GREAT PLANES Tori Instruction Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Length:

Wing Area:

Weight:

78.5 in [1995mm]

42 in [1065mm]

498 in

2

[32.1 dm

2

]

29– 31 oz [822– 879 g]

Loading:

Motor: RimFire .10 Outrunner

8.4 – 9.0 oz/ft

Wing

[25.6–27.5 g/dm2]

(Included with the Rx-R)

ESC: 40A

(Included with the Rx-R)

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 modi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 nal assembly or
material used for nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2

the nal 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 contact:

greatplanes.com/support

Battery: 2S 2200mAh,

3S 1800mAh LiPo

(LiPo not included)

Propeller: 12 x 6.5 (included)

Radio: 4+ ch. radio, 4 servos

(Servos included with the Rx-R)

© 2018 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico,® Inc.

GPM A1818 /GP MA1819

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Academy of Model Aeronautics

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . 2

LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio/Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Motor. ESC, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

LiPo Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Adhesives, Hardware and Other Accessories . . . . . . . 4

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

Hook Up the Ailerons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Servo Covers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Join the Wing Halves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mount the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Install the Fin and Stab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hook Up the Elevator and Rudder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Install the Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Final Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PREPARE THE MODEL FOR FLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Arm the ESC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Set the Fail Safe and the Motor Brake. . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Check the C.G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Motor Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

General Pre ight Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Tori 2-meter EP
Sailplane! The Tori features a carbon boom, folding prop
and  berglass fuselage. This gives you a glider that is steps
above a conventional foam or all-wood glider. The Tori can
be  own with either a 2S or 3S LiPo for versatility. See the
Flying section on page 21 for more details.

NOTE: This instruction manual illustrates all the steps
necessary to assemble the ARF (almost ready-to- y) edition
of the Tori. However, the Rx-R (receiver-ready) edition
requires less assembly, so if assembling the Rx-R, simply
skim through the manual and perform only steps that apply.

For the latest technical updates or manual revisions,  nd
the Tori on the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.
com. If there is new technical information or changes to this
model, a “Tech Notice” box will appear on the page for the
Tori on the Great Planes web site.

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  y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial D rive
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  ying near
full-scale aircraft and avoid  ying near or over groups of people.

FAA Info

As a new owner of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) it is
your responsibility to operate this vehicle safely following the
FAA rules. Please contact your local authorities to  nd out
the latest rules and regulations. As of this printing, the FAA
does not require an FAA number on your plane. In the United
States, please visit:

knowbeforeyou y.or g
faa.gov/uas.

ELECTRIC MOTOR

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING! A spinning propeller has the potential to cause
serious and permanent injury.

WARNING! Once the motor batteries are connected, the
propeller can start spinning at any time. Make sure the Fail
Safe is set on your radio to prevent the motor from starting
if the signal is lost.

WARNING! Stand clear of the propeller when handling
the aircraft. Make sure the aircraft is held securely until the
battery has been disconnected.

While working on your plane, ALWAYS remove the propeller
when the battery is connected.

ALWAYS remove the motor batteries from the plane
when charging.

ALWAYS switch on the transmitter  rst, then the receiver.

ALWAYS unplug the motor batteries  rst before switching

off the receiver, then transmitter.

NEVER touch the motor during or right after operation. The
motor gets HOT!

NEVER switch off the transmitter with the motor batteries
plugged in.

NEVER reach through the arc of the propeller when plugging
or unplugging the battery into the ESC.

2

LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING!

This product recommends the use of a lithium polymer
(LiPo) battery. Improper handling of a LiPo battery

could result in FIRE! A lithium battery  re has the
potential to ignite surrounding areas and may cause property
damage or personal injury.

For safe LiPo handling, follow ALL of these guidelines:
MOST IMPORTANT! Never leave the battery or charger

unattended during charging or discharging.

WARNING: Read the entire instruction sheet included with
your motor batteries. Failure to follow the instructions could
cause permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings
and cause bodily harm!

NEVER charge the battery or set the charger on combustible
materials.

NEVER charge the battery inside a vehicle or in a location
that could be damaged in the event of a LiPo  re.

NEVER put a LiPo battery in the pocket of any clothing.
NEVER charge the batteries in the plane. Disconnect the

batteries and remove them from the plane immediately
after landing.

NEVER allow the battery to short circuit by touching exposed
wires together. This may cause a  re.

