GREAT PLANES Venus II 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. Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assemb led 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 CONTAINS IMPORTANT WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY
AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0182 for GPMA1027 V1.0© Copyright 2005

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 66 in [1675 mm]
Wing Area: 866 sq in [55.9 dm2]
Weight: 8.5–9.5 lb [3860–4310 g]
Wing Loading: 22.5–26 oz/sq ft [69–79 g/dm2]
Length: 69.5 in [1675 mm]
Radio: 4-channel, 6 servos
Engine: .61–.91 cu in [10–15cc] two-stroke,

.91–1.2 cu in [10–20cc] four-stroke

™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies................................4

Optional Supplies and Tools ........................................5

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ..............................6

KIT CONTENTS ................................................................7

PREPARATIONS ...............................................................8

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS..................................................9

Hinge the Ailerons.......................................................9

Mount the Servos and Hook Up the Ailerons..............9

Join the Wings...........................................................11

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE.........................................12

Add the Belly Pan......................................................12

Join the Stabilizer and Fin.........................................13

Mount the Servos and Hook Up the Controls...........17

Mount the Main Landing Gear ..................................18

Mount the Engine......................................................19

Mount the Cowl .........................................................20

Hook Up the Throttle.................................................21

FINAL ASSEMBLY..........................................................22

Finish Radio Installation............................................22

Mount the Pilot and Canopy......................................22

Apply the Decals .......................................................23

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY .................................23

Check the Control Directions ....................................23

Set the Control Throws..............................................24

Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................24

Balance the Model Laterally ......................................25

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................25

Identify Your Model....................................................25

Charge the Batteries .................................................25

Balance Propellers....................................................25

Ground Check...........................................................25

Range Check.............................................................26

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................26

AMA SAFETY CODE......................................................26

CHECK LIST ...................................................................27

FLYING ............................................................................27

Fuel Mixture Adjustments..........................................27

Takeoff.......................................................................28

Flight..........................................................................28

Landing......................................................................28

ENGINE MOUNTING TEMPLATES ................................29

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Venus II ARF.
The Venus II is an excellent plane for everyday sport
flyers, or for flyers who wish to learn the basics of
pattern—it would even be a great backup plane for
experienced pattern flyers. The Venus II’s long tail
moment, large control surfaces and generous wing area
make it one smooth, yet aerobatic flyer. It’s also a fairly
straight-forward build so you should be in the air before
you know it.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Venus II ARF, visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, and
then select the Venus II 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 prog rams 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:

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 full­scale aircraft and avoid flying near or o ver groups of people.

AMA

INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS

2

1. Your Venus II 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 Venus II ARF, 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 hobb y
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

8.While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the
recommended range is used, the modeler is responsible for
taking steps to reinforce the high stress points and/or
substituting hardware more suitable for the increased stress .

9. WARNING:The cowl 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 Venus II
ARF that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build.Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

You have the option of mounting the elevator and rudder
servos either “up front” in the servo tray above the wing or in
the rear of the fuselage under the tail. Mounting the ser vos
outside the fuselage under the tail is recommended for pilots
who demand more precision because 4-40 pushrods are
used and the connection between the servos and control
surfaces is more direct. Mounting the ser vos in the forward
location inside the fuselage is suitable for less-experienced
pilots and reduces the number of elevator servos from tw o to
one (as both elevator pushrods are joined inside the fuselage
and connected to one servo). Finally, if mounting the servos
in the tail the model will require little or no additional lead
ballast to achieve the correct C .G., while mounting the servos
up front will probably result in the requirement of a few
ounces in the tail to get the model to balance.

