Maxford USA Curtiss Pusher Instruction Manual

Shown in flight with optional simulated pilot,

electric power system, receiver and servos.

SPORT-SCALE ARF R/C EP MODEL AIRPLANE

I N S T R U C T I O N M A N U A L

TIISSSS

USS

The Curtiss Model D was often called the Curtiss Pusher because practically all were built with their propellers ‘pushing’ from behind their pilots. Much more importantly, since the Wright Brothers’ patents prevented Glenn Curtiss from using wing warping for lateral control, he designed his Model D with ailerons, which turned out to be the far superior method for achieving lateral control. Early examples of the Curtiss Pusher had an elevator at the front for pitch control with a horizontal stabilizer at the rear. The front elevator was ultimately discovered to be unnecessary, resulting in the later development of the Curtiss “Headless” Pusher.

This sport-scale ARF R/C electric-powered Model D is based on the early-production “Headed” Curtiss Pusher and is built to approx. 1/9 scale. It is constructed from balsa, plywood and composite materials and comes prefinished with a two-color Mylar covering scheme.

Two flights of the Headed Curtiss Pusher formed the strong beginnings of a relationship between Glenn Curtiss and the Navy that remained strong for decades: On November 14, 1910, test pilot Eugene Ely took off from the USS Birmingham, which was the first time any aircraft successfully took off and flew from a ship; then, on January 18, 1911, Eugene Ely performed the second precursor to modern-day Navy aircraft-carrier air operations by landing a Model D aboard the USS Pennsylvania in the first arrester-cable landing on a ship. In April 1911, the Navy purchased the Model D for use as an airborne observation platform and the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps purchased the Model D to use as a trainer. Consequently, the Curtiss Model D pusher became among the first aircraft in the world to be built in any quantity.

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

this beautiful ARF sport-scale model of the famous Curtiss Pusher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Important safety precautions ...………….................

2 V.

Special features ……………………….................

II.

Warranty, liability waiver & return policy ..........

3 VI.

Assembly instructions ..……….......................

III.

Specifications ..……………………………………...........

4 VII.

Setup & adjustments ........................................

IV.

Parts List .….…………………………………………………

4 VIII.

Storage, field setup & preflight checks ....

Clamping bolt Connector body Control arm (or mounting tab) Washer Mounting nut

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 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, read 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, struts and/or the horizontal stabilizer’s mounting surfaces to ensure proper alignment; we recommend you contact us before attempting any such adjustments.

8. To help ensure the security of your servo connections, we recommend use of optional

Maxford USA servo-extension safety clips as pictured at the right. (For information about safety clips see http://www.maxfordusa.com/servoextensionsafetyclip.aspx.)

9. Assemble EZ-Link connectors as shown

at the far right. When applying threadlock compound or CA adhesive, do NOT glue the EZ-Link connector to the control arm or mounting tab. Also, be careful to not let the pushrod rub or

bind against nearby surfaces.

10. We recommend using your radio or a servo tester to center your servos before installation. (You

may learn more about servo testers at http://www.maxfordusa.com/servo.aspx.)

11. String may be supplied to pull your servo’s lead and

servo extension through the wing to your radio receiver; however, you may find it easier to use masking tape to temporarily attach the connector to the end of a length of coat hanger wire, then use the wire to pull the lead and connector through the airframe as shown at the right.

12. After you have determined each wood-screw’s location, apply thin CA adhesive to harden and

strengthen the wood where the screws are to be inserted.

13. If Mylar hides a CA hinge’s slot, find and open the slot by carefully pressing with a fingernail or

sharp hobby knife.

14. If you are not an experienced ARF assembler or R/C pilot or if you have not flown this type of

model before, we strongly urge you to get assistance from an experienced R/C pilot.

15. You may use epoxy to attach critical parts permanently (such as where the front and rear booms

attach to the upper and lower wing’s center sections and where the horizontal stabilizer attaches to the tail booms). Apply a threadlock compound to secure all airframe hardware from vibration.