NEVER operate or store batteries below 40˚F (4˚C) or above
110˚F (43˚C).

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

ALWAYS follow the charging instructions included with your
charger for charging LiPo batteries. LiPo batteries can cause
serious damage or  re if misused.

ALWAYS use a LiPo-approved charger.
ALWAYS set the charger’s output volts to match the

battery volts.

ALWAYS charge a LiPo battery in a  reproof location.
ALWAYS balance charge the battery.
ALWAYS store and transport LiPo batteries in a  reproof

container away from combustible materials.

ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
ALWAYS keep LiPo batteries out of the reach of animals. A

punctured battery may cause a  re.
ALWAYS disconnect the battery and unplug the charger

after the charge is complete.
ALWAYS keep a supply of sand accessible when charging

a LiPo battery. Dumping sand on the battery will assist in
extinguishing a LiPo chemical  re.

ALWAYS remove the batteries from the plane after a crash.
Set them aside in a safe location for at least 20 minutes. If
the batteries are damaged in the crash, they could catch
 re. If the battery starts to swell, quickly move the battery to
a safe location, preferably outside away from combustible
material. Place it in a bucket, covering the battery with sand.

NEVER use water to try and put out a LiPo  re.
NEVER charge or use a battery that is deformed, bent,

crushed, swollen, or has any type of visible damage.
NEVER use a NiCd/NiMH peak charger to charge a

LiPo battery.
NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V p e r cell unless the battery

is rated for a higher voltage.
NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C unless the batte r y

is rated for a higher charge rate.

NEVER trickle-charge a LiPo battery.
NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 140°F (60°C).
NEVER disassemble or modify the pack wiring in any way

or puncture the cells, as this may result in a  re.
NEVER discharge below 2.7V per cell. It is recommended

to not discharge below 3.7V per cell.

Radio/Servos

A minimum 4-channel radio is required to  y the Tori. The
Tactic TTX660 is recommended because of its simple,
 exible computer programming and multiple model memory.
The servo tray in the fuselage is sized for Tactic TSX5 micro
servos, but the cutout may be enlarged for other servos.
Because of the Tori’s capability to reach high altitudes, it
is also recommended to use a full-range, dual-diversity
receiver such as the Tactic TR625.

❍ Tactic TTX660 6-channel programmable radio

(TACJ2660)

❍ Tactic TR625 6-channel receiver (TACL0625)
❍ (4) Tactic TSX5 micro high speed servos (TACM0205)

❍ OPTIONAL*: Y-harness for ailerons (FUTM4130).

*If spoilerons are desired, 5-channels will be required and the
aileron servos will have to be connected to separate channels
in the receiver and mixed electronically through programming
in the transmitter. In this case a Y-harness is not used.

Motor , ESC, Battery

The Tori Rx-R includes the recommended RimFire motor and
an ESC with similar speci cations and performance to the
recommended ESC. With the included 12x6.5 folding propeller,
either version of the Tori may be  own on a 2S or 3S battery.

The recommended motor, ESC and battery for the Tori:

❍ Great Planes RimFire .10 35-30-1250 Outrunner

Brushless (GPMG4595)

❍ Great Planes Programmable ESC 40A BL 2S-6S

(GPMM2140)

❍ 30C 3S 11.1V 1800mAh LiPo Star (ONXP2243)

OR 30C 2S 7.4V 2200mAh LiPo Star (ONXP2260)

LiPo Battery Charger

A charger capable of charging LiPo batteries is required.
The Triton EQ (GPMM3155) is a suitable charger as it has
plenty of power for charging the LiPos recommended for
the Tori (and larger LiPos as well). The Triton EQ is also
recommended for its versatility in charging all other types of
batteries used in RC and may be powered by either a 12V
DC power source or 110V AC.

3

Adhesives, Hardware and

Other Accessories

Other than common hobby tools, here is a list of other items
required to assemble the Tori:

❍ 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6043)
❍ Epoxy brushes (GPMR8060)
❍ Mixin’ cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Mixin’ sticks (GPMR8055)
❍✱ Shoe Goo (DTXC2460)
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍✱ Thin CA (GPMR6001)
❍✱ Medium CA (GPMR6007)
❍✱ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍✱ CA accelerator (GPMR6035)
❍✱ Clear tape
❍✱

Drills: #55 (.052" [1.3mm]), 1/16" [1.5mm]

OPTIONAL:

❍ Great Planes C.G. Machine (GPMR2400)
❍✱ 3/16" Heat shrink tubing (GPMM1056) (see page 17)

✱ These items not needed for Tori Rx-R

A covering iron with a cover sock may be required for
tightening and re-bonding the covering that may have
loosened between the time the covering was applied and
the time the model was removed from the box. The 21

st

Century Iron is preferred because of its long cord, contoured
shoe and precisely adjustable temperature range.

