Maxford L-4 Instruction Manual
L--44
L
Grraasssshhooppppeerr””
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11//66 SSCCAALLEE AARRFF RRAADDIIOO CCOONNTTRROOLL SSPPOORRTT--SSCCAALLEE AAIIRRPPLLAANNEE
IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIO
Shown with optional electric power system
and 11 x 6 wooden propeller.
The Piper J-3 Cub is a small, simple, light aircraft that was built between 1937 and 1947 by Piper
Aircraft. With tandem (fore and aft) seating, it was intended for flight training, but became one of the
most popular and best-known light aircraft of all time.
Piper developed a military variant variously designated as the O-59 (1941), L-4 (after April 1942), and
NE (U.S. Navy). The variety of models, as well as similar, tandem-cockpit accommodation aircraft from
Aeronca and Taylorcraft, were collectively nicknamed “Grasshoppers” and used extensively in World
War II for reconnaissance, transporting supplies, and medical evacuation. In Europe, the final dogfight of
WWII occurred between an L-4 and a German Fieseler Fi-156 Storch. The pilot and co-pilot of the L-4,
Lts. Duane Francis and Bill Martin, opened fire on the Storch with their pistols, forcing the German air
crew to land and surrender.
After the war, most L-4s were destroyed or sold as surplus, but a few saw service in the Korean War.
The Grasshoppers sold as surplus in the U.S. were redesignated as J-3s, but often retained their wartime
glazing and paint.
This 1/6 scale RC model airplane is made of balsa, light-ply and fiberglass, and is based on L-4
“Grasshopper” S/N: 45-4496 which is currently owned and operated by the Air National Guard in the
state of New Mexico.
ONN
MAANNUUAALL
M
We invite you to enjoy the pride of ownership and the joy of flying
this beautiful model of the famous L-4 Grasshopper.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Safety Precautions & Assembly Tips .............. 2
II. Warranty, Liability Waiver & Return Policy .. 3
III. Parts List ........................................................... 3
IV. Special Features
............................................... 4
V. Specifications ....................................... 4
VI. Assembly Instructions .......................... 4
VII. Setup & Adjustments ........................... 9
VIII. Transport & Preflight Checks .............. 9
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I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & ASSEMBLY TIPS:
(IMPORTANT – READ THIS SECTION BEFORE YOU BEGIN ASSEMBLY)
1. This product should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions much
like a full-scale airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, this product, if not assembled and operated
correctly, could cause injury to you or spectators and damage to property. Maxford USA provides you with a
high-quality, thoroughly tested model airplane kit with assembly instructions. However, the quality and
capabilities of your finished model airplane depend on how you assemble it, and your safety depends on how
you use and fly it. Any testing or flying of this model airplane is done entirely at your own risk.
2. Assemble this model airplane according to these instructions. Do not alter or modify the model beyond the
assembly and power system options covered in these instructions, as doing so may result in an unsafe or
unworkable model. If the instructions differ from the photos, the written instructions should be considered as
correct. If you have any question or concern about these instructions, before you proceed with assembly of
this product, contact your dealer or speak to a Maxford USA customer service representative at 562-529-3988
(Monday through Friday, except national holidays, 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific time).
3. While this kit has been flight-tested to meet or exceed our rigid performance and reliability standards in
normal use, if you elect to perform any extremely high-stress flying, such as racing or advanced aerobatics, or
if you install a larger power system than specified, you (the buyer or user of this product) are solely
responsible for taking any and all necessary steps to reinforce the high-stress points and/or substitute
hardware that is more suitable for such increased stresses.
4. Throughout the lifetime of this model, use only the Maxford USA-supplied or a same-sized motor and a new
or well-maintained radio-control system and batteries recommended by Maxford USA or your radio system.
5. It is your responsibility to install the receiver and connect the R/C components in such a way that this model
airplane passes all applicable safety/range tests and that the power system and controls operate correctly and
smoothly.
6. Recheck the operation of this model airplane before every flight to ensure that all equipment is still operating
correctly and that the model has remained structurally sound. Also before every flight, check all electrical,
control and structural connections; do not fly without replacing any that you find damaged or worn.
7. Before yo u begin assembly of this model airplane, read all instructions and test-fit each part to ensure you
fully understand the instructions and that no parts are missing, damaged or unsatisfactory.
(Note: Temperature and/or humidity differences between the factory, our warehouse and your home or
workshop may indicate the need for slight adjustments to the wing saddle, struts and/or the vertical or
horizontal stabilizer’s mounting surfaces to ensure proper alignment of these surfaces; however, we
recommend you contact us before you attempt any such adjustments.)
8. To help ensure the security of your servo connections, we recommend use of optional
Maxford USA servo extension safety clips.
9. If you are not an experienced R/C pilot or have not flown this type of model before,
we strongly urge you to get assistance from an experienced R/C pilot.
10. You may apply 30-minute epoxy to permanently attach critical parts (such as where the horizontal and
vertical stabilizer attach at the end of the fuselage) and apply a thread lock compound to secure the engine’s
or motor’s mounting hardware from vibration.
11. If you have concern about the security of any factory fabrication procedure(s), you may apply 30-minute
epoxy around the perimeter of such part(s) as an extra safety precaution.
12. This model includes some plastic, fiberglass and/or carbon-fiber reinforced parts. If you drill, grind or sand
such a part, always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves to guard yourself from eye, skin
and respiratory-tract irritation and never blow into the part (the dust may blow back into your face).
13. Check the My
material iron (do NOT set the iron’s temperature too high) to secure the edges and to tighten any loosened
areas. Recheck and retighten from time to time.
14. Read all instructions included with your battery and charger. Failure to follow all instructions could result in
permanent damage to the battery, its surroundings, and bodily harm! If you crash this model airplane, check
whether the battery is damaged. Do NOT attempt to use or recharge a damaged battery.
lar covering material’s joints and surfaces; if necessary, carefully use a dedicated covering-
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II. WARRANTY, LIABILITY WAIVER & RETURN POLICY:
•
•
•
•
Maxford USA guarantees this kit to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the time of purchase.
All our products have been inspected in our factory and are checked again when shipped from our warehouse.
However, Maxford USA cannot directly control the materials you may use nor your final assembly process.
Therefore, Maxford USA can NOT in any way guarantee the performance of your finished model airplane.
Furthermore, in purchasing this product, you (the buyer or user of this product) exempt, waive, and relieve
Maxford USA from all current or future liability for any personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death,
and if you (the buyer or user of this product) are involved in any claim or suit, you will not sue Maxford USA
or any of its representatives.
If you do not fully accept the above liability and waiver, you may request a return-merchandise authorization
number (RMA#) as explained below in item 2. If you think there is a missing, damaged or unsatisfactory part,
please read our after-sales service and return policy:
1. Inspect your order upon delivery for any missing, damaged or unsatisfactory part(s). If you believe there is
a problem, you must call us at 562-529-3988 (Monday through Friday except holidays, between the hours
of 9 AM and 5 PM Pacific time) before you begin assembly and within 10 days from receipt of your
purchase. During this telephone conversation, and with your support, we will determine how to resolve
your concern.
2. To request a return-merchandise authorization number (RMA#), call 562-529-3988 (Monday through
Friday except holidays, between the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific time). If we elect to issue you an
RMA#, you must clearly mark this RMA# on the outside of the package. (No return or exchange will be
authorized after 10 days from the date of your receipt of the product; any package delivered to us without a
Maxford USA RMA# is subject to being returned to the sender, as received, with return postage payable
upon delivery.) Returned merchandise must be in its original condition as received from Maxford USA,
with no assembly or modification, in the product’s original packing materials, complete with all manuals
and accessories. Return shipping and insurance charges must be prepaid by you, the buyer.
3. Returned merchandise that is accepted by Maxford USA for credit is subject to a 10% to 20% restocking
fee (the final amount will be determined by Maxford USA upon receipt and examination of the returned
merchandise). Return Address:
Maxford USA RC Model Mfg, Inc.
15247 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
IMPORTANT: Print the RMA# issued by Maxford USA near the above address.
III. PARTS LIST:
1. Included items
• All wood built-up construction, precovered with iron-on Mylar film.
• Windshield (with mounting screws).
• Wing panels with V-shaped left & right wing struts and prehinged ailerons.
• Horizontal stabilizer & elevator.
• Vertical Stabilizer & Rudder
• Main landing gear assembly.
• Scale-looking landing gear with wheels.
Stearable tail gear.
Hardware bag.
Complete set of scale markings.
This illustrated Instruction Manual.
• Engine mount.
2. Items you must supply
• 5-minute epoxy and thin cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives, thread-locking compound.
• Masking tape and common hand tools (such as screwdrivers, long-nosed and cutting pliers, etc.).
• A four (or more) channel radio system, 5 ea. HS311 or equivelant standard servos (or 4 standard servos
plus an electronic speed control if you use an electric power system), 2 ea. 12-inch servo extensions and
1 ea. 6-inch Y cable for aileron servos.
• 40- to 46-sized 2-cycle engine (or equivalent 4-cycle engine or electric power system.
• 11 x 6 wood prop. (or as recommended by the maker of your engine or motor).
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