Top Flite A0705 INSTRUCTION BOOK

Top Flite Models Champaign, IL

Ph: [phone], Ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

WARRANTY

Top Flite® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and

workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use

or modification. In no case shall Top Flite’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan

Wing Area:

:

86 in [2185mm]

1262 sq in [81.4 dm2]

Further, Top Flite reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Top Flite has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be

Weight:

assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled
product. By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is

Wing

Loading:

advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the
defective part or item to Hobby
Services at this address:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822 USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime

Length:

Radio: 5-7 channel minimum

Engine: 2.6–3.3 cu in

telephone number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the
purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

Entire Contents © 2010 Hobbico®, Inc. TOPA0705 Mnl 1.3

23– 24 lb
[10430– 10880 g]

42– 44 oz/sq ft
[128–134 g/dm

72 in
[1830mm]

[43–55cc] two-stroke
gasoline engine

2

]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Academy Of Model Aeronautics. . . . . . . . . . . . 2

IMAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Scale Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Engine Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

OPTIONAL ROBART RETRACTABLE

LANDING GEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Required Hardware & Accessories . . . . . . . . . 4

Optional Supplies & Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS. . . . . . . . . . 6

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

INSTALL THE FIXED WIRE LANDING GEAR . . . 9
INST ALL THE RETRACT ABLE

LANDING GEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

MOUNT THE WING NACELLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

JOIN THE WING HALVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Install The Stabilizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Install The Tail Gear Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Mount The Fixed Tail Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Mount The Retractable Tail Gear . . . . . . . . . . 18

Install The Elevator & Rudder Servos . . . . . . 20

INSTALL THE ENGINE, MUFFLER, RADIO

AND REMAINING SERVOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

INST ALL THE COWL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

INSTALL THE COCKPIT, PILOT

AND CANOPY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

APPL Y THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Check The Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Set The Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Check the Retract Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Balance The Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Balance The Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Charge The Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Ground Check And Range Check . . . . . . . . . 36

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . 36

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts). . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Top Flite is very proud to bring you the P-40 Warhawk

ARF. The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk became one of the

most important fi ghters of World War II, and was fl own
in every combat theatre. This legendary fi ghter is best

known for the Flying Tiger markings of the American
Fighter Group (AVG). This is a great fl ying model that
you will enjoy and will turn heads at the fl ying fi eld. We

have made a realistic airplane that has no bad fl ight

characteristics. We believe you will be thrilled with the
fi nal product.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections
to the Giant Scale P-40 ARF visit the Top Flite web site
at www.top-fl ite.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then

select the Giant Scale P-40 ARF. If there is new technical

information or changes to this model a “tech notice” box
will appear in the upper left corner of the page.

ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please

join! The AMA is the governing body of model aviation
and membership provides liability insurance coverage,

protects modelers’ rights and interests and is required
to fl y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Ph. [phone] Or via the Internet at:

Fax [phone] http://www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you

can do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby
are to avoid fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid
fl ying near or over groups of people.

IMAA

The Top Flite Giant Scale P-40 ARF is an excellent

sport-scale model and is eligible to fl y in IMAA events.

The IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association)

is an organization that promotes non-competitive fl ying
of giant-scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA

2

event, obtain a copy of the IMAA Safety Code by
contacting the IMAA at the address or telephone

number below, or by logging onto their web site at:

www.fl y-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401

[phone]

SCALE COMPETITION

Though the Top Flite P-40 is an ARF and may not have

the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch-built
competition model, it is a scale model nonetheless

and is therefore eligible to compete in the Fun Scale

class in AMA competition (we receive many favorable
reports of Top Flite ARFs in scale competition!). In Fun
Scale, the “builder of the model” rule does not apply. To
receive the fi ve points for scale documentation, the only
proof required that a full size aircraft of this type in this
paint/markings scheme did exist is a single sheet such
as a kit box cover from a plastic model, a photo, or a
profi le painting, etc. If the photo is in black and white
other written documentation of color must be provided.
Contact the AMA for a rule book with full details.