❍ Coverite 21

st

Century Sealing Iron (COVR2700)

❍ Coverite 21st Century Cover Sock (COVR2702)

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA4401
GPMA4402
GPMA4403
GPMA4404
GPMA4405
GPMA4406
GPMA4407
GPMA4408

For questions, contact: greatplanes.com/support

Fuselage
Wing Parts Set
Tail Surface Set
Hatch
Propeller Blade Set 12 x 6.5
Spinner/Blade Holder
Aileron Servo Cover
Decals

KIT CONTENTS

1. Wi ng Halves

2. Pushrods

1

2

4

7

6

5

10

13

14

11

15

12

16

8

17

3

9

3. Wing Joiner

4. Fuselage

5. Hook & Loop Material

6. Adhesive-Backed Hook
& Loop Material

7. Wire Holders, Pushrod
Brace, Battery Plate

8. Stab

9. Fin

10. Propeller Blades

11. Spinner/Blade Holder

12. Canopy Hatch

13. Aileron Servo Covers

14. Aileron Servo Extensions

(ARF only)

15. Hardware Pack

16. Control Horns

17. D e c al s

4

PREPARATION

1. The canopy is held in place with wire rods at both

❏

ends. To remove the canopy, slide it forward and then lift
the back end up.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Hook Up the Ailerons

You can assemble one wing at a time, or work on both wing
halves simultaneously. The left wing is shown in the photos.

2.

Use a covering iron with a protective cover sock to bond

❏

areas of loose covering back down to the framework or remove
any wrinkles that may have developed after the covering was
applied. Start with low or medium heat to  nd the setting that
works best (approximately 275ºF measured on the surface of
the cover sock). Gradually increase the heat as necessary, but
too much heat may cause seams and edges to pull away or
damage the color graphics printed onto the covering, so
proceed with care. As you go, push down on the iron over
sheeted areas to bond the covering to the wood underneath.

3. Stack two or three

❏

paper towel squares on
top of each other and
cut them into small
squares. These squares
may be dampened
with denatured alcohol
when epoxy cleanup is
needed.

5

1. Cut the covering from the wing over the wing bolt

❏

holes, the leading edge dowel holes and the servo wire
holes in both wing halves.

2. Use an epoxy brush to apply a thin coat of epoxy or

Cut off

Trim

7/16" [11mm]

(4

th

hole in Tactic
servo arm)

❏

medium CA to the inside of the top wing skin in the aileron
servo opening. Allow epoxy to harden before continuing.

3. Tie the string in the wing around the end of the included

❏

aileron servo extension as shown – a small drop of thin CA
will ensure that the knot doesn’t come undone when you are
drawing the servo wire through the wing.

6. Use medium-grit sandpaper to roughen the bottom

❏

portion of the two larger control horns so glue will adhere.
Install a brass screw-lock connector into the top hole of
both horns and secure with a nylon retainer as shown. Be
certain the retainer snaps on securely. If the retainer  ts
loose, replace it with another – four spares included.

7. Cut and remove the covering from the bottom of the

❏

aileron over the slots for the horns.

8.

Insert the horn into the aileron as shown (with the screw-

❏

lock body on the outside of the horn toward the tip of the
wing), then use thin CA to securely glue the horn into place.

4. Carefully pull the servo wire out as you pull the string.

❏

5. Guide the servo connector and the wire out the hole in

❏

the bottom of the wing.

9.

Identify a hole in the servo arm that is 7/16" [11mm]

❏

out from the center (this would be the 4th hole out for Tactic
servos), or the next hole closest in. Use a #55 (.052" [1.3mm])
drill to enlarge the hole to  t the aileron pushrod. Then, cut
off the rest of the servo arm so it will not interfere with the
servo hatch cover.

10. Connect the aileron servo to the servo extension in

❏

the wing.

6