Top Flite A0905 INSTRUCTION BOOK

Top Flite Models Champaign, IL Telephone [phone], Ext. 5 [e-mail]

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

TOPZ0905 for TOPA0905V1.0

Entire Contents © Copyright 2006

Wingspan: 72.5 in [1840mm]
Wing Area: 1525 sq in [97.6 dm2]
Weight: 17-19 lb [7.7-8.6 kg]
Wing Loading: 26-28 oz/sq ft

[80-90 g/dm

2

]

Length: 62.5 in [1590mm]
Radio: 6-Channel w/7 servos (minimum)

or

8/9-Channel w/9 servos (w/retracts)

Engines: 1.60 cu in [25 cc] two-stroke,

1.60 cu in [25 cc] four-stroke

WARRANTY.....Top Flite Models 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 an y damage resulting from the
use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user­assembled 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 the 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

Retracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . 4

Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

BUILD THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install the Flaps/Ailerons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods . . . . . . . 8

Install the Flap Servos and Pushrods . . . . . . . . . 9

Install the Wing Joiners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Attach the Wings to the Fuselage . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Struts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

BUILD THE FUSELA GE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Install the Stabilizers, Elevators and Rudder . . . 13

INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR. . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fixed Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fixed Tail Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Tail Wheel Door Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Retractable Landing Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Retractable Tail Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Tail Wheel Door Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Install the Retract Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Adjusting the Retractable Landing Gear . . . . . . 27

INSTALL THE ENGINE & THROTTLE SERVO . 28

O.S.1.60 Two-Stroke Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

O.S.1.60 Four-Stroke Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Install the Fuel Tank for the

O.S.1.60 Two-Stroke Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Install the Fuel Tank for the

O.S.1.60 Four-Stroke Engine. . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Install the Cowl and Dummy Engine . . . . . . . . . 30

Install the Radio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Finishing Touches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . 36

Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Charge the Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Balance Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Ground Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . 38

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

IMAA SAFETY CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

1.60 Engine Mount Template. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

INTRODUCTION

With its clean lines, negatively staggered wings, and
retractable landing gear, the natural aesthetic beauty
of the “Staggerwing” has made it an uncontested
classic airplane. Even today the Beechcraft Model 17
Staggerwing is comparable to modern private aircraft.
This classiest of classic airplanes transported military
generals and executives throughout the Second
World War and for years afterwards. Top Flite has
returned this vintage airplane to the modeling
community in the form of a “W orld Class”ARF that we
are sure will bring you hours of great fun.

For the latest technical updates or manual
corrections to the Staggerwing visit the Top Flite web
site at www.top-flite.com.Open the “Airplanes” link,
and then select the Staggerwing 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.

AMA

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the
governing body of model aviation and membership is
required to fly at AMA clubs.Though joining the AMA
provides many benefits, one of the primary reasons
to join is liability protection. Coverage is not limited to
flying at contests or on the club field. It even applies
to flying at public demonstrations and air shows.
Failure to comply with the Safety Code (excerpts
printed in the back of the manual) may endanger
insurance coverage. Additionally, training programs
and instructors are available at AMA club sites to help
you get started the right way. There are over 2,500
AMA chartered clubs across the countr y.Contact the
AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele.[phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!!

Two of the most important things you can do to
preserve the radio-controlled aircraft hobby are to
avoid flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying
near or over groups of people.

IMAA

The Top Flite Staggerwing is an excellent sport-scale
model and is eligible to fly in IMAA events.The IMAA
(International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive flying of
giant-scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA
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:

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

[phone]

www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html.

- 2 -

SCALE COMPETITION

Though the Top Flite Staggerwing 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 “b uilder of the model”
rule does not apply. To receive the five 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 profile
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 full-size Staggerwings 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 Y uk on A ve

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Telephone: [phone]

Fax:[phone]

www.bobsairdoc.com

1.Your Staggerwing 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 Staggerwing, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possib ly 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 unflyable model.
In a few cases the instructions may diff er 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 first­class condition, and a correctly sized engine and
components (fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the
building process.

5. You must correctly install all R/C and other
components so that the model operates correctly on
the ground and in the air.

6. You must check the operation of the model before
every flight to insure that all equipment is operating and
that the model has remained structurally sound.Be sure
to check clevises or other connectors often and replace
them if they show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not
flown this type of model before, we recommend that
you get the assistance of an experienced pilot in your
R/C club for your first flights.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.

8. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed
normal use, if the plane will be used for extremely
high stress flying, 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.

