Top Flite A0708 INSTRUCTION BOOK

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

™

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. 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 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 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:

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

Hobby Services

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

Top Flite Models Champaign, IL

Ph: (217) 398-8970, Ext. 5

Fax: (217) 398-7721

airsupport@top-flite.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wing Area: 1325 in

Weight: 22– 24 lb

Wing

Loading:

Length: 72 in [1830mm]

Radio: 6– 7 channel

Engine: 3.0–4.0 cu in [50–65cc]

86-1/2 in [2195mm]

[85.5 dm2]

[9.98–10.88 kg]

38– 42 oz/ft [116–128 g /dm2]

spark ignition gas

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

SCALE COMPETITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

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

Engine Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Retractable Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Covering Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

MODEL INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Replacement Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Common Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

INTRODUCTION

In 1941 the Spitﬁ re Mk IX was developed to counter

the German Fw 190. The Spitﬁ re Mk IX was developed

from the Mk V by installing the Merlin 61 engine. The Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF is modeled after the

earlier versions of the Mk IXs. This is notable by the

rounded ﬁ n and rudder tip. Top Flite developed the Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF to get you in the air quickly with a

great looking model, without the sanding and covering

required to build a kit.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections

to the Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF visit the Top Flite web

site at www.top-ﬂ ite.com. Open the “Airplanes” link,

then select the Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX 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

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mount the Aileron Servos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install the Flap Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Aileron And Flap Pushrods . . . . . . . . 8

Mount the Retracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Join the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Install the Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Install the Elevator & Rudder Servos . . . . . . . . 13

Mount the Fixed Tail Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

INSTALL THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

INSTALL THE AIR RETRACT CONTROLS . . . . . 18

INSTALL THE IGNITION SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE FUEL TANK . . . 21

INSTALL THE RECEIVER BATTERY . . . . . . . . . . 21

INSTALL THE COWL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

APPLY THE FINAL DETAILS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

APPLY THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Install the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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. (800) 435-9262 Or via the Internet at: Fax (765) 741-0057 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 Spitﬁ re Mk IX 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

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . 29

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

IMAA Safety Code (Excerpts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

RETRACT COVER TEMPLATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

event, obtain a copy of the IMAA Safety Code by contacting the IMAA at the address or telephone number below, or by logging on to their web site at: www.ﬂ y-

imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road Salina, KS 67401

(913) 823-5569

SCALE COMPETITION

Though the Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX is an ARF

and may not have the same level of detail as an “allout” 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.

For more information and scale details of the full-size Spitﬁ re Mk IX, photo packs are available from:

Bob’s Aircraft Documentation

3114 Yukon Ave Ph: (714) 979-8058 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Fax: (714) 979-7279

e-mail: www.bobsairdoc.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS... FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF 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 Giant Spitﬁ re Mk

IX ARF, 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 and landing gear covers 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.

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 Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF that may require planning or decision making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

ENGINE RECOMMENDATIONS

When considering engines for this model, refer to the engine size recommendations on the cover of the manual. Spark-ignition “gas” engines are most popular with large-scale warbirds such as this. One advantage of a gas engine is economy – gas engines tend to consume less fuel than a glow engine as well. Additionally, gas

engines deposit little exhaust residue on the model. Among other engines, this model was test ﬂ own with a DLE-55 Side Exhaust, DLE-55 Rear Exhaust, and O.S. GT55 engine. All the engines provide more than adequate power and ﬂ y the Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF in a scale-like manner.

Note: Instructions for mounting every possible engine cannot be incorporated into this manual. Modelers using another engine may refer to the instructions as a guide for mounting their engine in a similar way. If using the DLE-55 Rear Exhaust, the stock mufﬂ er will work well and is recommended.

The DLE-55 Side Exhaust and O.S. GT55 require the

optional JTEC mufﬂ er.

❍ JTC-DA50WPTF Wrap Around Mufﬂ er

(JTCG1035)

The O.S. GT55 requires a 1" [25.4mm] aluminum

standoff.

❍ OSMG8958 74003540 1" standoff

Hardware required (not included) to mount the O.S. GT55 engine is included with the aluminum standoffs.

Hardware required (not included) to mount the DLE-55 engines.