RADIO GEAR REQUIRED IF

MOUNTING THE SERV OS IN THE T AIL:

ECONOMY

Elevators:(2)

standard

torque rating (approximately 45 oz-in

[3.5 kg-cm]), ball bearing servos

Rudder: (1)

medium

torque rating (minimum 50 oz-in

[3.9 kg-cm]), ball bearing servo

Ailerons: (2)

standard

torque rating (approximately 45 oz-in

[3.5 kg-cm]), ball bearing servos

Throttle: (1)

standard

torque rating servo

PRECISION

Elevators:(2)

medium

torque rating (minimum 50 oz-in

[3.9 kg-cm]), ball bearing servos

Rudder: (1)

high

torque rating (approximately 70 oz-in

[4.5 kg-cm]), ball bearing servo

Ailerons: (2)

medium

torque rating (minimum 50 oz-in

[3.9 kg-cm]), ball bearing servos

Throttle: (1)

standard

torque rating servo

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

In addition to the servos, the following radio equipment will
also be required:

❏ (3) 24" [610 mm] servo extensions f or rudder and ele vator

servos (HCAM2721 for Futaba®)

❏ (2) 12" [300 mm] servo extensions for aileron servos

(HCAM2711 for Futaba)

❏ (1) 6" [150 mm] servo extension from receiver for aileron

connection (HCAM2701 for Futaba)

❏ (1) dual servo extension for aileron servos (FUTM4130)
❏ Minimum 1,000 mAh receiver battery (NR4F 4.8V 1,500

mAh NiCad, FUTM1285, or NR4B 4.8V 1,000 mAh
NiCad, FUTM1380)

RADIO GEAR REQUIRED IF

MOUNTING THE SERVOS UP FRONT:

ECONOMY

Elevators:(1)

medium

torque rating (minimum 50 oz-in[3.9

kg-cm]), ball bearing servo

Rudder: (1)

medium

torque rating (minimum 50 oz-in

[3.9 kg-cm]), ball bearing servo

Ailerons: (2)

standard

torque rating (approximately 45 oz-in

[3.5 kg-cm]), ball bearing servos

Throttle: (1)

standard

torque rating servo

PRECISION

Elevators:(1)

high

torque rating (approximately 70 oz-in

[4.5 kg-cm]), ball bearing servo

Rudder: (1)

high

torque rating (approximately 70 oz-in

[4.5 kg-cm]), ball bearing servo

Ailerons: (2)

medium

torque rating (minimum 50 oz-in

[3.9 kg-cm]), ball bearing servos

Throttle: (1)

standard

torque rating servo

In addition to the servos, the following radio equipment will
also be required:

❏ (2) 12" [300 mm] servo extensions for aileron servos

(HCAM2711 for Futaba)

❏ (1) 6" [150 mm] servo extension from receiver for aileron

connection (HCAM2701 for Futaba)

❏ (1) dual servo extension for aileron servos (FUTM4130)
❏ Minimum 1,000 mAh receiver battery (NR4F 4.8V

1,500 mAh NiCad, FUTM1285, or NR4B 4.8V
1,000 mAh NiCad, FUTM1380)

Refer to the recommended engine size range on the front
cover of the manual.The Venus II was primarily designed to fly
on a 1.2 cu in [20cc] four-stroke glow engine , but other engines
within the size range are suitable. Spor t flyers will enjoy the
Venus II if a two-stroke engine is selected, but most precision
pattern flyers will probably opt for the 1.2 four-stroke. When
flown by the O.S.®1.2 Surpass™, a 15 x 8 propeller performed
well. Whatever engine is selected, remember that this is an
aerobatic, pattern type of model so the goal should be to use
throttle management and fly smoothly and in control.

Note: A Great Planes Spinner Adapter Kit will have to be
purchased separately as specified below for the engine you
will be using.

O.S. 1.20 Surpass: G.P. Spinner Adapter GPMQ4588.

Additionally, the included 4x25 mm spinner bolt will
have to be shortened to 20 mm.

O.S..91 Surpass, .91 FX: No adapter kit is required, but the

included 4x25 mm spinner bolt will have to be
shortened to 20 mm.

SuperTigre®.90: G.P. Spinner Adapter GPMQ4588.
Y.S. .91 AC, 1.10 AC: A suitable Dave Brown or TruTurn

spinner adapter kit will have to be purchased separately.

