Top Flite A1005 INSTRUCTION BOOK

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, T op 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 pr oduct,the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately

in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

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

READ THROUGH THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK FIRST. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

TOPZ9300 for TOPA1005 V1.0

Entire Contents © Copyright 2003

Wingspan: 50.5 in [1,285mm]
Wing Area: 500 sq in [32.2 dm2]
Weight: 42 – 50 oz [1,190 – 1,420g]
Wing Loading: 12 – 14 oz/sq ft

[37 – 43 g/dm

2

]

Length: 38.5 in [980mm] (tip of rudder

to tip of spinner)

Engine: .35 – .46 cu in [5.5 – 7.5cc]

2-stroke glow

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . 2

ENGINE & LINE RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . 3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Hardware & Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Adhesives & Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Covering Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS. . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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

Hinge the Flaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Make the Flap Pushrod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Join the Flaps to the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Finish the Wing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Prepare the Stab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Make the Elevator Pushrod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Mount the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Join the Wing & Stab to the Fuselage . . . . . . 13

Join the Fin & Tail Wheel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Mount the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Mount the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Mount the Cowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

FINAL DETAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Mount the Canopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Apply the Decals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Wing Tip Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Balance the Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Engine Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Control Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . 19

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Control Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Flying Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Preflight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the
Top Flite Control Line Nobler ARF. Originally
designed and flown by the legendary George
Aldrich in the 1950’s, the Nobler is now recognized
as one of the most popular and successful control
line stunt models of all time. While studying the
Nobler’s histor y, it was revealed just how much of a
control line legend the late Mr. Aldrich is. Much of
the fun, success and satisfaction control line pilots
enjoy today can be directly attributed to Mr. Aldrich
and his Nobler. And now, Top Flite merges the past
with the present by bringing this old-time favorite
back to life–only in ARF form. Reincarnated from
original Top Flite plans, the Nobler ARF is a perfect
way to get into beginner stunt flying without the
initial time and money commitment required for
today’s kit-built stunters. And if you plan to just
dabble in control line, the Nobler ARF has the
perfect blend of maneuverability and stability to get
you into the air with minimal assistance from an
experienced flyer.

Note: The Top Flite Nobler ARF pictured on the kit
box cover features a Great Planes 1-3/4" [45mm]
aluminum spinner (not included). However, serious
stunt pilots who wish to reduce the model’s overall
weight should use a lightweight plastic spinner, thus
reducing the amount of tail-weight that would be
required to offset an aluminum spinner.

1.Your Top Flite Nobler ARF should not be considered
a toy, but rather a working model that functions like a
full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Nobler 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 unflyable 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 lines that are in first-class condition,
and a correctly sized engine and components
throughout the building process.

5. You must correctly install all pushrods 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.

7. If you are not already an experienced control line
pilot, you should fly the model only with the help of a
competent, experienced control line pilot.

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, the modeler is responsible for
taking steps to reinforce the high stress points.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,

YOURSELF & OTHERS

FOLLO W THESE IMPORT ANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

- 2 -

9. WARNING: The cowl included in this kit is made of
fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause eye, skin and
respiratory tract irritation. Ne v er blo w into an y fiberglass
part to remove fiberglass 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 any fiberglass part and thoroughly vacuum
the part and work area afterward.

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

If you have not flown a control line stunt model before,
we recommend that you get the assistance of an
experienced pilot in your 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.

In addition to joining a control line club, we strongly
recommend you join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics). AMA membership is required to fly at
AMA sanctioned clubs.Among other benefits, the AMA
provides insurance to its members who fly at
sanctioned sites and events. Additionally, training
programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. Contact the
AMA at the following address or toll-free phone number:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org

ENGINE & LINE

RECOMMENDATIONS

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Hardware & Accessories

In addition to the engine, lines, handle and
connectors previously listed, following is the list of
hardware and accessories required to finish the Top
Flite Control Line Nobler ARF. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

❏ 3' [900mm] Standard silicone fuel tubing

(GPMQ4131)