If you would like photos of the full-size P-40 for scale
documentation, or if you would like to study the
photos to add more scale details, photo packs are
available from:

Bob’s Aircraft Documentation

3114 Yukon Ave Ph: [phone]
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Fax: [phone]

e-mail: www.bobsairdoc.com

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,

YOURSELF & OTHERS… FOLLOW

THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS

1. Your P-40 should not be considered a toy, but rather a
sophisticated, working model that functions very much
like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance

capabilities, the P-40, if not assembled and operated
correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as

doing so may result in an unsafe or unfl yable model.
In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from
the photos. In those instances the written instructions
should be considered as correct.

3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in
good condition, a correctly sized engine, and other
components as specifi ed in this instruction manual.
All components must be correctly installed so that the
model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.

You must check the operation of the model and all

components before every fl ight.

5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get
the assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club
for your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member of a club, your
local hobby shop has information about clubs in your
area whose membership includes experienced pilots.

6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal
use, if the plane will be used for extremely high stress
fl ying, such as racing, or if an engine larger than one
in the recommended range is used, the modeler is
responsible for taking steps to reinforce the high stress
points and/or substituting hardware more suitable for
the increased stress.

7. WARNING: The cowl, belly pan and other misc parts

included in this kit are made of fi berglass, the fi bers
of which may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract
irritation. Never blow into a part to remove fi berglass
dust, as the dust will blow back into your eyes. Always
wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves
when grinding, drilling and sanding fi berglass parts.

Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after

working with fi berglass parts.

3

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and fl yability of your fi nished
model depends on how you build it; therefore, we
cannot in any way guarantee the performance of
your completed model, and no representations are
expressed or implied as to the performance or safety
of your completed model.

Remember: Take your time and follow the

instructions to end up with a well-built model

that is straight and true.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the

P-40 that may require planning or decision making

before starting to build. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

RADIO EQUIPMENT

The P-40 can be flown with a minimum of a five

channel radio if you are using the fi xed landing gear
and “Y” harnesses on the servos. If you install the
retractable landing gear you will need a minimum of a

six channel radio with a “Y” harness on the servos. For
our installation we used a twelve channel radio. One

channel each was used for the throttle, choke, right
elevator, left elevator, rudder, right aileron, left aileron,
right fl ap, left fl ap and retracts.

Recommended servos: All control surfaces require
the use of a high quality servo of at least 85 oz.-in. of
torque. A servo of 40 oz.-in. of torque can be used for
the throttle, choke and air control valve.

❍ Control surfaces – Futaba® 9402 (FUTM0102)
❍ Throttle, choke and air valve Futaba 3003

(FUTM0031)

❍ 2 - 24" [310mm] Pro™ Series Heavy Duty Servo

Extensions (HCAM2721) for the ailerons.

❍ 5 - 12" [305mm] Pro Series Heavy Duty Servo

Extensions (HCAM2711); two for the fl aps, two
for the elevator halves and one for the rudder.

Depending on your choice of receiver and the number
of channels you will be using you may have to use

“Y” harnesses on the aileron, flaps and elevator.

(FUTM4130)

❍ 1500 mAh NiCad receiver battery or equivalent

(FUTM1285).

❍ 2 - Heavy duty switch harness (FUTM4385).
❍ 2 - Ernst Charge Receptacle (ERNM3001).
❍ 2 - 1" Servo arms
❍ 1 - 2" Servo arm

(There are a number of options for servo arms. We
used the Du-Bro Super Strength Arms. (DUBM6670)

This package includes eight servo arms, including the

two needed for this model).

ENGINE RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommended engine size range for the P-40 is

43cc to 55cc [2.6 - 3.3 cu in] two-stroke gasoline engine.
We used the DLE™ 55 engine for our model. We have
provided instructions and hardware for the Fuji-Imvac™
43 EI (FJIG134) and the DLE 55 (DLEG0055). Other
engines can also be used but you may need to make
modifi cations for mounting those engines.