16. If you have concern about the security of any factory fabrication procedure(s), you may apply

extra 5 minute epoxy around the perimeter of such part(s) as a safety precaution.

17. After adjusting each clevis, secure the clevis to its threaded rod

with threadlock compound, epoxy, or CA adhesive. For additional safety, you may hold the clevis closed by adding a small piece of tubing (not supplied) as shown at the right. (NOTE: This model may be packaged with clevises made of either plastic or metal.)

18. Since this model includes some plastic, fiberglass and/or carbon-fiber-reinforced parts, if you drill,

grind or sand any such part, be sure to 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.

19. Minor production details (such as included hardware items and Mylar or paint colors) may vary.

20. Periodically check the Mylar covering material’s joints and surfaces; if necessary, carefully use an

iron (do NOT set the iron’s temperature too high) to secure the edges and to tighten any loosened areas.

21. Read all instructions included with your motor, electric speed control, battery and charger. Failure

to follow all instructions could result in permanent damage to these items, their surroundings, and possible bodily harm! If you crash this model airplane, carefully check whether your battery is damaged. Do NOT attempt to use or recharge a damaged battery.

II. 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

 Prebuilt and precovered flying surfaces.  Scale-looking tricycle landing-gear.  Composite struts and braces.  Pilot’s seat.  Adjustable motor mounting box.

 Included standard wheels.  Scale stick-on markings.  Hardware package.  Articulated pilot’s

elevator-control stick.

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 and 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

15939 Illinois Avenue, #B-C Paramount, CA 90723 (Print the RMA# issued by Maxford USA on your package near our address.)

III. SPECIFICATIONS

 Wingspan ......................................................................................................................................................... 50 inches

 Length ............................................................................................................................................................ 48.5 inches

 Wing area ....................................................................................................................................... 788 square inches

 Radio ..................................................................................................................................... Minimum of 4 channels

with 5 mini servos

 Flying weight .............................. Around 5.5 to 6 pounds (depending on power and radio systems)

 Minimum power ................................................................................................................ 400W brushless motor

 Propeller ........................................ 10x6 to 11x7 or as recommended by your power system’s maker

(Dimensions and weights are approximate)

IV. PARTS LIST

1. Included items

2. Items you must supply to complete this ARF

 Epoxy and cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives and threadlock compound.  Common hand tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.).  Outer rotor motor and electronic speed control (ESC) such as the Maxford USA Uranus 35425

motor and 60A ESC with a 3S or 4S approx. 3,000 mAh LiPo battery, or as recommended for your motor, and a LiPo battery charger suitable for your battery.

 A four- (or more) channel radio system with five

mini servos; two 24-inch, three 10-inch and two 6-inch servo extensions and two 6-inch Y harnesses. (Extension lengths may vary, depending on your installation and choice of radio system components.)

 A 10- or 11-inch diameter x 6- or 7-inch pitch

propeller, or as specified for your motor.

3. Optional items you

Locations of the 4 openings for

the engine-mounting bearers in

the lower wing’s center section.

Approx.

1 1/2-inch

Leading

edge

Trailing

edge

Approx. 1/4-inch

may choose to add

 Vintage-style 2 1/2-inch diameter spoked

wheels. (NOTE: This model includes the standard wheels pictured on instruction manual pages 1 and 4. Learn about spoked at

http://www.maxfordusa.com/vintagestyle3 spokedwheels.aspx.)

 Maxford USA 1/5 scale pilot figure.  Servo extension safety clips.

V. SPECIAL FEATURES

 Unique model of this historic pre-World War I aircraft.  Functional front and rear elevators.  Articulated pilot’s control stick.  Scale-looking functional ailerons.  Tricycle landing gear.  Constructed mainly of jig-assembled, laser-cut balsa and light plywood, with composite wing

rods, struts and airframe components.

 Precovered scale-looking wings with cream color on top and semi-transparent on the bottom.  Adjustable-depth motor-mounting box, able to accept a wide range of power system options.  Outer wing panels are removable for easy transport and storage.  Black string, swivels and springs are supplied to simulate wing wires and tail-boom bracing.  Replacement parts and optional detail-upgrade items are available.

