Maxford USA C-130 Instruction Manual

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C--113300

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SPORT-SCALE ARF R/C MODEL AIRPLANE

* (NOTE: Detailed assembly instructions are provided in a VIDEO available to view for free on the

*

Maxford USA YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/2WPTScoAu7I
This video is also available for purchase as a video DVD.)

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INSTSTRUCTION NOTES

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110000"

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The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine military transport aircraft designed and built
originally by Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings,
it was originally designed as a troop and cargo transport aircraft and is now used in a variety of
other roles, such as gunship, airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support,
weather reconnaissance and aerial refueling. The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in the
1950s, which makes it our longest continuously produced military aircraft at over 60 years,
operating in more than 60 nations.

In 1946, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, had a vision to create a flight
exhibition team in order to raise the public’s interest in naval aviation and boost Navy morale.
Since the 1940s they have flown the F6 Hellcat, F8 Bearcat, F9 Panther, F-11 Tiger, F-4 Phantom
and A-4 Skyhawk. In 1986, the 40th Anniversary of the Blue Angels, they started to fly F/A-18
Hornets, and still do to this day.

When the Blue Angels became operational, it became necessary for a support aircraft to move
people and equipment to their show sites. They have used R4D, R5C/D and C-121, and in 1970
they received the Lockheed Martin C-130 "Fat Albert."

This Maxford USA sport-scale C-130 is about a 1/16 scale model of the Blue Angels’ “Fat Albert.”
It is made of wood, fiberglass and plastic parts. This ARF comes with pre-installed retractable
landing gear.

We invite you to enjoy the pride of ownership and the joy of flying this

beautiful ARF sport-scale model of the famous C-130 “Fat Albert.”

Page 1 of 11 S180622

I. SPECIFICATIONS

 95% preassembled ARF constructed

mainly of jig-assembled, laser-cut balsa
and light plywood, with realistic-looking
prepainted fiberglass cowl.

 Retractable electronic nose wheel and

spring-suspension retractable main gear.

 Nacelles and firewalls are setup to accept

customer’s choice of electric power system.

 Supplied stick-on scale markings.
 Giant fuselage hatch for easy access to

batteries and electronics.

 Remote control cargo door

 Replacement and optional upgrade parts are available.

 Prebuilt and covered fuselage,

horizontal stabilizer, elevators, vertical
stabilizer, rudder, wing center secton,
wing, ailrons and engine nacelles.

 Retractable landing-gear with wheels.

 Prepainted fiberglass nose.
 Coomposite wing and horizontal

stabilizer spars.

 Scale stick-on markings.
 Hardware package.

 Wingspan ...................................................................................................................................................... 100 inches

 Wing area ................................................................................................................................... 1,063 square inches

 Length ............................................................................................................................................................ 74.8 inches

 Flying weight ............................................................................................................................... around 21 pounds

 Recommended center of gravity (CG) ............................... 2 3/8- to 3-inches behind the leading edge

*

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* (Dimensions and weights are approximate.)

*

II. SPECIAL FEATURES

III. PARTS LIST

1. Included items

2. Items you must supply to complete this ARF

 Power system .................... Recommended: Maxford USA U35425 motors and 60A ESCs (four sets

of 400 Watt motors with compatible ESCs) and four 4S/4,000 mAh Lipo batteries.

 Propellers ................................................................................................................ Four pieces of 11x7 2-blade.

 Radio ......................................... Recommended: 6 channels (5

 Servos ............................ As specified in the instructional video and shown on the following pages.

 Epoxy and cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives and threadlock compound.

 Low-tack masking tape and common tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.).

3. Recommended servo extensions and Y-harnesses:

10-inch extensions, 9 ea. 18-inch extension, 1 ea.
12-inch extensions, 2 ea. 24-inch extensions, 5 ea.
15-inch extensions, 3 ea. 12-inch Y-harnesses, 5 ea.