9.W ARNING:The cowl, landing gear covers and wing
struts included in this kit are made of fiberglass, the
fibers of which may cause eye, skin and respiratory
tract irritation. Never blow into a part to remove
fiberglass dust, as the dust will blow back into your
eyes.Always wear saf ety goggles, a particle mask and
rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding
fiberglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area
thoroughly after working with fiberglass parts.

Remember: Take your time and follow the
instructions to end up with a well-built model that
is straight and true.

We, as the kit manuf acturer , pro vide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished
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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,

YOURSELF & OTHERS

FOLLO W THESE IMPORT ANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

- 3 -

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to finish the
Staggerwing that may require planning or decision
making before starting to build. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

RADIO EQUIPMENT

❏ 6-channel w/7 servos (6- 50oz/in, 1- 30oz/in) or

(with retracts) 8/9-channel w/9 servos (6- 50oz/in,
2- 30oz/in, 1- 90oz/in)

❏ 2 - 6" [150mm] servo extension (HCAM2701 for

Futaba®)

❏ 2 - 12" [300mm] servo extension (HCAM2711

for Futaba)

❏ 2 - Y-harness (HCAM2751 for Futaba)
❏ 1000 mAh battery (minimum)
❏ 6 - 54 oz/in servos (2-tail, 2-flaps, 1-rudder,

1-elevator)

❏ 2 - 30 oz/in servos (1-throttle, 1-retracts)

ENGINE RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommended engine for the Staggerwing is an
O.S.®1.60 two-stroke or four-stroke.

❏ For the 2-stroke engine we used the Bisson

Pitts muffler.(BISG4116)

❏ The O.S.1.60 4-stroke engine can use the O.S.

Flex-pipe.(OSMG2672)

RETRACTS

If you choose to put retracts on your Staggerwing, we
used the following:

❏ Robart #530STAG Retracts (ROBQ0536)
❏ Robart #188VR Air Control Kit Standard with VR

Valve (ROBQ2302)

❏ Robart #169 Pressure Tubing (ROBQ2369)
❏ Robart #121 Scale Retract Tail Wheel (ROBQ2210)
❏ 90 oz-in Servo (such as the Futaba S3305,

FUTM0035 for the tail wheel)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

ADHESIVES & BUILDING SUPPLIES

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies
that are required to finish the Staggerwing.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro™CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
❏ Pro 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Pro 6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ R/C Foam Rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000
❏ 3' [900mm] Standard Silicone Fuel

Tubing (GPMQ4131)

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

[2.4mm], 7/64" [2.8mm], 1/8" [3.2mm], 9/64"
[3.6mm], 5/32" [4mm], 3/16" [4.8mm]

❏ 4-40 Tap and Dr ill Set (GPMR8101)
❏ 8-32 Tap and Dr ill Set (GPMR8103)
❏ Small T-Pins (100, HCAR5100)
❏ #1 Hobby Knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Stick-On Segmented Lead Weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ Silver Solder w/Flux (GPMR8070)
❏ 21STCentury®Sealing Iron (COVR2700)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA Activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Microballoons (TOPR1090)
❏ Threadlocker Thread Loc king Cement (GPMR6060)

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES & TOOLS

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

❏ Hobbico®Duster™Compressed Air (HCAR5500)
❏ Masking Tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotary Tool (such as Dremel)
❏ Rotary Tool Reinforced Cut-Off Wheel (GPMR8020)

❏ Servo Horn Dr ill (HCAR0698)
❏ Hobby Heat

™

Micro Torch (HCAR0750)

❏ AccuThrow™Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏ CG Machine™(GPMR2400)
❏ Dead Center™Engine Mount Hole

Locator (GPMR8130)

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number

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

This is a number four screw that
is 3/4" [19mm] long with forty
threads per inch.

Socket head cap screws are designated by a
number, threads per inch and a length. For example
4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]

This is a number four screw that
is 3/4" [19mm] long with forty
threads per inch

.

• When you see the term “test fit” in the instructions, it
means that you should first position the part on the
assembly without using any glue, then slightly modify
or custom fit the part as necessar y for the best fit.

•Whenever the term “glue” is wr itten, you should rely
upon your experience to decide what type of glue to
use. When a specific type of adhesive works best for
that step, the instructions will make a recommendation.

- 4 -

• Whenever just epoxy is specified, you may use

either 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute
epoxy. When 30-minute epoxy is specified, 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 follo wing
steps to get another view of the same parts.