❍ (4) 10-32 x 1-1/2" Socket head cap screws ❍ (4) #10 Lock washers ❍ (4) #10 Fender washers

Per the IMAA Safety Code, magneto spark-ignition engines must have a coil-grounding switch on the aircraft to stop the engine and prevent accidental starting, The switch must be operated manually (without the use of the transmitter) and accessible by the pilot and assistant.

RADIO EQUIPMENT

The radio equipment and number of channels required

to ﬂ y the Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF depends on the capabilities of your transmitter and how the servos will be connected.

The Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF requires a servo to operate

the retract air control valve, a throttle servo, two ﬂ ap servos, two aileron servos, two elevator servos, a rudder servo and a tail steering servo. Servos with a minimum of 50 oz-in [3.9kg-cm] of torque are required

for operating the elevators, rudder, ailerons and ﬂ aps. We recommend that metal geared servos also be used. Standard servos may be used for the throttle and choke (the servo operated choke is optional). A micro servo

is required to operate the retract air valve. An optional

servo operated kill switch may also be used (this is in

addition to the IMAA-required, manually operated engine

kill switch. A servo operated kill switch is only really

necessary for engines that do not reliably shut off by

closing the carburetor, but could also serve as a backup.

Function Servos Required

Elevators 2 (min. 50 oz-in torque) (Futaba S3305 FUTM0045)

Rudder 1 (min. 50 oz-in torque) (Futaba S3305 FUTM0045)

Ailerons 2 (min. 50 oz-in torque) (Futaba S3305 FUTM0045)

Flaps 2 (min. 50 oz-in torque) (Futaba S3305 FUTM0045)

Tail Steering 1 (min. 50 oz-in torque) (Futaba S3305 FUTM0045)

Throttle 1 (standard) (Futaba S9001 FUTM0075)

Retract 1 (micro) (Futaba S3102 FUTM0034)

Optional Choke 1 (standard) (Futaba S9001 FUTM0075)

Total: 10-11 servos

A receiver battery with a minimum of 2,400mAh is

recommended for ﬂ ying the Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF.

The battery voltage should be checked before every

ﬂ ight to be certain it has enough “charge”.

In addition to the servos, the following items (or similar items) are also required. The order numbers shown in parentheses are for Futaba servos.

❍ (4) 6" Y-harness for elevator, rudder/steering,

ailerons and ﬂ aps (FUTM4130)

❍ (2) 12" [305mm] servo extension for ﬂ aps

(HCAM2711)

❍ (2) 24" [610mm] servo extension for ailerons

(HCAM27021)

❍ (2) Heavy Duty switch harness (FUTM4385) ❍ (2) Ernst Charge Receptacle 124 (ERNM3001) ❍ (1) HydriMax 3600mAh NiMH battery

(HCAM6333) for receiver

❍ (1) HydriMax 1600mAh NiMH battery

(HCAM6308) for engine ignition

Note: The length and quantity of servo extensions and

Y-connectors may vary depending on the brand of radio

you are using and the radio installation.

RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR

The Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF has been designed

for Robart pneumatic and electric main gear retracts. Note: The Spitﬁ re Mk IX had a ﬁ xed tail gear.

Following is the complete list of items required to install the Robart retracts:

❍ (1) TFSPITFIRE-E Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX

electric retractable main landing gear (ROBQ1651)

❍ (1) TFSPITFIRE Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX

pneumatic main landing gear (ROBQ1650)

❍ (1) Robart #157VRX Large-Scale Deluxe

Air Control Kit – includes pressure tank, air line tubing, variable-rate air valve, T-ﬁ ttings (ROBQ2305)

❍ (1 pkg.) #190 Air Line Quick Disconnects

(ROBQ2395)

Note: An air pump will also be required to pressurize the air tank. The Robart hand pump could be used, but is not practical because of the large capacity of the

air tank in this model. A small, 12V electric pump is recommended and can be purchased at any automotive or hardware store.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

REQUIRED HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions You Must Make” section, following is the list of hardware

and accessories required to ﬁ nish the Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

❍ (2) Dubro #813 1/8" Fuel Line Barb

(DUBQ0670)

❍ (1) Dubro #554 X-large Tygon Fuel Line

(DUBQ0427)

❍ (1) R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] (HCAQ1000)

or ½" [13mm] (HCAQ1050)

❍ Propeller and spare propellers suitable for your

engine.