VI. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Locate the openings for the struts and engine-mounting bearers in the bottom of the top wing’s

center section. Set the top wing’s center section aside.

2. Locate the openings for the struts and engine-mounting bearers in the top of the lower wing’s

center section. (NOTE: As shown below, the openings for the engine-mounting bearers are between 2 extra-wide ribs near the middle of the lower wing’s center section at approx. 1 1/2- inches in front of the trailing edge and 1/4-inch behind the leading edge.)

3. To determine how to correctly position the vertical engine-bearer struts in their openings in the

90º

Install the ‘lower’

vertical engine

bearer near the

trailing edge.

90º

Top horizontal engine bearer

Bottom horizontal engine bearer

Bolt

heads

Bolt heads

Trailing

edge

Install the ‘higher’

vertical engine

bearer near the

leading edge.

Front vertical engine bearer Rear vertical engine bearer

NOTE: If necessary, carefully trim or sand the

slotted openings to fit the horizontal stabilizer.

Approx. 1/4-inch

Pictured on

1/4-inch

squares

top of the lower wing’s center section:

a) Position the engine-bearer assemblies with the horizontal engine bearers at approx. 90 degrees to the vertical engine bearers as shown at the right. Observe that the end of one of the vertical engine bearers is about

1/4-inch higher than the other. The ‘higher’

vertical engine bearer will be installed near the leading edge; the ‘lower’ vertical engine bearer will be placed near the trailing edge.

b) Observe the bolts that connect the vertical and horizontal engine bearers: When the engine bearer assemblies are correctly positioned, the heads of these bolts will be facing each other.

4. Being careful to

face the heads of the bolts toward each other, test-fit the ‘HIGHER’ vertical engine bearers into the openings near the leading edge of the lower wing’s center section and the ‘LOWER’ vertical engine bearers into the openings near the trailing edge. (NOTE: Do not poke accidently any ‘extra’ holes in the Mylar.)

5. As shown below, test-fit the horizontal stabilizer into the slot at the rear of each tail boom.

(NOTE: The tail boom’s SHORTER struts and the horizontal stabilizer’s TAN side are both at the TOP.)

6. Test-fit a servo tray under each side of the hori-

zontal stabilizer above the lower tail booms.

7. Position the vertical braces

in front of the horizontal stabilizer into the notched openings as pictured at the right.

8. Tighten all the 2mm dia. bolts

into the nuts on both tail boom assemblies.

9. Test-fit (DO NOT GLUE at this time) the vertical engine bearers into their openings in the bottom of

Set the top

wing's center

section and the

horizontal

stabilizer parallel to the bottom wing's

center section

Optional

spacer

Set the top wing's

center section and

the horizontal

stabilizer to the

same angle of

attack as the

bottom wing's

center section

Rear

booms

Front booms

SHORTER struts

the top wing’s center section.

10. Test-fit (DO NOT GLUE at this time) the rear booms

into the openings near the trailing edges of the top and bottom wing’s center sections. (REMINDER: The tail boom’s SHORTER struts and the horizontal stabilizer’s TAN side are at the TOP.)

11. Use the lower wing’s center section as your

reference ensure the upper wing’s center section and the horizontal stabilizer are parallel and have the same angle of attack. If necessary, adjust the depth of the engine bearers and/or the rear booms in their openings and/or add scrap-wood spacers (as shown at the right) to fine-tune the horizontal stabilizer to the center sections.

12. Anchor all four vertical engine-bearer struts into their openings in the

top wing’s center section with glue. (Do NOT apply any glue to the tail boom’s struts at this time.)

13. Test-fit (DO NOT GLUE at this time) the front booms into their openings

near the leading edges of the top and bottom wing’s center sections.

(NOTE: As shown above, the front booms' shorter struts are installed at the bottom. As shown at the right, the head of the front elevator’s hinge-bolt at the front end of each boom faces outward; the threaded ends of these bolts face each other.)

+ 15 hidden pages

Maxford USA Curtiss Pusher Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual