GREAT PLANES Reactor ARF .61-.91 SPORT BIPLANE, Reactor ARF Instruction Manual
ARF .61-.91 SPORT BIPLANE
™
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 modifi cation. 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 fi nal assembly or
material used for fi nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the fi nal user-assembled product. By the act of using the userassembled 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
Top Wingspan: 48 in [1220mm]
Bottom Wingspan: 48 in [1220mm]
Total Wing Area: 1145 sq in [73.9 dm2]
Weight: 7–7.5 lb [3170–3400 g]
Wing Loading: 14–15 oz/sq ft [43–46 g/dm2]
Length: 58.5 in [1485mm]
Radio: 4–5 ch.
Engine: .61 cu in [10cc] two-stroke,
.70–.91 cu in [11.5–15.0cc] four-stroke,
RimFire™ .80 (50-55-500kV)
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 CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
Entire Contents © Copyright 2008
Champaign, Illinois
(217) 398-8970, Ext 5
airsupport@greatplanes.com
GPMA1023Mnl1.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ........................................ 3
Engine Recommendations ......................................... 3
Motor/Battery/ESC Recommendations ...................... 3
Radio/Servo Recommendations ................................ 4
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .................................... 6
Adhesives and Building Supplies ............................... 6
Optional Supplies and Tools .......................................6
Covering Tools ...........................................................6
BUILDING NOTES ............................................................ 6
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .............................. 6
KIT INSPECTION .............................................................. 7
KIT CONTENTS ................................................................ 7
PREPARATION ................................................................. 8
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE .......................................... 8
Test-Mount the Elevator and Rudder Servos ............. 8
Mount the Horizontal Stabilizer (Stab) ....................... 9
Hinge the Elevators and Rudder .............................. 11
Hook up the Elevator and Rudder ............................ 12
Mount the Main Landing Gear .................................14
Mount the Motor ....................................................... 14
Mount the Engine ..................................................... 16
Install the Fuel Tank ................................................. 17
Hook up the Throttle ................................................. 18
Mount the Cowl ........................................................ 18
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS ................................................ 22
Mount the Aileron Servos ......................................... 22
Mount the Wings ......................................................23
Mark the Balance Point (C.G.) ................................. 26
FINAL ASSEMBLY ......................................................... 27
Mount the Canopy .................................................... 27
Final Radio Installation ............................................. 27
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................. 28
Apply the Decals ...................................................... 28
LiPo Battery Precautions .........................................28
Check the Control Directions ................................... 29
Set the Control Throws ............................................ 29
Assemble the Balance Stand ................................... 31
Balance the Model (C.G.).........................................31
Balance the Model Laterally ..................................... 32
PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 32
Identify Your Model ................................................... 32
Charge the Batteries ................................................ 32
Balance Propellers ...................................................32
Ground Check ..........................................................33
Range Check ........................................................... 33
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................. 33
AMA SAFETY CODE (
CHECK LIST ................................................................... 34
FLYING ............................................................................ 34
Takeoff ..................................................................... 34
Flight ....................................................................... 35
Landing .................................................................... 35
EXCERPTS) ..................................... 33
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Reactor .60
biplane. The Reactor brings “new blood” into the hobby by
combining the stable, predictable fl ight characteristics of
models from the “old days,” with the light weight, style and
maneuverability contemporary modelers demand. In spite
of the Reactor’s aggressive appearance, the Reactor still
handles amazingly well at low speeds and is an absolute
“hoot” to bring in nice and slow for a landing.
There are several options and confi gurations for assembling
your Reactor .60 biplane, so please read through the manual
to decide on how your model will be completed.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Reactor .60 biplane, visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Reactor .60 biplane ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page.
AMA
If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join!
The AMA is the governing body of model aviation and
membership provides liability insurance coverage, protects
modelers’ rights and interests and is required to fl y at most
R/C sites.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Tele: (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at:
www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over
groups of people.
2
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
Engine Recommendations
1. Your Reactor .60 Bipe 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 unfl yable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition,
a correctly sized engine, and other components as specifi ed
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 fl ight.