❍ (1) Painted Pilot (GPMQ9115)

ADHESIVES AND BUILDING SUPPLIES

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that

are required to ﬁ nish the Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001) ❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007) ❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047) ❍ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045) ❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement

(GPMR6060)

❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055) ❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056) ❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060) ❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up) ❍ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007) ❍ Shoe Goo (DTXC2450) ❍ Masking tape ❍ Plan protector (GPMR6167) or wax paper

❍ Drill ❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32"

[2.4mm], 1/8" [3.2mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 13/64" [5.2mm], 1/4" [6.4mm]

❍ Small metal ﬁ le ❍ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485) ❍ Silver solder w/ﬂ ux (STAR2000) ❍ Hobby Heat micro torch (HCAR0755) ❍ #1 Hobby knife (RMXR6903) ❍ #11 blades (5-pack, RMXR6930) ❍ Sanding tools and sandpaper assortment (see

Easy-Touch Bar Sander section)

❍ Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic

parts (HCAR0667)

❍ DLE-55 Propeller Drill Guide (DLEQ0551)

COVERING TOOLS

❍ Top Flite MonoKote Sealing Iron (TOPR2100) ❍ Top Flite Hot Sock Iron Cover (TOPR2175) ❍ Top Flite MonoKote Trim Seal Iron (TOPR2200) ❍ Top Flite MonoKote Heat Gun (TOPR2000) ❍ Coverite 21st Century Sealing Iron (COVR2700) ❍ Coverite 21st Century Cover Sock (COVR2702) ❍ Coverite 21st Century Trim Sealing Iron

(COVR2750)

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES AND TOOLS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual

that will help you build the Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX ARF.

❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035) ❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780) ❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039) ❍ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480) ❍ Scale Warbird Template (TOPR2187) ❍ 36" metal ruler (HCAR0475) ❍ Hobbico High Precision Diagonal Cutter 5"

(HCAR0630)

❍ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625) ❍ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)

❍ Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set

(GPMM1000)

❍ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510) ❍ Rotary tool such as Dremel ❍ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel

(GPMR8200)

❍ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698) ❍ AccuThrow Deﬂ ection Gauge (GPMR2405) ❍ CG Machine (GPMR2400) ❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● Anytime a sheet metal screw is installed in wood,

ﬁ rst install the screw, remove the screw and apply a couple of drops of thin CA in the hole to harden the threads. After the CA has cured, reinstall the screw.

● 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 Spitﬁ re Mk IX 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.

CubYellow (TOPQ0220) Flat Olive Drab (TOPQ0510) Flat Dove Gray (TOPQ0511) Flat Tan (TOPQ0516) True Red (TOPQ0227)

● 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.

MODEL INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this model 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 instruction manual.

Top Flite Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61822

Ph: (217) 398-8970, ext. 5 Fax: (217) 398-7721

E-mail: productsupport@top-ﬂ ite.com

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Top Flite Giant Spitﬁ re Mk IX 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. Not all parts are available separately (an aileron cannot be purchased separately, but is only available with the wing kit). Replacement parts are not available from Product Support, but can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/Internet order ﬁ rms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts) are also available from these outlets.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit www.top-ﬂ ite.com

and click on “Where to Buy”. Follow the instructions provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling (217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-

7721, 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 (217) 398-8970

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

TOPA1920......…Wing Kit

TOPA1921......…Fuselage Kit

TOPA1922......…Rudder

TOPA1923......…Horizontal Stabilizer Set

TOPA1924......…Canopy

TOPA1925......…Tail Cover

TOPA1926......…Gear Door Set

TOPA1927......…Spinner

TOPA1928......…Decals

TOPA1929......…Cockpit Kit

TOPA1930......…Cannon Set

TOPA1931......…Cowl

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer Fin = Vertical Stabilizer LE = Leading Edge TE = Trailing Edge " = Inches MM = millimeters SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.5

(25.4mm = 1")