In addition to the hardware already listed, this is the list of
hardware and accessories required to finish the Venus II
ARF. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❏ Suitable propellers
❏ 1/4" [6 mm] R/C foam rubber ( HCAQ1000)
❏ 3' [900 mm] standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to finish the Venus II ARF.

❏ 1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro

™

CA (GPMR6002)

❏ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❏ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Drill Bits: 1/16" [1.6 mm], 3/32" [2.4 mm], 1/8" [3.2 mm],

3/16" [4.8 mm], #29 Drill and 8-32 Tap ORGreat Planes
8-32 Tap and Drill Set (GPMR8103)

❏ Tap Handle (GPMR8120)
❏ Small Metal File
❏ Stick-on Segmented Lead Weights (GPMQ4485)

Adhesives and Building Supplies

Required Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Engine Recommendations

4

❏ Silver Solder w/Flux (GPMR8070)
❏ #1 Hobby Knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ #11 Blades (100-pack, HCAR0311)
❏ 4 mm Allen Wrench (for Spinner Bolt)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Venus II ARF.

❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA Activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA Activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ 3M 75 Repositionable Spray Adhesive (MMMR1900)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Wax Paper
❏ Medium T-Pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❏ Masking Tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Milled Fiberglass (GPMR6165)
❏ Microballoons (TOPR1090)
❏ Threadlocker Thread Locking Cement (GPMR6060)
❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set (GPMM1000)
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotary Tool such as Dremel

®

❏ Rotary Tool Reinforced Cut-Off Wheel (GPMR8200)
❏ Servo Horn Drill (HCAR0698)
❏ Hobby Heat

™

Micro Torch (HCAR0750)

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Laser Incidence Meter (GPMR4020)
❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏ Aluminum Fuel Line Plug (GPMQ4166)
❏ 21

ST

Century®Sealing Iron (COVR2700)

❏ 21

ST

Century Iron Cover (COVR2702)

❏ 21

ST

Century Trim Seal Iron (COVR2750)

• 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) epo xy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

• The Venus II ARF is factory-covered with Top Flite

®

MonoKote®film.Should repairs ever be required, MonoK ote
can be patched with additional MonoKote purchased
separately. MonoKote is packaged in six-f oot rolls, b ut 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)
Royal Blue (TOPQ0221)
Cub Yeller (TOPQ0220)
Orange (TOPQ0202)
True Red (TOPQ0227)
Dark Teal (TOPQ0223)
Metallic Plum (TOPQ0403)

• 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.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies and Tools

5

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

Inch Scale

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Metric Scale

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 Great Planes Product Support. When repor ting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they
are written in the Kit Contents list on the following page.

Great Planes Product Support:

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail:

[e-mail]

KIT INSPECTION

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Venus II 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. If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may also be ordered from Tower Hobbies®at
www.towerhobbies.com, or by calling toll free [phone].

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

Or

der Number Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces ................................................Contact Product Support

Instruction manual...........................................Contact Product Support

Full-size plans.................................................Not available

Kit parts listed below .......................................Hobby Supplier

Contact your hobby supplier to purchase these items:

GPMA2525............Wing Kit without Belly Pan

GPMA2526............Fuselage Kit without Belly Pan

GPMA2527............Tail Surface Set

GPMA2528............Main Landing Gear Set

GPMA2529............Cowl

GPMA2530............Tailwheel Set

GPMA2531............Spinner

GPMA2532............Canopy

GPMA2533............Belly Pan

GPMA2534............Decal Set

GPMA2475............Pilot

7

1 Fuselage with canopy and belly

pan [1/4-20 Blind Nuts (2),
8-32 Blind Nuts (4), 3/16" Gray
Pushrod Tubes (4)]

2 Wing Halves (2)
3 Horizontal Stabilizer with Elevators

4 Vertical Stabilizer (Fin) with Rudder

5 Cowl

6 Wheel Pants (2)
7 Fuel Tank with Hardware
8 Tail Gear Wire, Tail Wheel,

Aluminum Tail Gear Mount

9 Aluminum Main Landing Gear

(Right and Left)