• The Staggerwing is factory-covered with Dark Red
Top Flite MonoKote®film (TOPQ0218 for a six foot
roll).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.

METRIC CONVERSIONS

To conv ert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Top Flite Staggerwing 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 Hobbico web site
at www.hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the
bottom of the menu on the left side of the page.
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 [phone], or via facsimile
at [phone], 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 and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1

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 at:

[phone]

[e-mail]

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Description How to purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available

Order # Description

TOPA1680 ........T op Wing w/Joiner

TOPA1681 ........Bottom Wing

TOPA1682 ........Fuselage

TOPA1683 ........Rudder w/Hinges

TOPA1684 ........Horizontal Stabilizer

TOPA1685 ........Landing Gear w/Tailwheel

TOPA1686 ........Gear Doors & Wheel Covers

w/Actuating Wires

TOPA1687 ........Cowl

TOPA1688 ........Cockpit Floor w/ Seat Backs

TOPA1689 ........Tail Cone

TOPA1690 ........Horizontal Stabilizer Tubes

TOPA1691 ........Interplane Wing Strut Mounts

TOPA1692 ........Interplane Wing Strut

TOPA1693 ........Wing Mounting Blades

.4mm = 1/64"
.8mm = 1/32"

1.6mm = 1/16"

2.4mm = 3/32"

3.2mm = 1/8"
4mm = 5/32"

4.8mm = 3/16"

6.4mm = 1/4"

9.5mm = 3/8"

12.7mm = 1/2"

15.9mm = 5/8"
19mm = 3/4"

25.4mm = 1"

50.8mm = 2"

76.2mm = 3"

152.4mm = 6"

304.8mm = 12"
381mm = 15"

457.2mm = 18"

533.4mm = 21"

609.6mm = 24"
762mm = 30"

914.4mm = 36"

- 5 -

- 6 -

KIT CONTENTS

1. Fuselage

2. Cowl

3. Tail Cone

4. Rudder

5. Stab with Elevators

6. Elevator Control Wire

7. Tail Wheel Hardware

8. Pilot

9. Fuel Tank

10. Pull-Pull Wire with Hardware

11. Spinner

12. Top Right Wing with Aileron

13. Top Left Wing with Aileron

14. Bottom Right Wing with Flap

15. Bottom Left Wing with Flap

16. Struts

17. Main Wheels

18. Seat Backs

19. T ail Wheel Doors

20. Landing Gear Doors

21. Cockpit Floor

22. Dummy Engine

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

1

2

22

11

10

12

16

9

14

17

18

19

7

5

8

13

15

20

3

6

4

5

21

- 7 -

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 Contents” section on page 6.

❏ 2.Remove the tape and separate the ailerons and

flaps from the wing and the elevators from the stab.
Use a covering iron with a covering soc k on high heat
to tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure
over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering
to the wood.

BUILD THE WING

Install the Flaps/Ailerons

Do the bottom right wing first so your work

matches the photos the first time through.

❏❏❏❏1.Drill a 3/32" [2mm] hole, 1/2" [13mm] deep

in the center of each hinge slot to allow the CA to “wick”
in. Follow-up with a #11 blade to clean out the slots.
Hint: If you have one, use a high-speed rotary tool to
drill the holes.

❏❏❏❏2. Use a shar p #11 blade to cut a strip of

covering from the hinge slots in the wing and aileron.

❏❏❏❏3. Cut sixteen 1" x 1"

[25mm x 25mm] hinges from a
CA hinge strip. Snip off the

corners so they go in easier.

Note:The following steps ref er to the installation of the
flaps/ailerons. The bottom wing of the Staggerwing
has flaps.The top wing has ailerons. If you look at the
location of the hinge slots of each you will see the
flaps are hinged off the centerline of the flap and the
aileron is hinged on the centerline.

❏❏❏❏4. Test fit the flap/aileron to the wing with

the hinges. If the hinges don’t remain centered, stick a
pin through the middle of the hinge to hold it in position.

❏❏❏❏5.Remove any pins y ou ma y hav e inserted

into the hinges. Adjust the flap / aileron so there is a
small gap between the LE of the aileron and the wing.
The gap should be small, just enough to see light
through or to slip a piece of paper through.

❏❏❏❏6.Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and

bottom of each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator.
After the CA has fully hardened, test the hinges by
pulling on the aileron.

❏ 7. Repeat steps 1- 6 for the left wing panel and the

two wing panels for the top wing.

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods

❏❏1. Glue two 5/16" x 1/2" x 11/16" [8mm x 13mm x

18mm] hardwood blocks to the servo cover. Position
the blocks so the servo fits between the blocks.