5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member of a club, your local
hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.
6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.
7. WARNING: The cowl, wheel pants and center wing brace
included in this kit are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which
may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never
blow into a part (wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass dust,
as the dust will blow back into your eyes. Always wear safety
goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding,
drilling and sanding fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and
the work area thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends
on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model,
and no representations are expressed or implied as to
the performance or safety of your completed model.
Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
The recommended engine sizes for the Reactor .60 biplane
are specifi ed on the cover of this instruction manual. If you
haven’t yet decided whether to go 2-stroke or 4-stroke, one
big advantage of most 4-strokes (such as the O.S. Max .91
illustrated in this manual) is that the muffl er can be positioned
to aim messy exhaust out the bottom of the fuselage keeping
most of the plane pretty clean. If mounting a 2-stroke inverted
(positioning the muffl er on the side of the fuselage), much of
the exhaust tends to get deposited on the side of the fuselage
unless preventative measures are taken.
If using the O.S. Max .91 and you wish to confi gure the muffl er
as shown in the manual (see page 20), an O.S. “Exhaust
Header Pipe (IN)” will also be required (OSMG2624).
3’ [900mm] standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131) will
also be required for glow engine installation.
A #29 (.135" [3.4mm]) drill and an 8/32 tap will be required
for drilling and tapping holes in the motor mount. A Great
Planes 8-32 tap & drill set (GPMR8103) or a Great Planes
10 piece tap & drill set (GPMR8108) are suitable.
Motor/Battery/ESC Recommendations
If electric power is your preference, rest assured that an
extensive part of testing and development of the Reactor .60
biplane was done with electric power. With the recommended
power plant, the Reactor was a thrill to fl y and able to perform
all the same “3D” maneuvers it did when powered with glow.
If not certain whether to go glow or electric, consider some
of the advantages of electric, which are: absence of oily
exhaust residue and the constant cleaning that goes with it;
“instant on” from never having to start the engine; and most
important to some people, silence. Of course, there are
other variables that may offset some of these advantages
such as the expense of LiPo batteries and all the charging
paraphernalia, charging time, and shorter fl ight times. (Using
the batteries and motor recommended, average fl ight times
for the Reactor were approximately 8 minutes.)
3
Following are the items illustrated in the instruction
manual for equipping your Reactor .60 biplane with an
electric motor:
POWER SYSTEM
❏ Great Planes ElectriFly
electric motor (GPMG4740)
™
RimFire™ .80 (50-55-500kV)
❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Brushless Motor Mount for large
motors (GPMG1260)
❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Silver Series 60A Brushless ESC
(GPMM1850)
❏ (4) 3mm x 10mm socket-head cap screws (DUBQ3227)
❏ (4) 3mm or #4 fl at washers (DUBQ3307)
❏ (4) 3mm or #4 lock washers (DUBQ3285)
❏ APC 15 x 8E propeller (APCQ4013)
❏ APC 15 x 6E propeller (APCQ1505)
BATTERY
A 3200mAh “6S” (6-cell, 22.2V) 20C LiPo (Lithium Polymer)
battery is recommended. However, 6S batteries are not readily
available, so two 3S (3-cell, 11.1V) batteries connected in
series (via a Y-connector) are required to make one fl ight
pack. This means two batteries will be required for the each
“fl ight pack” desired. Also note the “20C” requirement which
means that the batteries must be able to deliver current at a
rate that is at least 20 times its rated capacity. This enables
the motor to draw enough current to suitably fl y the plane.
Another critically important component of the motor battery
charging system is a cell balancer. LiPo battery technology is
so powerful that each, individual cell within the battery pack
should be charged equally—or balanced. Otherwise, capacity,
power and the overall battery life will be diminished. (1) Great
Planes ElectriFly Equinox LiPo Cell Balancer for each battery
to be charged simultaneously is recommended.