❏ Aluminum fuel line plug (GPMQ4166)
❏ 1-3/4" [45mm] White spinner (GPMQ4505)

-or-

❏ 1-3/4" [45mm] Aluminum spinner (GPMQ4551)

and appropriate adapter (GPMQ4581 for O.S.
MAX LA and other engines with 1/4-28
crankshaft thread)

❏ 1/4" [6mm] White striping tape (GPMQ1610)
❏ 1/16" [2mm] White striping tape (GPMQ1580)

Adhesives & Building Supplies

In addition to common hobby tools and household
tools, this is the “short list” of the most important
items required to build the Top Flite Nobler ARF.

Great Planes®Pro™CA and Epoxy glue are

recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏Threadlocker™thread-locking cement

(GPMR6060)

❏ Silver solder w/flux (GPMR8070)
❏ RTV silicone (for mounting fuel tank)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (5-pack HCAR0211, or 100-pack

HCAR0311)

❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 1/8"

[3.2mm], 9/64" [3.6mm]

❏ 1/8" [3.2mm] K&S brass tube or 1/8" [3.2mm] dril l
❏ Small metal file
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel®with cutting/grinding

assortment (for cutting holes in fiberglass cowl)

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏Top Flite Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Sandpaper assortment

A .35-.46 cu in [5.5-7.5cc] two-stroke glow
engine is recommended for the Top Flite Nobler
ARF. Our test models performed superbly with
the O.S.®MAX .40 LA-S and a Top Flite 11 x 4
Power Point®wood prop. This combination
provided good line-tension and lap times on 60'
lines. A .46 engine could be used as well, but
expect faster speeds with this setup. For most
engines, .015" [.38mm] multi-strand lines are
recommended, but .018" [.46mm] multi-strand
lines are recommended if flying with a .46

engine.

#132 U156 .015" x 60' [.38mm x 18m] lines
(SULP2632)
#135 U186 .018" x 60' [.46mm x 18m] lines
(SULP2635)
#136 U187 .018" x 70' [.46 x 21.3m] lines
(SULP2639)

#166 IJ1 Standard handle (SULP2866)
#148 80 lb. [36kg] test line connectors
(SULP2948–pkg. of 2)

Note: We , as the kit manuf acturer, provide 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.

- 3 -

Optional Supplies & Tools

These are some of the items used while building the
Nobler that are not absolutely necessary, but are
mentioned in the manual.

❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic

parts (HCAR0667)

❏ Milled fiberglass (GPMR6165)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏ K & S #801 Kevlar®thread (for stab alignment,

K+SR4575)

❏ Hobby Heat™micro torch (HCAR0750)
❏ Dead Center™Engine Mount Hole Locator

(GPMR8130)

❏ CG Machine™(GPMR2400)
❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer™(TOPQ5700)
❏ Prop Reamer (GPMQ5005)

Covering T ools

❏ 21st Century®(COVR2700) or Top Flite

MonoKote®sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏ 21st Century (COVR2702) or Top Flite Hot Sock

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

Note: 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-

flite.com

and click on “Technical Data.” Due to
manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way the model will fly, there may be
slight deviations between your model and the
published values.

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inv entory 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 on page 5.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone]

Fax:[phone]

E-mail:

[e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Top Flite offers replacement parts for all of its
models. However, due to the nature of the Nobler
ARF and the fact that it is essentially a “one-piece”
model, fuselage and wing kits are not offered
separately. The only replacement parts offered are
the cowl (TOPA1300) and canopy (TOPA1301).
Replacement parts are not available from Product
Support, but can be purchased from hobby shops or
mail order/Internet order firms. Hardware items
(screws, nuts, bolts) are also available from these
outlets. If you need assistance locating a dealer to
purchase parts, visit www.greatplanes.com and
click on “Where to Buy.” If this kit is missing parts,
contact Product Support.

Note: Full-size plans are not available for the
Nobler ARF.