10 Spinner Cone, Back Plate Nut,

Bolt, Wrench

11 70 mm Wheels (2)
12 Plywood Receiver/Battery Tray
13 Wing Joiner and Wing Joiner Brace
14 Engine Mount Halves

(Right and Left)

Kit Contents (Photographed)

#8 Lock Washers (12)
#8 Flat Washers (8)
8-32 x 1" SHCS (Socket Head

Cap Screws) (4)
8-32 x 1-1/4" SHCS (4)
8-32 Blind Nuts (8)
#4 x 5/8" Phillips Screws (4)
#4 Lock Washers (4)
#4 Flat Washers (4)
2-56 x 36" [910 mm] Pushrods (4)
Screw-Lock Connector (1)
Nylon Retainer for Screw-Lock (1)
4-40 x 1/8" SHCS (1)
Nylon Ball Link (1)
0-80 Ball Link Ball (1)
0-80 Nut (1)
Aluminum Fuel Line Plug (1)
Heat Shrink Tubing (6)
36" [910 mm] Gray Pushrod Guide

Tubes (5)

#2 x 3/8" Screws (4)
8-32 x 3/4" SHCS (4)
#6 Washers (8)
1/4-20 Blind Nuts (2)
1/4-20 x 2" Nylon Wing Bolts (2)
#2 x 3/8" Button-Head Screws (4)
5-32 x 1-1/4" Axles (2)
5/16"-24 Lock Nuts (2)
5/32" Wheel Collars (4)
6-32 x 1/4" SHCS (4)
2-56 x 3/8" Phillips Screws (4)
2-56 Blind Nuts (4)
#2 Lock Washers (4)
4-40 x 12" Pushrods (3)
Large Solder Clevises (3)
4-40 Metal Clevises (3)
4-40 Nuts (3)
Silicone Clevis Retainers (12)
Giant Control Horns (3)
4-40 x 5/8" Phillips Screws (12)

Mounting Plates for Giant Control

Horns (3)
#4 x 3/8" Phillips Screws (2)
3/32" Wheel Collars (2)
4-40 Set Screw (1)
4-40 x 1/4" SHCS (1)
2-56 Metal Clevises (5)
2-56 Nuts (5)
Small Solder Clevis (4)
2-56 x 6" [150 mm] Pushrods (2)
Large Control Horns (2)
#2 x 1/2" Phillips Screws (4)
Paper Tube (1)
CA Hinge Strips (2)
3/16" x 3/16" x 4" [5 x 5 x 100 mm]

Hardwood Sticks
Plywood Throttle Guide Tube Holders (2)
#64 Rubber Bands (4)
8" [200 mm] Velcro Strips (2)
Pilot

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

KIT CONTENTS

1

5

2

10

14

13

6

7

8

12

9

11

4

3

During construction there will be several occasions where
epoxy cleanup will be necessary. Instead of wasting whole
paper towels, stack three or f our paper to wels on top of each
other and cut them into small squares. This will conserve
paper towels and the little squares are easier to use. For
epoxy clean up dampen the squares with denatured alcohol.

❏ 1. Examine the covering on all parts of the airframe.Where

necessary , use a cov ering iron with a covering sock to remo ve
any wrinkles. Over sheeted areas, first glide the iron over the
wrinkle until it shrinks. Then go back over the area again,
pressing hard on the iron to thoroughly bond the covering to
the wood.Hint: Use a small T-pin to poke several holes in the
covering over the lightening holes on the bottom of the
elevators. This will allow expanding air to escape during the
heating and tightening process.

❏ 2. Use a trim iron to thoroughly seal the covering around

the firewall, around the air passage cutout at the firewall
under the fuselage, and around the formers at the front and
back of the wing saddle.

❏ 3. Use your finger to lightly spread 30-minute epoxy over

the edges of the covering around the firewall—this will
guarantee that the covering is thoroughly sealed and fuel­proofed. Use an epoxy brush to lightly coat the formers at
both ends of the wing saddle as well.

PREPARATIONS

8

❏ 4. Use epoxy to glue the 1/8" [3 mm] plywood wing joiner

brace to the balsa wing joiner. Use clamps or masking tape

to hold the pieces together while the epoxy hardens.Set the
joiner aside so the assembly will be ready when it’s time to
join the wings later.

Set the fuselage and wing joiner assembly aside while you
work on the wings…

❏❏1.Cut four hinges from the precut CA hinge strip.Stick

a T-pin through the middle of each hinge. Insert the hinges
into the hinge slots in one of the wing halves.

❏❏2.Join the matching aileron to the wing, and then take

out the T-pins. Make sure there is a small gap between the
leading edge of the aileron and the wing—just enough to
see light through or to slip a piece of paper through.

❏❏3. Apply at least eight drops of thin CA to the top and

bottom of each hinge. Allow enough time between drops so

the CA can soak into the hinge rather than running into the
hinge gap.Hint: CA applicator tips are highly recommended.

❏❏4. After the CA has hardened for a few minutes, pull

hard on the aileron to make sure it is secure. Add more CA
if necessary.

❏ 5.Join the other aileron to the other wing half the same way .

❏ 1. Use a straightedge and a hobby knife to cut the

covering 1/8" [3 mm] inside the openings in the bottom of
both wings for the aileron servos.Slit the covering up to the
corners of the openings.

❏ 2. Also cut the covering from the top of the wings over the

holes for the servo wires (next to the root end of both wings) and
from the top and bottom of the wings over the wing bolt holes.

❏ 3. Use a tr im iron to iron the covering down inside the

aileron servo openings.

Mount the Servos and

Hook Up the Ailerons

Hinge the Ailerons

ASSEMBLE THE WING

9

CUT THE COVERING

1/8" [3mm] FROM

THE EDGES OF
THE OPENING.

SLIT THE COVERING

UP TO THE CORNERS.

SERVO OPENING

IN WING.

❏ 4. Connect a 12" [300 mm] servo extension wire to each

aileron servo. Cut one of the included black heat shrink
tubes in half, making two 1-1/2" [40 mm] pieces.Center the
pieces of tubing over the connections between the servo
wires and the extensions and use a heat gun to shrink the
tubing, making the connections secure.

Refer to this photo while mounting the servos

and hooking up the ailerons.

❏ 5. Use the string in the wings to pull the ser vo wires out

while placing the servos in the openings.With the servos in
position, drill 1/16" [1.6 mm] holes into the wing for all the
servo mounting screws. Temporarily mount the servos with
the servo mounting screws that came with your servos.

❏ 6. Read the Exper t Tip below on how to solder. Then

connect the aileron servos to the ailerons using the
hardware shown in the photo. When mounting the horns,
place the front edge at the front edge of the aileron as
indicated by the arrow in the illustration.Drill 1/16" [1.6 mm]
holes through the ailerons for the screws.If using new, four­arm servo arms, do not cut the extra arms off until instructed
to do so when setting up the radio later.

Note: Set up the ailerons so the servo arms that the
pushrods will be mounted to are opposed.

HOW T O SOLDER

❏ A. Use denatured alcohol or other solvent to thoroughly

clean the pushrod. Roughen the end of the pushrod with
coarse sandpaper where it is to be soldered.

❏ B. Apply a few drops of soldering flux 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 (GPMR8070) by
applying the solder to the end. The heat of the pushrod
should melt the solder—not the flame of the torch or
soldering iron—thus allowing the solder to flow. The end of
the wire should be coated with solder all the way around.

❏ C. Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod. Add

another drop of flux, then heat and add solder.The same as
before, the heat of the parts being soldered should melt the
solder, thus allowing it to flo w. Allow the joint to naturally cool
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.

❏ D. Immediately after the solder has solidified, but while it

is still hot, use a cloth to quickly wipe off the flux before it
hardens. Important: After the joint cools, coat with oil to
prevent rust.Note: Do not use the acid flux that comes with
silver solder for electrical soldering.

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

10

CONNECT THE PUSHRODS TO THE SERVO

ARMS SO THEY ARE OPPOSITE, AS SHOWN.