TOPA1819......…Tail Wheel Assembly

TOPA1932......…Antenna

——————————————————————— CONTENTS ———————————————————————

3334 35

1. Fuselage

2. Left Wing Panel

3. Right Wing Panel

4. Left Stabilizer Panel

5. Right Stabilizer Panel

6. Wing Joiner

7. Air Intake

8. Radiator

9. Landing Gear Cover

10. Wheel

11. Cannon

12. Cannon Muzzle Cover

13. Cowl

14. Spinner

15. Fuel Tank

16. Canopy

17. Rudder

18. Tail Wheel Assembly

19. Tail Wheel Cover

20. Stabilizer Joiner Tubes

21. Seat

22. Right Cockpit Side

23. Floor

24. Left Cockpit Side

25. Instrument Panel

26. Control Column

27. Rudder Pedal

28. Rudder Pedal Spacer

29. Servo Mounting Blocks

30. Wing Alignment Dowels

31. Receiver Tray

32. Receiver Battery Tray

33. Receiver Battery Tray Ends

34. Ignition Module Tray

35. Retract Servo Tray

36. Antenna

37. Antenna Base

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Start with the left wing so the assembly matches the

photos the ﬁ rst time through.

1. Lay a few paper towels on top of each other and cut

❏

them into small squares. These paper towel squares will come in handy for wiping away excess epoxy throughout the assembly process (and will save you from wasting whole paper towels).

MOUNT THE AILERON SERVOS

1. Carefully remove the left aileron servo hatch

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from the wing by peeling off the masking tape holding hatch to the wing. Use a paper towel square dampened

with naphtha lighter ﬂ uid or similar solvent to remove

any glue left behind from the tape.

2. Install the rubber bushings and metal grommets

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in the aileron servo. Install a servo arm on the aileron servo. Position the aileron servo on the aileron servo hatch cover as shown. Set the two 9/16" x 3/4" x 3/8" [15 x 20 x 8mm] hardwood blocks over the embossed servo block locations to check that the block locations are correct. If not, mark the new locations.

3. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the two blocks to

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the bottom of the servo hatch over the embossed servo block locations. Thoroughly coat the end of the blocks and allow them to set for a few seconds to allow the blocks to absorb the epoxy, then recoat the blocks. Use clamps to hold the blocks to the servo hatch.

4. Once the epoxy has cured, remove the clamps.

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Place a 1/16" [1.6mm] spacer, such as a piece of cardstock from the header card of the servo extension or a piece of paper folded several time, under the servo and between each mounting block. After the servo is installed the spacer will be removed, providing adequate spacing for vibration isolation.

2. If necessary, use a covering iron with a covering

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sock to go over the wing, ﬂ ap and aileron to remove any wrinkles. The best method to remove the wrinkles is to glide the iron over the covering until the wrinkles disappear, then go over the area again, pushing down on the iron to bond the covering to the wood. If the wrinkles don’t disappear, the balsa in that area might be ﬂ exing inward. If this is happening, don’t press down. Simply let the heat of the iron shrink the covering. If the wrinkles momentarily disappear, then immediately reappear, the iron may be too hot, thus causing air bubbles. Lower the temperature of the iron or use a sharp #11 blade to puncture several holes in the covering, then reheat.

The suggested iron temperature is around 360˚ F.

When mounting the servo blocks on the bottom of the servo hatch, make sure that the grain of the wood is perpendicular to the hatch.

To increase the strength of the glue joint, use a T-pin to prick holes into the gluing surface of the servo blocks and the plywood servo hatch. Be careful not to prick holes completely through the servo hatch and covering.

5. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the blocks

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for the servo mounting screws. Mount the servo to the blocks with the screws that came with the servo. Remove the servo mounting screws and apply a couple of drops of thin CA in each hole to harden the threads. Allow the CA to fully harden. Then, reinstall the servos and remove the spacer.

6. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the blocks at

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the two hole locations on the top of the hatch. Install two #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] ﬂ at head sheet metal screws to

secure the servo mounting blocks to the aileron servo hatch. Use thin CA to harden the screw threads

7. Connect a 24" [610mm] servo extension wire

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(not included) to the aileron servo. Cut a piece of the

included heat shrink tubing in half and slide it over the servo connections. Shrink the tubing by applying heat.