❏❏2. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the ser vo

cover into the center of the servo mounting blocks.
Install and then remove a #2 x 3/8" [10mm] wood

screw into the holes you drilled. Apply a drop of thin
CA into the holes to harden the threads.Once the glue
has cured, install the screws into the servo cover.

❏❏3. Install a 12" [305mm] ser vo extension onto

the servo lead. Secure the extension to the lead with
tape, a piece of shrink tube or some other method to
keep them from coming unplugged.

❏❏4. Place the servo onto the servo mounting

blocks.Drill through the servo mounting holes with a
1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit. Remove the servo from the
servo cover. Install and then remove a servo
mounting screw into each of the holes you have
drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to
harden the threads. Once the glue has cured, install
the servo onto the servo cover using the hardware
included with your servo. Center the servo and then
install a servo arm as shown.

❏❏5. Inside the servo bay a string is taped.Tie the

string to the servo extension. Pull the string and the
servo lead through the wing.Untie the string from the
lead and insert the lead through the small hole on the
top of the wing at the root.Tape the lead to the wing
to prevent it from falling back into the wing.

❏❏6. Place the servo cover onto the wing. The

opening for the servo arm should be pointed
towards the wingtip. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole

Did you know…

At the height of the Great
Depression, aircraft executive Walter H. Beech
and airplane designer T.A. “T ed”Wells joined forces
to collaborate on a project many considered
foolhardy—a large, powerful, and fast biplane built
specifically for the business executive. The Beech
Model 17, popularly known as the “Staggerwing,”
was first flown on November 4, 1932.

- 8 -

through each corner of the cover.Remove the cover.
Then, install and remove a #2 x 3/8" [10mm] screw
into the holes you drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into
the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue has
hardened, mount the servo cover with #2 x 3/8"
[10mm] screws and #2 flat washers.

❏❏7.Place a nylon control horn in line with the outer

hole in the servo arm. When positioned properly the
control horn will rest on a hardwood plate in the aileron.
Mark the location of the mounting holes onto the
aileron.Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole on the marks, drilling
through the plywood plate

but not

through the top of
the aileron. Insert and remove a #2 x 3/8” [10mm]
screw into each of the holes. Apply a couple drops of
thin CA into the holes to harden the threads. Once the
glue has hardened attach the horn to the aileron with
two #2 x 3/8" [10mm] screws.

❏❏8. Screw a nylon clevis onto a .074 x 6" [152mm]

threaded wire 20 turns.Slide a nylon clevis retainer onto
the clevis.Install the clevis into the second hole from the
end of the control horn.Then, slide the silicone retainer

over the cle vis. Drill a 5/64 [2mm] hole in the outer hole
of the servo arm. Center the servo and the aileron.With
a fine tip marker, mark the wire where it aligns with the
outer hole of the servo arm. Make a 90 degree bend on
the mark. Cut the wire so the wire is 3/8” [10mm] in
length after the bend.Insert the wire into the servo arm
and lock it in place with a nylon Faslink.

❏ 9. Repeat steps 1-8 for the left wing panel.

Install the Flap Servos and Pushrods

❏❏1. Glue two 5/16" x 1/2" x 11/16" [8mm x 13mm x

18mm] hardwood blocks to the servo cover. Position
the blocks so the servo fits between the blocks.

❏❏2. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the ser vo

cover into the center of the servo mounting blocks.
Install and then remove a #2 x 3/8" [10mm] wood
screw into the holes you drilled. Apply a drop of thin
CA into the holes to harden the threads.Once the glue
has cured, install the screws into the servo cover.

❏❏3.Install a 6" [152mm] servo extension onto the

servo lead. Secure the extension to the lead with
tape, a piece of shrink tube or some other method to
keep them from coming unplugged.

❏❏4. Place the servo onto the servo mounting

blocks.Drill through the servo mounting holes with a

1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit. Remove the servo from the
servo cover. Install and then remove a servo
mounting screw into each of the holes you have
drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to
harden the threads. Once the glue has cured, install
the servo onto the servo cover using the hardware
included with your servo. Center the servo and then
offset the servo arm as shown.

❏❏5. Inside the servo bay a string is taped.Tie the

string to the servo extension. Pull the string and the
servo lead through the wing.Untie the string from the
lead and insert the lead through the small hole on the
top of the wing at the root.Tape the lead to the wing
to prevent it from falling back into the wing.

