Hobby-Lobby HLI8601 F-86 Sabre Skyblazers Instruction Manual

Please read all instructions carefully before assembly and flight!

Thank you for purchasing the F-86. This model is designed for the intermediate to advanced
flyer. The model is receiver ready and includes everything that you need to assemble and fly
your F-86, except for the radio transmitter and receiver. Please read the following instructions
carefully, assembly is easy and should only take an hour or so.

Main Specifications

Wingspan: 27-1/2” (700mm)
Fuselage length: 27-1/2” (700mm)
Flight weight: 16-1/2 oz. (470g)
64mm EDF
4300KV out-runner brushless motor.
3-cell, 11.1V, 1600mAh 20C lipo battery genuine Deans Ultra Connector
30A ESC w/ BEC and genuine Deans Ultra Connector
3pcs. 9g Servo
No Landing gear

Required but not included

Radio System with minimum 3-channel Transmitter and Receiver
Battery charger capable of charging a 3-cell Lipo battery

Safety Statement

1. This is not a toy. It is for experienced modelers only. You are responsible for the safe
operation of this model and any damage or harm it may cause.

2. Before flying the F-86 for the first time please read through the instructions carefully and
make sure that your radio equipment is working properly and has been range tested prior to
flight.

3. Young people under the age of 14 should only be permitted to operate this model under
the instruction and supervision of an adult with modeling experience.

4. Please keep these instructions for future reference after completing model assembly.
They contain information critical to the safe operation of this model.

5. If you have any further questions regarding the safe operation of your RC model, please
contact your local hobby shop or flying club or Hobby-Lobby International for professional
help and advice.

Safety Precautions!
Please read this section and follow all recommendations!

1. Do not fly in strong wing or bad weather.

2. Never fly the model in crowded areas where there are lots of people, automobiles on
the road or power lines overhead. Do not fly near full-scale airport.

3. Make sure that you have enough open area for flying as the model can travel at a high
rate of speed and cover a lot of area quickly. Initial flights should be made in an area
with a minimum size of a football field.

4. This model is not recommended for children under the age of 14.

5. When charging the LiPo batteries always charge them on a non-flammable surface and
monitor the charge process. Improper charging of LiPo batteries is dangerous and can
lead to a fire!

6. The F-86 is made from EPO foam and plastic. These materials are flammable and can
be damaged by high heat. Never leave your F-86 near a heat source or in an
automobile.

7. Do not attempt to catch your F-86 while flying.

8. Never leave your F-86 unattended when ready for flight.

9. When preparing for flight, always turn on your transmitter first and make sure that your
throttle is in the off position prior to plugging in the flight batteries. Failure to follow this
step may lead to unintended motor start and damage to the model.

Illustration of Assembly

1. Open box and carefully unwrap all parts.

2. Locate horizontal tail parts. 3. Screw control horns in place.

4. Apply glue to mating surfaces on bottom of tail and rear of fuselage. Use either foam glue or
5-minute epoxy.

5. Press into position and check alignment. Apply glue to bottom of vertical fin.

6. Apply glue to tail fin slot in rear of fuselage, insert fin in slot and check alignment.

7. Locate control horns for ailerons. Screw in place with 2 screws each.

8. Install Z-bend end of aileron pushrod into outermost servo hole, attach clevis to control horn.

9. Locate the 4 wing mount screws and plywood washers. Apply glue to root of one wing panel.
You are only gluing the 2 wing halves together, do not apply glue to surfaces that attach to
fuselage

10. Slip on half of wing into position on the fuselage making sure that the lip of the ducted fan is
in the groove on the wing.

11. Slip the other wing half on to fuselage and install screws.

12. Locate the plastic drop tank reinforcement. Apply glue and install on bottom of drop tanks.

13. Apply glue to drop tank pylon and install on bottom of each wing panel.

14. Attach the clevis to elevator control horns on each half of horizontal tail. Install receiver in

rear of cockpit area and plug aileron, elevator and throttle into appropriate channels. A Y­connector is supplied that can be used to connect both ailerons to one channel. If your receiver
allows the use of separate aileron channels, you will not need the Y-connector.

15. Place battery in fuselage and install Velcro through the slots in battery tray. Strap battery in

place as shown. Battery and ESC have pre-installed genuine Deans Ultra plugs for excellent
connectivity and reliable performance.

16. Canopy has pre-installed magnets at the front. Insert tab at rear of canopy and snap front

into position. A sheet of water slide star decals is supplied; follow the photo on the box for star
placement. Soak decal in water for about 15 seconds and let stand for 60 seconds then slide
off backing paper into position on airplane. Allow decals to dry before flight.

17. Aileron control throws are 7/16” up and 5/16” down. If using the Y-connector you will not be

able to adjust aileron differential. Set the up throw to be about 7/16” -1/2”. Elevator control
throws are 7/16” in both directions.

18. The Center of Gravity range for the F-86 is from about 3” to 3-3/8” back from the front of

the wing panels in the center. Adjust the position of the battery to achieve correct balance.
Never attempt to fly a model that is not correctly balanced.

Preparation before flight

19. Set throttle to the lowest position 20. Turn on the transmitter
And set transmitter trims to neutral.

21. Connect the flight battery to the ESC. After ESC initializes check that the correct
channel is controlling all control surfaces and that they are traveling in the correct direction
when commanded. Example: right stick moved to the right and the aileron on the right wing
moves upward while the aileron on the left wing moves downward.

22. Adjust each control surface to its neutral position by mechanically adjusting each clevis.

Recommended control throws for F-86

Elevator- 7/16” Up and Down

Aileron- 7/16” Up 5/16” Down

After initial flights adjust the control throws to best suit your flying style and ability.

Check before flight

1. Make sure that your transmitter is fully charged. Conduct a range test of your radio

system per the manufacturer’s specs.

2. Check all flying surfaces for correct direction of movement, correct amount of movement

and for correct centering, adjust as required.

3. Fully charge your flight batteries prior to flying.

4. Hand launch into the wind and land into the wind.

Flight Adjustment

1. On initial flight climb to about 75-100 feet and see if any trim is required. If the model

rolls to the right, apply some left aileron trim to level the wings. If the model dives, apply
some up elevator trim, ect.

2. Landing should be made into the wind, reduce the throttle to just above idle and keep

the nose level or a little high allowing the airplane to sink toward the ground. Apply a
little throttle as the model reaches an altitude of a foot or so, this will slow the descent
and aid in the flare to a smooth landing.

Have Fun

We hope that you have many pleasant

flights with your F-86

Hobby Lobby International

5614 Franklin Pike Circle

Brentwood, Tn 37027

www.hobby-lobby.com