/2" [13mm] deep in the center of each hinge
slot.Using a hobby knif e, cut a wa y the co vering around each
hinge slot. Apply a couple drops of oil or petroleum jelly to
the wire near the plastic bracket. Coat the 90 degree bend
in the tail gear wire and the plastic bracket with medium CA
glue and join the rudder to the fuse with CA hinges. As you
did with the ailerons, apply thin CA to the rudder hinges,
being sure that you can obtain the 3D throws listed on page

28. Leave a 3/32" [2.4mm] gap between the top of the
fuselage fin and the rudder.

Install the Rudder and Tail Gear

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

11