❏❏6. Place the servo cover onto the wing. The

opening for the servo arm should be pointed
towards the wing root on the right wing. (When

installing the left wing the opening will be towards the
wing tip). Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through each
corner of the cover. Remove the cover. Then, install
and remove a #2 x 3/8" [10mm] screw into the holes
you drilled. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to
harden the threads. Once the glue has hardened,
mount the servo cover with #2 x 3/8" [10mm] screws
and #2 flat washers.

- 9 -

FASLINK

HORN

2-56 (.074")

PUSHROD WIRE

SERVO

❏❏7. Place a nylon control horn backwards from

what would be considered the normal mounting
position, in line with the outer hole in the servo arm.
When positioned properly the control horn will rest
on a hardwood plate in the flap.Mark the location of
the mounting holes onto the flap. Drill a 1/16"
[1.6mm] hole on the marks, drilling through the
plywood plate

but not

through the top of the flap.
Insert and remove a #2 x 3/8" [10mm] screw into
each of the holes. Apply a couple drops of thin CA
into the holes to harden the threads. Once the glue
has hardened, attach the horn to the aileron with two
#2 x 3/8" [10mm] screws.

❏❏8. Screw a nylon clevis onto a .074 x 6” [152mm]

threaded wire 20 turns.Slide a nylon clevis retainer onto
the clevis.Install the clevis into the second hole from the
end of the control horn.Then, slide the silicone retainer
over the cle vis.Drill a 5/64" [2mm] hole in the outer hole

of the servo arm. Center the servo and the flap.With a
fine tip marker, mark the wire where it aligns with the
outer hole of the servo arm. Make a 90 degree bend on
the mark. Cut the wire so the wire is 3/8" [10mm] in
length after the bend.Insert the wire into the servo arm
and lock it in place with a nylon Faslink.

❏ 9. Repeat steps 1-8 for the left wing panel.

Install the Wing Joiners

❏❏

1. Locate three aluminum wing joiners. Slide
one joiner completely into the joiner pocket of the
lower right wing. The lower wing is the shorter wing
panel with the flaps.

❏❏2.Draw a line on the joiner where it extends out of

the joiner pocket.Roughen the portion of the joiner that
extends into the joiner pocket with 80-grit sandpaper.

❏❏3. Apply 30-minute epoxy to the inside of the

joiner pocket and the roughened end of the
aluminum joiner. Insert the joiner into the joiner
pocket. Be sure to insert the joiner fully into the
pocket.Clean any excess epoxy away from the wing
and joiner with rubbing alcohol.

Did you know…

The Model 17s could achieve
a top speed of 201 miles per hour (323 kilometers
per hour), which made it faster than most military
aircraft of the era.Staggerwing’s speed also made
it the darling of the air racers of the 1930s.An early
version of Model 17 won the 1933 T exaco T r ophy

Race. In 1935, a British diplomat, Capt. H.L.
Farquhar, successfully flew around the world in a

Model B17R, traveling 21,332 miles (34,331
kilometers) from New York to London, by way of
Siberia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North
Africa and back across Europe. Aviatrices Louise

Thaden and Blanche Noyes won the 1936
Bendix Trophy Race in a Model C17R

Staggerwing.Thaden also won the Harmon Troph y
for her achievement. Aviatrix Jackie Cochran set
a women’s speed record of 203.9 mph,
established an altitude record of over 30,000 feet
(9.144 meters), and finished third in the 1937
Bendix Trophy Race, all while flying a special
Model D17W Staggerwing.

- 10 -

- 11 -

❏❏4. Using 30-minute epoxy, glue two nylon anti-

rotation dowels into the holes at the root of the wing.
Glue them in so 1/2" of the dowels extends from
the wing.

❏ 5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the other wing.

❏ 6. Test fit a 3/8" x 2-1/2" [10mm x 64mm] wood

dowel into the hole at the leading edge of the top
wing. Push it into the wing, making sure it catches in
the hole further inside of the wing. Once you are
satisfied with the fit, epoxy them in place.Repeat this
for the other wing panel.

❏ 7. Glue the remaining wing joiner into the joiner

pocket of the top left wing using the same procedure
used for installing them in the bottom wing.

Only glue

the joiner into the left wing!

Glue the remaining

nylon anti-rotation dowel in the hole in the wing root.

Attach the Wings to the Fuselage

❏ 1. Slide the bottom wing panels into the sides of

the fuselage.Install a 6-32 x 1/4" [6mm] socket head
cap screw into the threaded holes on the bottom of
the fuselage. Push the wing tight to the fuselage.
Then, tighten the screw against the wing joiner.