8. Use the string in the wing to pull the aileron

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wire through the wing.

INSTALL THE FLAP SERVOS

1. Install the ﬂ ap servos following the same

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procedure used to install the aileron servos. Note that the ﬂ ap servos face the same direction.

2. Connect a 12" [304mm] servo extension wire to

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the ﬂ ap servo. Secure the extension to the servo with a piece of heat shrink or electrical tape.

the 4-40 metal clevis, threaded 12 turns onto a 4-40 x 12" [304mm] metal pushrod. Attach the clevis to the aileron servo arm 5/8" [16mm] from the center of the arm.

2. Position the control horn so that it is in line with

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the pushrod and over the plywood mounting plate. The pushrod holes in the control horn should be aligned with the hinge line of the aileron. On the aileron, mark the four mounting holes. Remove the control horn and drill a 5/64" [2mm] pilot hole at each mark. Do not drill completely through the aileron. Attach the control horn using four #4 x ½" sheet metal screws. Use thin CA to harden the holes.

9. Place the aileron servo hatch with the servo

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in the wing. Be certain that the hatch is positioned correctly as shown. Secure the hatch using four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] sheet metal screws and #2 ﬂ at washers. Use thin CA to harden the screw threads.

10. Go back to step 1 and install the right aileron servo

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following the same procedure. Firmly pull on the ailerons and ﬂ aps to check that the hinges are securely glued.

3. Route the ﬂ ap and aileron servo leads to the

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root of the wing and out the hole in the top of the wing.

INSTALL THE AILERON AND FLAP PUSHRODS

Do the left aileron ﬁ rst.

1. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over a 4-40

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threaded metal clevis. Thread a 4-40 nut followed by

3. Install the metal solder clevis in the hole at the

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end of the control horn. Center the aileron servo and aileron. Mark the pushrod where it meets the solder clevis. Remove the pushrod and the solder clevis and cut the pushrod ¼" [6.4mm] past the mark. Solder the solder clevis to the pushrod using the techniques described in the following Hot Tip.

HOW TO SOLDER

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

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.

4. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over the solder

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clevis. Reinstall the aileron pushrod with the threaded clevis attached to the control horn. Adjust the threaded clevis so that the aileron is centered. Apply a drop of thread locker to the threads of the pushrod behind the clevis. Tighten the 4-40 nut against the clevis.

MOUNT THE RETRACTS

Install the left retract ﬁ rst.

1. Trim the axle that is included with the Robart

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retracts to 1-3/4" [44mm] long. File a ﬂ at spot at the end of the axle. Insert the axle through the included 5" [127mm] wheel. Insert the axle into the retract. Apply a drop of threadlocker to the 10-32 x 3/16" [4.8mm] set screw, included with the retract, and tighten the set screw onto the ﬂ at of the axle. Make sure that the wheel rotates freely.

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

5. Assemble and connect the ﬂ ap pushrods

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following the same procedure, except, adjust the ﬂ ap control on your transmitter to the ﬂ ap up position. Position the ﬂ aps in the up position. We installed the pushrod in the outer hole of the control horn and the hole 5/8" [16mm] from the center of the servo arm. Use #4 x ½" sheet metal screws in the forward holes and #4 x 3/8" sheet metal screws in the aft holes.

6. Return to step 1 and install the aileron and ﬂ ap

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pushrods on the right wing.

2. Test ﬁ t the retract unit with the wheel into the

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wing. Position the retract so the wheel is centered in the wheel well. Adjust the strut position in the retract body as necessary to achieve the correct spacing all the way around the wheel.

3. Temporarily attach the retract to the wing with

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two 6-32 x ¾" [19mm] machine screws. Extend the retract. View the wheel from directly above. Adjust the strut so that the wheel is parallel to the root of the wing. Lock the strut in position by applying a drop of threadlocker to the threads and securely tightening the bolt at the top of the strut.

4. Double check that the wheel will fully retract into

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the wing. Extend the retract to make sure it does not interfere with any part of the wing and that the retract is operating smoothly.

6. Route the pressure tubing through the ribs and

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out the hole in the top of the wing. Tape the pressure tubing to the top of the wing.