OPTIONAL ROBART

RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR

Robart makes a very realistic, high quality, scale landing
gear for the P-40. This landing gear rotates just the
same as the full scale airplane providing a very realistic
operation. This is a tremendous addition to the airplane.
If you choose to use them you will need the following.

❍ 100 Degree retract large scale (ROBQ1665)
❍ 157VR Large Air Control Kit (ROBQ2305)
❍ 169 Pressure Tubing 10' Red/Purple

(ROBQ2369)

❍ #160LWC LH Offset Pneumatic Tail Wheel

(ROBQ2225)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

REQUIRED HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

This is the list of hardware and accessories required

to fi nish the P-40. Order numbers are provided in

parentheses.

❍ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000, or

1/2" [13mm] - HCAQ1050)

❍ 3' [900mm] gasoline fuel tubing (GPMQ4135)
❍ 1 oz. [30g] Thin Pro™ CA (GPMR6002)
❍ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❍ Silver solder w/fl ux (STAR2000)
❍ Hobbico® Soldering Iron 60 Watt (HCAR0776)
❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❍ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❍ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement

(GPMR6060)

❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❍ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❍ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel

(GPMR8200)

❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 1/8" [3.2mm], 5/64"

[2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 7/64" [2.8mm}, 3/16"
[4.8mm], 5/16" [8mm], 1/4" [6.4mm].

❍ Du-Bro Fuel Line Barb 1/8" (DUBQ0670)

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES & TOOLS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual
that will help you build the P-40.

❍ 21st Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)
❍ 21st Century® iron cover (COVR2702)
❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

®

4

❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❍ Rotary tool such as Dremel
❍ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel

(GPMR8200)

®

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● There are three types of screws used in this kit:

Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number

and a length. For example #6 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number six screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long.

Machine Screws are designated by a number,
threads per inch, and a length. For example

4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a number four screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long with

forty threads per inch.

Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) are designated
by a number, threads per inch, and a length. For

example 4-40 × 3/4" [19mm].

This is a 4-40 SHCS that is

3/4" [19mm] long with forty

threads per inch

● When you see the term test fi t in the instructions,

it means that you should fi rst position the part on

the assembly without using any glue, then slightly
modify or custom fi t the part as necessary for the

best fi t.

● Whenever the term glue is written you should rely

upon your experience to decide what type of glue
to use. When a specifi c type of adhesive works
best for that step, the instructions will make a
recommendation.

● Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use

either 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute

epoxy. When 30-minute epoxy is specifi ed it is

highly recommended that you use only 30-minute

(or 45-minute) epoxy, because you will need the
working time and/or the additional strength.

● Photos and sketches are placed before the step

they refer to. Frequently you can study photos in
following steps to get another view of the same parts.

● The Giant Scale P-40 ARF is factory-covered with

Top Flite® MonoKote fi lm. Should repairs ever be

required, MonoKote can be patched with additional
MonoKote purchased separately. MonoKote is
packaged in six-foot rolls, but some hobby shops
also sell it by the foot. If only a small piece of
MonoKote is needed for a minor patch, perhaps a
fellow modeler would give you some. MonoKote is
applied with a model airplane covering iron, but in
an emergency a regular iron could be used. A roll of
MonoKote includes full instructions for application.
Following are the colors used on this model and
order numbers for six foot rolls.

Flat Olive Drab TOPQ0510 Flat Dove Gray TOPQ0511
Flat Tan TOPQ0516 Missile Red TOPQ0201
Flat Black TOPQ0508

● The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine

thrust angles have been factory-built into this model.
However, some technically-minded modelers may

wish to check these measurements anyway. To
view this information visit the web site at www.
top-fl ite.com and click on “Technical Data.” Due
to manufacturing tolerances which will have little
or no effect on the way your model will fl y, please
expect slight deviations between your model and
the published values.

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer
Fin = Vertical Stabilizer
LE = Leading Edge
TE = Trailing Edge
" = Inches
mm = Millimeters
SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw
mAh = Milliamp Hours (refers to the

usable capacity of a battery)

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches

by 25.4 (25.4mm = 1")

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit
to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to
make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts
are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you

need assistance with assembly, contact Product
Support. When reporting defective or missing parts,

use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Kit Contents list.

KIT CONTENTS

23

21

20

1

9

1. Right Wing w/ Aileron & Flap

2. Left Wing w/ Aileron & Flap

3. Fuselage

4. Cowl

5. Canopy

6. Right Stabilizer & Elevator

7. Left Stabilizer & Elevator

8. Rudder

9. Wheel Covers

10. Wheels

11. Landing Gear Blocks

10

15

14

12

5

11

16

22

13

4

12. Landing Gear Wire

13. Wheel Nacelles

14. Machine Gun Tubes

15. Landing Gear Mount

16. Spinner

17. Cowl Extension

18. Fuel Tank

19. Leading Edge Dowel

20. Belly Pan

21. Rear Belly Pan

22. Tail Wheel Cover

24

25

3

Top Flite Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822

Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: airsupport@top-fl ite.com

8

6

7

26

28

29

17

19

18

30

27

2

13

15

14

12

11

23. Air Tank Support

24. Servo/Receiver Tray

25. Ignition/Battery Tray

26. Stab Tubes (2)

27. Tail Wheel

28. Tail Wheel Wire

29. Tail Wheel Bracket

30. Wing Joiner

31. Cockpit Components

31

10

9

5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Top Flite Giant Scale P-40
ARF are available using the order numbers in the

Replacement Parts List that follows. The fastest, most

economical service can be provided by your hobby
dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Top Flite web site at
www.top-fl ite.com. Select “Where to Buy” in the menu
across the top of the page and follow the instructions
provided to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services
by calling [phone], or via facsimile at (217) 398­7721, but full retail prices and shipping and handling
charges will apply. Illinois and Nevada residents will also
be charged sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa®
or MasterCard® number and expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders Hobby Services

and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed

in the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card

or personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason

contact Product Support

by e-mail at or by telephone at

productsupport@top-fl ite.com [phone]

SpinnerTOPA1804

DecalsTOPA1805

Cockpit KitTOPA1806

Belly Pan and Aft FairingTOPA1807

Tail Gear CoverTOPA1808

PREPARATIONS

1. If you have not done so already, remove the major

❏

parts of the kit from the box and inspect for damage.
If any parts are damaged or missing, contact Product
Support at the address or telephone number listed in
the “Kit Inspection” section on page 5.

Begin with your right wing panel fi rst so your assembly

matches the photos in the manual.

1. Install a 24" [610mm] servo extension to your

❏ ❏

aileron servo. Secure it with heat shrink tubing, tape
or other method for securing them together.

2. Install a 12" [305] servo extension to your fl ap

❏ ❏

servo. Secure it with heat shrink tubing, tape or other
method for securing them together.

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

FuselageTOPA1795

WingTOPA1796

Stab and ElevatorsTOPA1797

RudderTOPA1798

CowlTOPA1799

CanopyTOPA1800

Fixed Landing Gear WiresTOPA1801

Landing Gear Nacelle SetTOPA1802

Tail Wheel BracketTOPA1803

2. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high

❏

heat to tighten the covering if necessary. Do this for
all of the components of the model. Apply pressure

over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering

to the wood.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Note: Throughout this instruction manual you will be

instructed to use screws to secure different parts. In
all cases, whenever a screw is threaded into wood
sheeting or wood blocks we recommend that y ou install
the screw and then remove it. Apply a drop of thin CA
glue into the hole to harden the threads. After the glue
has hardened, re-install the screw . Follo wing this step
will insure that you have a solid thread f or you scre ws.

6

3. Remove the tape holding the servo covers

❏ ❏

to the bottom of the wing. Locate two 5/16" × 1/2" ×
3/4" [8mm × 13mm × 19mm] hardwood blocks. The
markings on the back of the cover are correct for

Futaba servos. Place your particular brand of servo on
the cover making sure they fi t between the locations
for the blocks. Adjust the positioning of the blocks for
your brand of servo.

4. Glue the blocks to the servo cover. Once the

❏ ❏

glue has cured, drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the
cover and into the servo mounting blocks. Secure the
block to the cover with a #2 × 3/8" [#2 × 9.5mm] wood
screw. Do this for both of the servo covers.

6. Install the servo arms onto your servos. The

❏ ❏

aileron servo will require a 1" [25mm] servo arm to get
the required aileron throw. A standard length arm will
work for the fl ap. Place your servo onto the mounting
blocks. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the servo
mounting tabs into the mounting blocks. Secure the
servos to the mounting blocks with the screws that
came with your servos.

5. Inside the aileron and fl ap servo compartments

❏ ❏

you will fi nd a string. Tie the string to the servo lead.
The other end of the string is taped to the root wing
of the rib. Pull the leads through the wing.

7. Install the servo covers to the wing securing

❏ ❏

them to the wing with four #2 × 3/8" [9.5mm] screws
and four #2 fl at washers.

7

8. Located in both the aileron and the fl ap is

❏ ❏

a plywood mounting plate. If you look at the control
surface at a slight angle you will be able to see the
plate through the covering.

9. The fl ap and aileron will each require a black

❏ ❏

nylon control horn. The fl ap control horn needs to be
modifi ed. Cut a control horn as shown. A high-speed
motor tool works well for this.

10. Place a black nylon control horn onto the

❏ ❏

plywood mounting plate in the aileron in line with the
servo arm. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole through each
of the holes in the control horn. Drill only through the

plywood plate. Do not drill through the top of the
control surface. Mount the horn with four #4 × 3/8"

screws.

11. Install the modifi ed control horn to the fl ap

❏ ❏

using the same method used for the aileron.

12. Each aileron and fl ap pushrod is made from

❏ ❏

a 5-3/4" [146mm] pushrod wire threaded on one end,
a threaded metal clevis, a 4-40 nut, a metal solder
clevis and two silicone clevis keepers.

13. Screw the 4-40 nut and the threaded metal

❏ ❏

clevis onto the pushrod wire. Attach the clevis to the
third hole from the bottom of control horn. Attach the
metal solder clevis into the outer hole of the aileron
servo arm. Center the aileron servo arm and the aileron.
Mark on the pushrod wire where to cut the wire. Remove
all of the pushrod wire components. Solder the metal
solder clevis to the pushrod. If you are not familiar with
soldering, follow the “Hot Tip” that follows. After the
solder cools, apply threadlocker to the threaded wire
and tighten the nut against the clevis.

8

HOW T O SOLDER

1. Use denatured alcohol or other solvent to
thoroughly clean the pushrod. Roughen the end of
the pushrod with coarse sandpaper where it is to
be soldered.

2. Apply a few drops of soldering fl ux to the end of
the pushrod, then use a soldering iron or a torch
to heat it. “Tin” the heated area with silver solder
by applying the solder to the end. The heat of the
pushrod should melt the solder – not the fl ame of
the torch or soldering iron – thus allowing the solder
to fl ow. The end of the wire should be coated with
solder all the way around.

3. Place the clevis on the end of the pushrod. Add
another drop of fl ux, then heat and add solder. The
same as before, the heat of the parts being soldered
should melt the solder, thus allowing it to fl ow. Allow
the joint to cool naturally without disturbing. Avoid
excess blobs, but make certain the joint is thoroughly
soldered. The solder should be shiny, not rough. If
necessary, reheat the joint and allow to cool.

4. Immediately after the solder has solidifi ed, but
while it is still hot, use a cloth to quickly wipe off the

fl ux before it hardens. Important: After the joint cools,
coat the joint with oil to prevent rust. Note: Do not

use the acid fl ux that comes with silver solder for
electrical soldering.

This is what a properly soldered clevis looks
like – shiny solder with good flow, no blobs and
flux removed.

14. Once the solder has cooled slide a silicone

❏ ❏

clevis keeper over each clevis. Install the pushrod
wire assembly to the aileron servo arm and aileron
control horn.

15. Use the same procedure for the fl ap servo

❏ ❏

except you will not center the servo. Instead, make sure
the fl ap is fully closed to the bottom of the wing. Then,
position the servo arm so that it is rotated toward the
wing trailing edge. Now you can proceed with making
the pushrod wire assembly.

16. Repeat steps 1-15 for the left wing.

❏

You now need to make a decision on the type of
landing gear you will be installing. We provide fi xed
wire landing gear as part of the kit. The retractable
rotating landing gear that is available from Robart
really is a great addition to the looks and the realism of
this airplane. You can choose to install the fi xed landing
gear and upgrade to the Robart landing gear in the
future if you wish to. Both gears are interchangeable
in the mount.

If you will be installing the fi xed wire landing gear,
continue with the next step. If you will be installing the
retractable landing gear, skip ahead to the next section.
“INSTALL THE RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR”.

Did You Know?…Did You Know?…

The P-40 was a relatively clean design, and was
unusual for its time in having a fully retractable tail
wheel. One hundred and ninety-seven P-40s were
built in 1939-40 for the USAAF, and many more were
sold abroad to Britain and France.

INST ALL THE FIXED WIRE

LANDING GEAR

IMPORTANT! The fi rst step in the installation of the

landing gear is to identify which blocks go into each
wing half. This is the most critical part of the landing
gear installation. If you ever choose to upgrade to the
Robart retractable landing gear, the blocks must be
installed as shown.

9

1. Locate the four hardwood landing gear

❏ ❏

blocks. Place them on you work bench exactly as

shown in the picture. You will notice that the front of
the block is square and the back of the block is angled.
You will also notice that there are a number of router
cuts in the blocks. Examine the picture closely to be
sure the blocks are just as shown in the picture.

3. Install one of the aluminum/fi ber landing

❏ ❏

gear mounts between the landing gear blocks.

Temporarily secure the landing gear block and the
landing gear mount with six 8-32 × 2-1/2" [64mm]
socket head cap screws.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the left wing panel.

❏

bolts or blind nuts, it will be very diffi cult to remove the
mounting bolts. As a precaution, you might consider
applying a small amount of petroleum jelly or lightweight
oil to the threads of the bolts before installing them.
Place the wood blocks in position on the rails. Place
the aluminum/fi ber landing gear block between the
mounts. Secure the components to the wing with six
8-32 × 2-1/2" [64mm] socket head cap screws, #8 fl at
washers and #8 lock washers.

2. Install the blocks for the right wing panel into

❏ ❏

the opening as shown. If you have the correct blocks,
the angled end of the block should match the angle
of the opening in the wing.

5. Double-check both of the landing gear block

❏ ❏

installations to be sure they are correct. When you are
satisfi ed with the installation remove the bolts from the
right wing panel. Mix a 1/2 ounce [4 drams] of 30-minute
epoxy. Use an epoxy brush to apply a fi lm of glue to
the bottom of the landing gear mounting blocks and
to the rails in the wing as well as the sides of the box
the mounts slide into. Be careful not to get glue into
the blind nuts. If you get glue into the threads of the

10

6. Drill a 7/64" [2.8mm] hole through each of the

❏ ❏

two rear mounting holes of the landing gear. Insert two
#6 × 1/2" screws, #6 lock washers and #6 fl at washers.

7. Insert the landing gear wire into the hole in

❏ ❏

the landing gear block. The axle of the wire must be

pointing toward the wing tip. If it does not, you have the
wrong wire. Install two aluminum landing gear straps
into the block and screw them to the block with four
#6 × 1/2" [13mm] screws.

10. At the location of the wheel collars make a

❏ ❏

fl at spot on the axle. A high-speed motor tool or small
fi le works well for this.

8. Slide a 6mm [15/64"] wheel collar onto the axle

❏ ❏

followed by a 5/8" [16mm] long aluminum tube. Slide
the wheel onto the axle. Insert a 3mm × 5mm phillips
head screw into another 6mm wheel collar and then

secure the wheel collar to the end of the axle.

9. Slide the aluminum tube and the wheel collar

❏ ❏

on the inside of the wheel against the wheel. Mark the
location of the wheel collars onto the axle and remove
the wheel, collars and aluminum tube.

11. Locate two of the wheel covers and the wheel.

❏ ❏

Screw the wheel cover with the large hole into the
pre-drilled holes in the wheel with four 2mm × 4mm
Philips head screws.

11

12. Slide one of the 6mm wheel collars with the

❏ ❏

3mm × 5mm phillips head screw threaded into it onto
the axle, followed by the 5/8" [16mm] long aluminum
tube. Slide the wheel onto the axle and another wheel
collar and set screw. Apply threadlocker to the set
screws, then tighten the set screws in the wheel collars
against the fl at spot you made in the axle.

13. Secure the outer wheel cover to the wheel

❏ ❏

with four 2mm × 4mm Philips head screws.

14. Repeat steps 5-13 for the left wing panel.

❏

If you have installed the fi xed wire landing gear, skip
ahead to “MOUNT THE WING NACELLES”

INST ALL THE RETRA CT ABLE

LANDING GEAR

IMPORTANT! The fi rst step in the installation of the

landing gear is to identify which blocks go into each
wing half. This is the most critical part of the landing
gear installation. If these blocks are not installed
properly the landing gear will not fi t properly into all
of the cut-outs in the blocks. Follow these instructions
exactly to insure the landing gear will fi t properly.

1. Locate the four hardwood landing gear

❏ ❏

blocks. Place them on your work bench exactly as

shown in the picture. You will notice that the front of
the block is square and the back of the block is angled.
You will also notice that there are a number of router
cuts in the blocks. Examine the picture closely to be
sure the blocks are just as shown in the picture.

2. Install the blocks for the right wing panel into

❏ ❏

the opening as shown. If you have the correct blocks
the angled end of the block should match the angle
of the opening in the wing.

3. Install the right side landing gear between

❏ ❏

the mounting blocks. The landing gear fi ts between
the blocks best if you install it with the gear retracted.
Mount the landing gear and the blocks with six 8-32 ×
2-1/2 [64mm] socket head cap screws, #8 fl at washers
and #8 lock washers.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the left wing panel.

❏

5. Double check both of the landing gear block

❏ ❏

installations to be sure they are correct. Make sure
that the landing gear move smoothly in and out of
the wing. When you are satisfi ed with the installation
remove the bolts and the landing gear from the right
wing panel. Mix a 1/2 ounce [4 drams] of 30-minute
epoxy. Use an epoxy brush to apply a fi lm of glue to
the bottom of the landing gear mounting blocks and to
the rails in the wing as well as the sides of the box the
mounts slide into. Be careful not to get glue into the
blind nuts. If you get glue into the threads of the bolts or
blind nuts it will be very diffi cult to remove the mounting
bolts. As a precaution you might consider applying a
small amount of petroleum jelly or lightweight oil to the
threads of the bolts before installing them. Place the
blocks in position on the rails. Place the landing gear
between the mounts. Secure the components to the
wing with six 8-32 × 2-1/2" [64mm] socket head caps
screws, #8 fl at washers and #8 lock washers.

6. Repeat step fi ve for the left wing. Set the wings

❏ ❏

aside and allow the glue to cure. Move onto the next
step after the glue has completely cured.

12