Did you know…

The Model 17’s unusual wing
configuration—the upper wing inversely staggered
behind the lower—and unique shape resulted in a
design that maximized the pilot’s visibility while
minimizing the aircraft’s tendency to stall.The fabric­covered fuselage was faired with wood formers and
stringers. The Staggerwing’s use of retractable
conventional landing gear, uncommon at that time,
combined with streamlining, reducing the weight of
the materials, and its use of powerful radial engines
ranging from 225 to 710 horsepower produced an
aircraft with impressive performance.

❏ 2. Slide the two top wings together.On the bottom

of the right wing you will see a threaded hole. Install
a 6-32 socket head cap screw into the hole. Make
sure the wings are tight against each other and then
tighten the screw against the wing joiner.

❏ 3. Install the top wing onto the top of the fuselage.

Secure the wing to the fuselage with two
1/4-20 x 2" [50mm] nylon wing bolts.

Install the Struts

❏ 1. On the top of the bottom wing and the bottom of

the top wing locate the pinholes that the manufacturer
made in the MonoKote film. Cut the covering on the
pinholes to reveal the 4-40 blind nuts pre-installed in
the wing. Install a metal bracket in each of the holes
with a 4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] socket head cap screw,
#4 flat washer and #4 lock washer .Do this for both the
left and right wings.

❏ 2. Slide the struts in place for both the left and right

wings.When positioning them the trailing edge of the
strut should be just in front of the hinge line for the flap.

❏ 3. When you are satisfied with the positioning of

the struts, mark the location of the holes from the
bracket onto the strut. Drill a pilot hole through the
marks with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill. Then, drill through
the pilot hole with a 1/8" [3mm] bit.

- 12 -

❏ 4. Mount the strut to the bracket with a 4-40 x 1/2"

[13mm] Philips head screw, flat washer and 4-40
nylon lock nut. Do this for all four holes. Repeat this
for the other wing.

❏ 5. Remove the wings before moving on to the

next section.

BUILD THE FUSELAGE

Install the Stabilizers, Elevators
and Rudder

❏ 1. Slide the two aluminum stab tubes into the

back of the fuselage. The longer of the tubes goes
into the rear-most hole.

❏ 2. Slide the stabs onto the tubes, making sure that

they slide on and fit tight to the fuselage.When you
are satisfied with the fit, remove the stabs. Then
roughen the fuselage with 80-grit sandpaper where
the stab meets with the fuselage.

❏ 3. Apply epoxy to the root of each stab and the

fuselage side you roughed up.Slide the stabs onto the
aluminum tubes, pressing them firmly against the stab.
Hold the stabs tight to the fuselage with masking tape.

❏ 4. Test fit the joiner and the right elevator to the

stab, making sure that the elevator control arm is
inside of the fuselage. Epoxy the wing joiner to the
right elevator.

- 13 -

❏ 5. Cut nine 1" x 1" [25mm x 25mm] hinges from a

CA hinge strip. Insert three hinges into the elevator.
If the hinges don’t remain centered, stick a pin
through the middle of the hinge to hold it in position.
Slide the hinges into the elevator

❏ 6. Remove any pins you may have inserted into

the hinges.Adjust the elevator so there is a small gap
between the LE of the elevator and the stab.The gap
should be small, just enough to see light through or
to slip a piece of paper through. Apply six drops of
thin CA to the top and bottom of each hinge. Do not
use CA accelerator.After the CA has fully hardened,
test the hinges by pulling on the elevator.

❏ 7.Install three hinges into the left elevator.Test fit the

elevator to the stab, making sure you fit the elevator

joiner into the hole in the leading edge of the elevator.
Once you are satisfied with the fit, apply epoxy into the
hole in the leading edge of the left elevator and then
slide the hinges into the stab. Secure the hinges with
thin CA the same as was done with the right elevator.

❏ 8. Glue the rudder control horn into the rudder

with epoxy.When gluing it into the rudder be sure to
glue the end of the wire

without the threads

into the
rudder. Allow the glue to completely harden before
moving on to the next step.

❏ 9. Install three hinges into the rudder the same as

was done with the elev ator .Insert the end of the rudder
control horn into the hole in the top of the fuselage.
Thread the nylon clevis link onto the threaded end of
the rudder control wire. Guide the hinges into the
vertical fin.Once satisfied with the fit, apply six drops of
thin CA to the top and bottom of each hinge.

- 14 -