Finally, propeller selection has a noticeable effect on how the
Reactor performs. During fl ight testing we learned that an
APC 15 x 8E propeller was the best all-around propeller for
performance and sport fl ying, but if fl ying mostly 3D maneuvers
(specifi cally hovering), an APC 15 x 6E is recommended.
Here are the part/order numbers for all of the charging
items suggested:
❏ Great Planes PolyCharge4
(GPMM3015)
™
DC LiPo charger
❏ Hobbico 12V Power Supply (HCAP0250)
❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox
(GPMM3160)
IMPORTANT: Before experimenting with different battery
combinations and connecting multiple battery packs with
adapter plugs, read the Battery Precautions on page 28.
™
LiPo Cell Balancer
The required battery adapter to convert two 3S packs into a 6S
pack is the Great Planes U.S. Deans® 2 to 1 Series adapter.
❏ Great Planes ElectriFly
battery (GPMP0623)
™
3200mAh 11.1V (3S), 20C LiPo
❏ Great Planes U.S. Deans 2 to 1 Series adapter
(GPMM3143)
❏ Great Planes adhesive-backed Velcro
batteries) is also required (GPMQ4480)
BATTERY CHARGING SETUP
®
(for mounting the
Radio/Servo Recommendations
SERVO OPTIONS
With the exception of the throttle servo, the rest of the servos
used to fl y the Reactor .60 biplane require a minimum
torque rating of 50 oz.-in. [3.6 kg-cm], although the S3102
micro servos used for the ailerons should not be used for
the elevators or rudder. The cutouts in the fuselage for the
two elevator servos and the one rudder servo are sized for
sub-standard size servos (such as Futaba S9650s, optimum
for light weight and fl ight precision and illustrated in these
instructions). However, standard size servos (such as
S9001s) may also be used simply by enlarging the openings
with the included plywood template.
Because each elevator is operated by a separate servo, a
radio capable of servo mixing or a servo reverser (such as
the Futaba SR-10 Dual Servo Reverser, FUTM4150) will
be required. However, because the elevator servos are
“mirrored” on opposite sides of the fuselage (with the
exception of one servo positioned ahead of the other so they
do not interfere with each other in the narrow fuselage), a
“computer” radio capable of separately adjusting the servo’s
endpoints is not required.
A battery charger suitable for charging LiPo batteries is also
required. The Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC LiPo charger
can charge up to four 3S LiPo batteries simultaneously.
The PolyCharge4 is powered by a 12V source such as an
automobile battery. But if charging from a 110V wall outlet is
preferred, a 110V-powered 12V power supply (for powering
the battery charger) will be required.
The mounting blocks for the four aileron servos fi t almost
any size servo from the S3102 mini servos (also optimum
for light weight and fl ight precision and illustrated in these
instructions) to standard-size servos (such as S9001s for
sport fl ying).
4
Here is some technical data for the suggested servos to
assist you in making a decision:
WeightTorque (@ 4.8V)
S9001
(FUTM0075)
S9650
(FUTM0260)
S3102*
(FUTM0034)
SERVO ARMS
If planning to do much 3D fl ying with Reactor .60 biplane,
extended servo arms will be required to achieve the necessary
3D throws. Otherwise, the standard servo arms that came
with your servos are suitable. For 3D fl ight, an extended
servo arm such as a Great Planes large-scale 1-1/2" [38mm]
single-sided servo arm (GPMM1105) is recommended for
the rudder servo and a Great Planes large-scale 1" [25mm]
single-sided servo arm (GPMM1100) is recommended for
each elevator servo. Standard servo arms are suitable for
the ailerons.
RECEIVER BATTERY
A minimum 1,000mAh receiver battery such as Futaba NR4F
1500mAh 4.8V battery (FUTM1285) is required to power the
radio system.
54 oz-in
[3.9 kg-cm]
50 oz-in
[3.6 kg-cm]
51 oz-in
[3.7 kg-cm]
1.7 oz
[48g]
.9 oz
[26g]
.7 oz
[21g]
Speed
(sec./60° @ 4.8V)
.22 sec.
.14 sec.
.25 sec.
Ailerons only
*
AILERON SERVO WIRE EXTENSIONS:
Same as for the elevator and rudder servos, if using digital
servos, be certain to use compatible servo extensions.
These are the order numbers for the aileron servo
extensions for digital servos:
❏ (4) Hobbico Pro 6" [300mm] servo extensions for digital
Futaba servos (HCAM2701)
❏ (1) Hobbico Pro 12" [600mm] servo extension for digital
Futaba servos (HCAM2711)
❏ (3) Futaba AEC-16 dual servo connectors for digital
servos (FUTM4135)
These are the order numbers for the aileron servo
extensions for standard servos:
❏ (4) Hobbico Command 6" [300mm] servo extensions for
standard Futaba servos (HCAM2000)
❏ (1) Hobbico Command 12" [600mm] servo extension for
standard Futaba servos (HCAM2100)
❏ (3) Futaba AEC-13 dual servo connector for standard
servos (FUTM4130)
If Y-harnesses are preferred inside each wing (instead
of two 6" [300mm] servo extensions and one dual
servo connector), these are the order numbers for
Y-harnesses for digital servos:
❏ (2) Hobbico Pro Y-harnesses for digital Futaba servos
(HCAM2751)
❏ (1) Hobbico Pro 12" [600mm] servo extension for digital
Futaba servos (HCAM2711)
❏ (1) Futaba AEC-16 dual servo connector for digital servos
(FUTM4135)
ELEVATOR/RUDDER SERVO WIRE EXTENSIONS
If using Futaba servos for the elevators and rudder, Futaba
400mm (16") servo extensions may be used, but they
are just long enough to reach the receiver. These are the
extensions illustrated in the instruction manual. If for some
reason you will be mounting your receiver farther forward,
or if you prefer more economical servo extensions, Hobbico
24" [610mm] servo extensions are also suitable. If using
digital servos, remember to use servo extensions suitable
for digital servos.
These are the order numbers for the elevator and
rudder servo extensions for digital servos:
❏ (3) Futaba 400mm (16") AEC-15 servo extensions for
digital servos (FUTM4145)
OR
❏ (3) Hobbico Pro 24" [610mm] heavy-duty servo extensions
for digital Futaba servos (HCAM2721)
These are the order numbers for the elevator and
rudder servo extensions for standard servos:
❏ (3) Futaba 400mm (16") AEC-11 servo extensions for
standard servos (FUTM3955)
OR
❏ (3) Hobbico Command
for standard Futaba servos (HCAM2200)
™
24" [610mm] servo extensions
These are the Y-harnesses and extensions for
standard servos:
❏ (2) Hobbico Command Y-harnesses for standard Futaba
servos (HCAM2500)
❏ (1) Hobbico Command 12" [600mm] servo extension for
standard Futaba servos (HCAM2100)
❏ (1) Futaba AEC-13 dual servo connector for standard
servos (FUTM4130)
5
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
BUILDING NOTES
Adhesives and Building Supplies
❏ 1/4" [6mm] R/C foam rubber (HCAQ1000)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❏ Silver solder w/fl ux (STAR2000)
❏ Great Planes .050" Ballwrench for screws in aileron servo
hatches (GPMR8000)
❏#1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏#11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm],
❏ Small metal fi le
™
CA (GPMR6001)
Optional Supplies and Tools
❏ Great Planes 1/5-Scale Sport pilot:
GPMQ9015 Red, GPMQ9016 Blue,
GPMQ9017 Yellow, GPMQ9018 Unpainted
❏ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❏ 8mm prop reamer (for propellers and included spinner –
GPMQ5007)
❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120)
❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Dead Center
™
Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Kevlar thread (for horizontal stabilizer alignment)
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❏ Hobby Heat
™
micro torch (HCAR0755)
Covering Tools
The 21st Century covering iron and protective cover sock
are recommended for tightening the covering or removing
any wrinkles.
st
❏ 21
Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)
st
❏ 21
Century iron cover (COVR2702)
• The Reactor .60 biplane ARF is factory-covered with
Top Flite® MonoKote® fi lm. Should repairs ever be required,
MonoKote can be patched with additional MonoKote
purchased separately. MonoKote is packaged in six-foot rolls,
but some hobby shops also sell it by the foot. If only a small
piece of MonoKote is needed for a minor patch, perhaps a
fellow modeler would give you some. MonoKote is applied
with a model airplane covering iron, but in an emergency a
regular iron could be used. A roll of MonoKote includes full
instructions for application. Following are the colors used on
this model and order numbers for six foot rolls.
White: TOPQ0204
Orange: TOPQ0202
Metallic Blue: TOPQ0402
Aluminum: TOPQ0205
• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However,
some technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway. To view this information visit the web
site at www.greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.”
Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way your model will fl y, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes Reactor .60
bipe 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 Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Choose “Where to Buy” and follow
the instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S.,
Canadian or International dealer.
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by
calling (217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-7721,
but full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will
apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged
sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa® 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 productsupport@greatplanes.
com, or by telephone at (217) 398-8970.
6
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
GPMA3340 ..... Fuselage
GPMA3341 ..... Top Wing
GPMA3342 ..... Bottom Wing
GPMA3343 ..... Horizontal Stabilizer
GPMA3344 ..... Rudder
GPMA3345 ..... Cowl
GPMA3346 ..... Landing Gear
GPMA3347 ..... Wheelpants
GPMA3348 ..... Canopy
GPMA3349 ..... Struts
GPMA3350 ..... Decals
GPMA3351 ..... Batter y Hatch
GPMA3352 ..... Fuel Tank
NOTE: Full-size plans are not available. You can download a
copy of this manual at www.greatplanes.com.
KIT CONTENTS
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: (217) 398-8970, ext. 5
Fax: (217) 398-7721
E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com
13
13
12
10
1
9
11
10
2
9
3
4
7
8
14
6
5
1. Cowl
2. Fuselage
3. Canopy
4. Tailwheel Assembly
5. Rudder
15
6. Horizontal Stab
7. Wing Brace
8. Fuel Tank
9. Main Landing Gear
10. Wheel Pants
7
11. Main Wheels
12. Spinner
13. Wing Struts
14. Bottom Wing
15. Top Wing
PREPARATION
❏ 1. Use a covering iron with a cover sock to tighten the
covering or remove any wrinkles found on parts of the model.
Note: When moving the iron over trim pieces that are sharply
pointed, be certain to move the iron away from the point, not
toward it.
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE
Test-Mount the Elevator
and Rudder Servos
It will be easier to cut the covering from the servo mounts and
drill the servo mounting screws now, before the horizontal
stabilizer is glued into position.
❏ 2. Lay three or four
paper towels over each
other and cut the stack
into small squares. These
small paper towel squares,
dampened with denatured
alcohol, will come in
handy for epoxy cleanup
and other general cleanup
throughout assembly.
❏ 1. If using Futaba S9650 servos, cut the side-mount tabs
from each servo using a razor saw—don’t try to simply score
the tabs with a knife thinking they can be broken off—this will
probably damage the case. Use a small fi le or sandpaper to
sand the cut corners smooth and even.
LEFT ELEVATOR
SERVO OPENING
RIGHT ELEVATOR
SERVO OPENING
RUDDER
SERVO OPENING
8
❏ 2. Test fi t the servos in the servo openings in the fuselage.
If using standard-size servos that don’t fi t in the openings,
use a fi ne-point felt-tip pen and the plywood servo cutout
template as a guide to mark larger openings. Cut the
enlarged openings along the lines you marked.
Mount the Horizontal Stabilizer (Stab)
❏ 1. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue both 6 x 25mm bottom wing
dowels into the bottom wing with 1/4" [6mm] protruding.
❏ 2. If you haven’t yet done so, make sure the wrinkles have
been removed from the covering on the horizontal stabilizer
(stab) and around the stab openings on both sides of the
fuselage. (This will be a little more diffi cult to do after the stab
is glued in.)
❏ 3. Using the screw holes in the servos as a guide, drill
1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the fuselage for mounting all
three servos.
❏ 4. Temporarily mount the servos with the mounting screws
that came with the servos. Remove the screws and add a
few small drops of thin CA to each hole. This important
procedure will harden the “threads” cut by the screws to keep
your servos securely mounted.
❏ 3. Temporarily bolt the bottom wing to the fuselage with
the 1/4-20 x 2" [51mm] nylon wing bolts.
Before using glue, make a “trial run” of mounting the
stab by performing steps 3 through 7.
AA'
A = A'
❏ 4. Slide the stab into the fuselage. Center the trailing edge
(TE) in the fuselage by taking accurate measurements on
both sides.
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B
❏ 5. Once the trailing edge is centered, stick pins into the
trailing edge tightly against both sides of the fuselage. This
will keep the trailing edge centered while centering the
leading edge in the next step.
B'
B = B'
❏ 7. Fold a piece of masking tape over the other end of the
string end and mark a line on it. Pull the string to the tip of
one side of the stab. Slide the tape along the string until the
line on the tape aligns with the tip. Swing the string over to
the same spot on the other side of the stab. If the mark on
the tape doesn’t align, rotate the stab and slide the tape until
both sides are the same and the stab is aligned.
One more alignment procedure to go before gluing…
❏ 6. Push another pin through the top of the fuselage at the
small mark indicating centerline on the fi rewall. Tie a small
loop in one end of an approximately 50" [1.25m] piece of
non-elastic string such as K&S Kevlar line or Kevlar fi shing
line. Loop the string over the pin.
❏ 8. Standing about 6’ [2m] behind the model, view the
alignment of the stab and wing. If the stab is not parallel with
the wing, place incrementally increasing amounts of weight
on the stab until you can get it parallel with the wing.
The next few steps may get messy, so make sure you
have your denatured alcohol and plenty of paper towel
squares ready.
❏ 9. Now that you’ve practiced the stab alignment procedure,
remove the stab from the fuselage. Liberally apply 30-minute
epoxy all the way around the exposed balsa on the right side
of the stab up to the covering.
10
❏ 10. Slide the stab into position, then partially out the other
side, exposing the uncovered balsa on the other side of the
stab. Apply more epoxy around the top and bottom of the
stab, then slide it back into place. Use your fi nger or a piece
of balsa or cardstock to thoroughly work epoxy back into the
joint all the way around the top and bottom on both sides.
Reinsert the pins into the trailing edge next to the fuselage.
Use your paper towel squares to wipe away excess epoxy
and use the pin and string and any weight that may have
been necessary to align the stab with the wing. Do not disturb
the model until the epoxy has hardened.
❏ 3. Join the matching elevator to the stab and take out the
T-pins. Make sure there is a small hinge gap—just enough to
see light through or to slip a piece of paper through.
❏ 4. Add eight to ten drops of thin CA to the top and bottom
of each hinge allowing a few seconds between drops for the
CA to soak in so it doesn’t run into the hinge gap.
❏ 5. Hinge the other elevator the same way, but don’t hinge
the rudder yet.
Hinge the Elevators and Rudders
1" [25mm]
CA HINGE
❏ 1. Cut ten 1" x 1" [25 x 25mm] CA hinges from the included
CA hinge strip. Snip off the corners so they go in easier.
1" [25mm]
❏ 6. Without using any glue, test fi t the tail wheel assembly into
the fuselage, then join the rudder with four hinges with pins.
Make any adjustments necessary so everything fi ts well.
❏ 2. Stick a pin through the middle of three hinges. Without
glue, fi t the hinges into the hinge slots in one side of the stab.
(The T-pins will keep the hinges centered.)
❏ 7. Use coarse sandpaper to roughen the “arm” portion of
the tail gear wire (where it goes into the rudder) so glue will
adhere. Add a drop of oil to both ends of the tail gear bearing
so glue will not get in.
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