9. Mount the retract cover to the wing with ﬁ ve #2

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x 3/8" sheet metal screws and ﬁ ve #2 ﬂ at washers. Use thin CA to harden the holes.

10. Cut out the landing gear cover template from

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the back of the instruction manual. Tape the template to the top of the left landing gear cover. Center the landing gear cover over the retract. Check that the two marks are aligned with the mounting holes on the retracts.

5. Cut a 12" [305mm] piece of red pressure tubing

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and a 14" [356mm] piece of purple pressure tubing from the tubing included with the Robart Air Control Kit (not included). Connect the red tube to the side of the air cylinder and the purple to the end of the air cylinder.

7. Secure the retracts in the wing. Apply a drop

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of threadlocker to the threads of four 6-32 x ¾" [19mm] machine screws and #6 lock washers before threading them into the retract plate.

8. Set the retract cover over the retract and drill

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a 1/16" [1.6mm] pilot hole using the holes in the cover as a guide.

11. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] pilot holes at the two

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locations shown on the template. Enlarge the holes

with a 5/32 [4mm] drill bit. Secure the landing gear cover to the retract with two 6-32 x 1/4" machine screws and #6 ﬂ at washers. Note that clear plastic shims have been provided to raise the landing gear cover so that it is ﬂ ush with the bottom of the wing if needed.

12. Return to step 1 and mount the right retract in

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the right wing.

JOIN THE WING

Note: Keep the retracts in the retracted (up) position so

they do not extend and retract as you handle the wing.

1. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the two 5/16 x 1-5/8"

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[8 x 41mm] wing alignment dowels into the root of the left wing half.

3. Test ﬁ t the hardwood wing joiner in each wing

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half, making sure that both wing halves ﬁ t together at the root without any gaps. Trial ﬁ t clamping the wing together with rubber bands around the wing dowels at the leading edge. Insert the two ¼ - 20 x 2" [51mm] nylon wing bolts and stretch rubber bands around the

wing bolts on the top and bottom of the wing.

4. Read through the next three steps before

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mixing any epoxy. Gather everything required for gluing the wing together including 30-minute epoxy, mixing sticks, epoxy brushes, 12" [305mm] long dowel or wire, denatured alcohol and paper towels. Remove the rubber bands and separate the wing halves. Remove the wing joiner. Mix 2 oz. [59.1cc] of 30-minute epoxy. Working quickly, pour a generous amount into the joiner pocket of one wing half. Use your wire or dowel to thoroughly distribute the epoxy, coating all surfaces inside the joiner pocket. Coat the root rib and one half of the wing joiner that goes into the wing. Insert the joiner in the wing.

the wing dowels and wing bolts. Add several strips of masking tape to tightly hold the wings together as you continue to wipe off excess epoxy as it squeezes out. Be certain the leading edge and trailing edges of the wing accurately align. Do not disturb the wing until the epoxy has fully cured.

7. Join the matching air lines from each wing half

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with a couple of T-ﬁ ttings that came with the air control kit. Cut two 10" [250mm] pieces of corresponding color air line (also from the control kit) and ﬁ t each line to the

T-ﬁ ttings. Connect one quick-connector with an O-ring

to one of the air lines and one of the quick connectors without an O-ring to the other line. This will prevent improper connection to the quick-connectors on the air valve when mounting the wing to the fuselage.

8. Connect both servo wires from the aileron servos

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to a Y-harness and both servo wires from the ﬂ ap servos to a Y-harness.

2. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the two 3/8 x 1-3/4" [9.5

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x 44mm] diameter forward wing dowels in the leading

edge of both wing halves. The wing dowels should protrude approximately 5/8" [16mm] from the wing.

5. Coat the joiner pocket of the other wing half and

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the other end of the wing joiner. Join the wing halves together. Then, stand the wing on end with one of the

wing tips resting on the ﬂ oor. Use a piece of R/C foam

or something similar to cushion and stabilize the wing so it won’t slide around.

6. With the wing resting on end, use a paper towel

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dampened with denatured alcohol to wipe off any excess epoxy as it squeezes out. Wrap the rubber bands around

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