Maxford USA Gee Bee Sportster E Instruction Manual

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Located at the Springfield Airport in Springfield, Massachusetts, Granville Brothers Aircraft operated
from 1929 until bankruptcy in 1934. Brothers Zantford, Thomas, Robert, Mark and Edward built a total
of 24 aircraft.

With its 7-cylinder 110 HP Warner Scarab radial engine, the Gee Bee Model E is considered by many
golden era aircraft aficionados to be the definitive member of the Gee Bee Sportster family. A prominent
feature was its Townend Ring, the narrow-chord cowling ring fitted around the cylinders to reduce drag
and improve cooling.

Sadly, all four of the Model Es produced were eventually destroyed in crashes, including one which
was flown by Zantford Delbert “Granny” Granville who was killed in February 1934, attempting to land
after an engine failure, while trying to avoid people on the runway.

Two replica Gee Bee Model Es are known to have been built and flown; one may be seen on display in
McMinnville, Oregon at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home of the famous Spruce Goose.

This 1/5 scale balsa, light-ply and fiberglass RC model is designed to be flown with an electric power
system that has a rating of 400 to 600 Watts.

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Shown
with
included
dummy
engine
and an
optional
electric
power
system
using an
11 x 7
nylon
propeller.

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We invite you to enjoy the pride of ownership and the joy of flyin g

this beautiful model of the famous Gee Bee Model “E.”

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 ......................... 11

VIII. Transport & Preflight Checks ............ 11

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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 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-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 y ou 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 use 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 threadlock compound to secure the 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 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 par

13. 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. 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.

t (the dust may blow back into your face).

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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
15939 Illinois Avenue, #B-C
Paramount, CA 90723

IMPORTANT: Print the RMA# issued by Maxford USA near the above address.

III. PARTS LIST:

1. Included items

 Realistic-looking dummy engine and

Townend Ring.

 Windshield (with mounting screws).
 Wing struts and simulated wing wires.
 Prebuilt and precovered horizontal stabilizer,

elevator, vertical stabilizer & rudder.
Stearable tail gear.



Scale-looking fiberglass wheel pants.

Complete set of scale stick-on markings.




Hardware package.
All-wood built-up fuselage, precovered with



iron-on Mylar film.



This illustrated Instruction Manual

2. Items you must supply

 5-minute epoxy and thin cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives, threadlock compound.
 Low-tack masking tape and common hand tools (such as screwdrivers and long-nosed pliers).
 A four- (or more) channel radio system with 4 ea. mini servos, 2 ea. 12-inch servo extensions and 1 ea.

6-inch Y cable.

 Electric power system (with 400 to 600 Watt motor and compatible electronic speed control).
 11 or 12 inch diameter by 6 or 7 inch pitch propeller (or as recommended by the maker of your motor).

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IV. SPECIAL FEATURES:

 95% preassembled ARF with prepainted Townend Ring

and dummy engine.

 Scale looking landing gear with mains wheels fully

enclosed by prepainted fiberglass wheel pants.

 Includes a realistic looking windshield, steerable tail

wheel and stick-on scale markings.

 The two-piece wing has detachable top struts; the lower

wing’s wing wires may remain attached whenever the
wing is removed for transport and storage.

 Fuselage, wings and empennage are jig-assembled,

laser-cut balsa and light plywood.

 The semi-symmetrical wing is optimized for excellent

sport-scale aerobatic performance.

 The light-weight design has built-in cooling airflow for efficient electric-power operation.

V. SPECIFICATIONS:

 Wingspan ....................................................................................................................................... 59 inches

 Wing area .......................................................................................................................... 529 square inches

 Length ...................................................................................................................................... 41 1/2 inches

 ARF weight .................................................................................................................... 3 pounds 10 ounces

 Power system ....... 400 to 600 Watt motor and 60A ESC, or as recommended by the maker of your motor

 Propeller ............... 11 or 12 inch dia. x 6 or 7 inch pitch, or as recommended by the maker of your motor

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

 Servos ................................................................................................................................. 4 ea. mini servos

*

*

(Dimensions and weight are approximate.)

VI. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fuselage-Mounted Servos –
a. Using hardware supplied with your servos, install the rudder and

elevator servos in their servo tray.

b. Connect the EZ Link connectors to the servo arms. Guide the EZ Link

connectors onto the rudder and elevator pushrods. (Do NOT tighten
the EZ Link connectors onto the pushrods at this time.) Mount the
servo arms onto the servos. Connect the servos to your receiver and
position the receiver under or behind the servos.

2. Motor and Dummy Engine –
a. This airplane is designed for a Uranus 35425 motor. However, since you may

have your own motor preference, we provide wooden spacers to help fit other
motors. Determine how many spacers may be required behind the motor and/
or the dummy engine by test fitting the motor to the firewall, placing the
dummy engine over the motor, and using spacers to adjust the motor and/or
the dummy engine to bring the prop. backplate approx. 1/4 inch in front of the
dummy engine. Attach any required spacers to the firewall with CA adhesive.

b. Use the hardware provided with your motor to secure the motor to the

firewall. Apply threadlock compound to protect your motor mounting
bolts from vibration. If necessary, cut off and discard the ends of any bolts
that may be projecting behind the firewall, into the battery compartment.

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S121029 Copyright 2012