4-1 2-wire Y Harness 1 ea. (NOTE: Extension and/or Y-harness needs may vary

depending on the lengths of the leads installed on the servos used with this ARF, etc..)

4. Optional parts: Main gear and nose gear covers.

Page 2 of 11 S180622

th

for retracts and 6th for cargo doors).

IV. RECOMMENDED SERVOS, EXTENSIONS AND CONNECTIONS

2

6

3

HS645MG
Main gear

retracts

HS311

Aileron

HS311

Aileron

HS55
Cargo
doors

HS311

Rudder

HS65HB Nose

wheel steering

HS65HB

Elevators

2

4

Aileron
servo

Aileron
servo

Receiver

Position connectors at the wing joints

1. SERVOS:

Hitec HS55, 2 ea: Cargo doors. Hitec HS311, 3 ea: Ailerons and rudder.
Hitec HS65HB, 3 ea: Elevators & nose wheel steering. Hitec HS645MG, 2 ea: Main gear retracts.

2. AILERON CONNECTIONS:

#2: 12-inch extensions. #3: 15-inch extensions.
#4: 18-inch extension. #6: 12-inch Y-harness.

Page 3 of 11 S180622

3. NOSE WHEEL STEERING AND RUDDER CONNECTIONS:

5

6

1

Rudder
servo

Nose wheel

steering servo

5 6 1

Elevator
servo

Radio’s
Battery

Elevator
servo

Radio’s
switch

1

Receiver

Receiver

#1: 10-inch extension. #5: 24-inch extensions. #6: 12-inch Y-harness.

4. RADIO’S BATTERY AND ELEVATOR SERVO CONNECTIONS:

#1: 10-inch extensions. #5: 24-inch extensions. #6: 12-inch Y-harness.

NOTE: We recommend using a separate receiver battery (NOT the battery eliminator circuit
built into each ESC). See note at the bottom of page 5 for ESC-connection details.

Page 4 of 11 S180622

5. ELECTRONIC RETRACTS AND CARGO DOOR CONNECTIONS:

5

6

Receiver

Retractable

nose gear

3

Forward
cargo
door

Aft

cargo

door

Mains
retracts

1

6 1 4-1 2-wire Y

Receiver

Electronic
speed
controls

#1: 10-inch extensions. #3: 15-inch extension. #5: 24-inch extension. #6: 12-inch Y-harnesses.

6. CONNECTION OF RADIO’S THROTTLE CHANNEL TO THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLS:

#6: custom made 4-1 2-wire Y or regular 12-inch Y-harnesses.

NOTE: We recommend using a separate receiver battery (NOT the battery eliminator circuit

built into each ESC). To safely eliminate the ESCs’ battery eliminator circuits, use a custom­made Maxford USA 4-1 2-wire Y cable. However, if you wish to use regular Y cables be
careful to “open” your Y cables’ RED wires.

Page 5 of 11 S180622

7. ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM WIRING:

Electronic
speed
controls

Solder each set of

extensions to their

motor’s wires.

Insulate with

heat-shrink tubing.

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

Attach the
extensions
to the ESCs
with 4mm
banana
connectors

4

22-inches

22-inches

30-inches

24-inches

30-inches

Position connectors at the wing joints

Join the extensions for

motors #1 & #4 with

4mm banana connectors

DIAGRAM NOTES:

1. Wire colors in the above ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM WIRING diagram are only to enhance

readability.

2. We recommend each ESC-to-motor extension be comprised of three 12 AWG (or larger)

silicon-insulated stranded copper wires. As pictured in the above diagram, recommended
extension lengths are: 22-inches (3-wirex 2 sets); 24-inches (3-wirex 2 sets); and 30-inches
(3-wirex 2 sets).

3. Double-check the motors’ and extensions’ solder joints and ensure that every connector

and solder joint is well insulated. A defective solder joint or a short circuit could damage a
motor and/or ESC.

4. After test-running each motor, label the wires to identify how to connect each ESC to its

extension.

5. We recommend using 4mm banana connectors and heat-shrink tubing:

a. Where outer wing panels meet the wing’s center section ................ 6 sets (3 on each side)

Where the motors’ extensions attach to the ESCs ............................ 12 sets (3 per ESC)

Total quantity of recommended sets of banana connectors ....... 18 sets

(NOTE: “Set” means one male and one female banana connector.)

b. Approximate required length of 5 to 8mm diameter heat shrink tubing ........ 4 feet

(Use at least 1-inch of insulation to fully cover each set of banana connectors and solder joints.)

Page 6 of 11 S180622

V. ASSEMBLY NOTES (SUPPLEMENT TO THE VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS):

1. The customer has the option to choose to identically position both

elevator servos and drive them with a Y-harness connected to the

radio receiver’s elevator channel, or the elevator servos may be

installed as mirror images, then each servo needs to be connected
to a separate channel of the radio.

2. Attachment of outer wing panels and center section:
a. Use the supplied bolts to attach one end of each composite part to the wing’s center

section and to the center of the horizontal
stabilizer.

b. Slide the wing panels and horizontal

stabilizers onto their wing rods.

c. Align and insert the free ends of these composite

parts into the slotted openings in the root ribs
of the wing panels and horizontal stabilizers.

d. Slide the wing panels and horizontal stabilizers

against their center sections.

e. When comfortable with the fit of the

composite parts in their wing panels and
horizontal stabilizers, permanently glue
the composite parts inside their wing
panels and each half of the horizontal
stabilizer, then use masking tape to
hold these parts in alignment until the glue is cured.

3. There are numbers on each nacelle (i.e., 01-1, 01-2, 01-3 and 01-4).

The last number is the nacelle’s position: “1” is on pilot’s right-side
wing panel.

4. Supplied plastic trim must be test-fit and glued on or taped in position by the customer.

If desired, drops of glue or the heads of pins may be cut and glued in position to simulate the
heads of rivets.

5. Test-fit and if necessary grind flat spots on the retractable nose-gear’s steering arm.

6. To allow the two outer wing panels to be separated from the wing’s center section for

transport and/or storage:

a. As pictured on page 3, position the connections for the aileron-servo extensions where

the outer wing sections meet the wing’s center section.

b. As pictured on page 6, position the barrel connectors in the ESC-to-motor extensions for

motors 1 and 4 where the outer wing panels meet the wing’s center section.

Page 7 of 11 S180622

7. All radio control and power system wiring must be kept safely out of the way of the

mechanism for the mains and nose retracts.

8. For best access to the easy links and servo arms, we recommend setup of the retract linkages

before attaching the front and rear portions of the fuselage.

9. Guiding the wires through the wing panels is most easily done if all wires are taped together

before inserting them into the plastic tubes preinstalled in the wing panels.

VI. SETUP & ADJUSTMENTS

1. Center of gravity (CG): For your initial flights we recommend your C-130 should balance when
lifted approx. 2 3/8- to 3-inches behind the leading edge of the wing next to the fuselage.

2. Servo end-point adjustments: If you are using a Computer Radio, for initial flights we
recommend using your transmitter to add some ‘exponential’ to soften the control throws
around center.

Control Surface Recommended Initial Deflection

Elevators .............................................................. +5/8 inch (15 mm) up and down from center

Rudder .................................................................. +2 1/4 inches (57 mm) left and right from center

Ailerons ................................................................ +3/4-inch (2 cm) up and down from center

3. Check the Mylar covering material’s joints and surfaces. If necessary, carefully use an iron on
medium heat to secure the edges and to tighten any loosened areas. Recheck and retighten from
time to time; be careful to not apply too much heat as you secure edges or tighten the Mylar. If
any trim becomes loosened, press it down and/or apply clear tape. Never apply heat to any trim,
insignia, marking or plastic part.

4. Ensure the propellers are securely attached to your motors and that they remain undamaged
and correctly balanced.

5. As with all radio-controlled model airplanes, your C-130 “Fat Albert” must pass the radio-range
ground check recommended by your radio’s manufacturer or you may not fly safely.

VII. STORAGE, FIELD SETUP & PREFLIGHT CHECKS

1. Preparation for Transport & Field Setup:

a) To remove the wing panels from

the center section, unscrew, lift
out and set aside the bolts holding
the composite retainers at the
bottom of the wing’s center
section.
Remove these same sorts of bolts
at each side of the tail if you wish
to remove the horizontal
stabilizers from the fuselage.

b) Gently slide the left- and right-side wing panels (and

horizontal stabilizers, if being removed) away from the center section (and tail section, if
the horizontal stabilizers are also being removed), then disconnect the motor and aileron
(and elevator) servo connections.

c) Reverse the above procedure to prepare for flight: Guide the wing (and horizontal stab)

panels back onto their spars, reconnect the motor and aileron servo leads, slide the wing
(and horizontal stab) panels against the wing’s center section (and the fuselage’s tail) and
re-install the retaining bolts.

Page 8 of 11 S180622

2. Preflight checks:

a) Double-check the security of the motor nacelles. Make certain all connections throughout

the air frame are secure.

b) Double-check the control directions and amount of control throw of the ailerons, elevators,

rudders and throttle.

c) As with all radio-controlled model airplanes, this model must pass the radio range ground

check recommended by your radio’s manufacturer or you may not fly safely.

d) Make certain your transmitter’s throttle is safely set to minimum before turning ON your

transmitter and receiver. Carefully operate your radio-control and power system according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.

VIII. 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 or
instructional video, the written instructions should be considered 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 much 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-recommended power system

and a new or well-maintained radio-control 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 you begin assembly of this model airplane, preview all instructions and test-fit each part to

ensure you fully understand the instructions and that no parts are missing, damaged or
unsatisfactory. Temperature and/or humidity differences between the factory, our warehouse
and your home or workshop may dictate the need for slight adjustments to the wings and/or the

vertical or horizontal stabilizer’s mounting surfaces to ensure proper alignment; however, we

recommend you contact us before you attempt any such adjustments.

8. To help ensure the security of your servo and and similar connections, we

recommend use of optional Maxford USA servo-extension safety clips.

Page 9 of 11 S180622

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 use 30-minute epoxy to attach critical parts permanently (such as where the vertical

stabilizers attach to the horizontal stabilizer) and apply a threadlock compound to secure all
control and airframe components 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 may include some plastic, fiberglass and/or carbon-fiber-reinforced parts. If you drill,

grind or sand any such part, always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves to
guard yourself from eye, skin and respiratory-tract irritation; never blow into the part as the dust
may blow back into your face.

13. Minor production details (such as Mylar, vinyl or paint colors) may vary.

14. Check the Mylar covering material’s joints and surfaces; if necessary, carefully use an iron to

secure the edges and to tighten any loosened areas. Do NOT set the iron’s temperature too high
and do NOT apply heat to any vinyl or plastic parts or markings. Recheck the Mylar covering from
time to time and retighten if necessary.

15. If you use an electric power system, 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.

IX. LIMITED 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 or your final assembly process. Therefore, Maxford USA cannot 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).

IMPORTANT: Print the RMA# issued by Maxford USA on your package near our address.

Page 10 of 11 S180622

Reminder …

 This product is NOT a toy.
 The quality and capabilities of your finished model airplane depend on how you

assemble it.

 Your safety depends on how you use and fly it.
 Any testing, flying and use of this model airplane is done entirely at your own risk.

Manufactured by:

Maxford USA RC Model Mfg, Inc.

Telephone ............................................ [phone]

Website ................................. .. www.maxfordusa.com

Please visit www.maxfordusa.com to order replacement parts, optional
accessories, servos, brushless motors, electronic speed controls, and a
wide variety of other high-quality RC hobby items online.

Page 11 of 11 S180622