The Top Flite Control Line Nobler ARF is factory
covered with Top Flite MonoKote Sapphire blue
film (6' [1.8m] roll–TOPQ0226). 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.

- 4 -

- 5 -

PARTS PHOTOGRAPHED

1. Flaps

2. Wing

3. Hor izontal Stabilizer with
Elevators

4. Fuselage

5. Belly Pan

6. Ver tical Stabilizer (Fin) with
Rudder

7. Fiberglass Cowl

8. Canopy

9. Main Landing Gear (2)

10. 2-1/2" [65mm] Main Wheels (2)

11. Tail Gear Wire

12. Tail Wheel

13. Fuel Tank

14. Joiner Wires (2)

PARTS NOT PHOTOGRAPHED

(2) 4-40 x 17-1/2" [445mm] Pushrods
(2) 4-40 Threaded Metal Clevises
(1) Non-threaded Metal Clevis
(2) 4-40 x 1-1/2" [38mm] Phillips Head Screws

(wing mounting)

(4) 4-40 x 1" [25mm] Socket Head Cap Screws

(engine mounting)

(6) 4-40 Blind Nuts (2-wing mounting, 4-engine

mounting)

(6) #4 Flat Washers (2-wing mounting, 4-engine

mounting)

(4) #4 Lock Washers (engine mounting)
(2) 4-40 Nuts (for pushrods)
(4) 1/8" [3mm] Wheel Collars (main wheels)
(1) 3/32" [2mm] Wheel Collar (tail wheel)
(5) 6-32 Set Screws (wheel collars)
(4) #2 x 1/2" [13mm] Screws (landing gear straps)
(6) #2 x 1/4" [6mm] Screws (cowl)
(2) Nylon Straps (main landing gear)
(14) Hinges
(3) Silicone Clevis Retainers
(1) Bellcrank w/leadouts (factory installed)
(1) 1/4" x 1/2" x 5" [6 x 12 x 130mm] Balsa Stick

(fuel tank mounting)

(1) 1" x 1-1/2" [26 x 38mm] Plywood Wing Bolt Plate
(1) Decal Sheet.

KIT CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

13

12

9

6

1

10

10

11

14

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" long [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" long [19mm]

This is a number four screw that is 3/4" [19.1mm]
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 written 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 tell y ou what
glue is recommended.

•

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-minut e
(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 y ou can study photos in
following steps to get another view of the same parts.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Hinge the Flaps

❏ 1. Mark the flaps as “right” and “left” before

removing them from the wing (the right flap is about
3/4" [20mm] shorter than the left flap).

❏ 2. Separate the flaps from the wing by peeling off

the tape.Any glue left from the tape can be removed
with naphtha lighter fluid or denatured alcohol.

❏3.Cut and remove the covering from the top of the

wing over the bellcrank opening and the pushrod
exit. Also cut the covering from the opening in the
bottom of the wing directly under the bellcrank screw .

❏ 4. Use a covering iron with a covering sock to

remove any wrinkles in the covering on the wing and
flaps. The best way is to glide the iron over the
covering until the wrinkles disappear, and then go
over the area again pushing down to bond the
covering to the wood. If the wrinkles don’t go away,
the balsa in that area may be bending inward. If this
is happening, do not press down on the iron in that
area. 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 degrees F.

❏ 5. Using a bar sander or a sanding block with

medium-grit sandpaper, remove any raised molding
imperfections and roughen the gluing surface of all
the hinges so glue will adhere.

- 6 -

❏ 6. Test fit the hinges in the hinge slots in the wing

and flaps. If necessary, use a hobby knife or a small
razor saw blade to enlarge any hinge slots that are
too tight.

❏ 7. Without using any glue temporarily join both

flaps to the wing with eight hinges. Use a #11 hobby

blade to cut a small slit in the wing and flap on both
sides of all the hinges.These slits will mark the ends
of the hinge slots.

❏8.Remove the flaps from the wing and tak e out the

hinges.Cut a small “V-notch”between the slits cut in
the flaps only to accommodate the pin portion of the

hinges.This will allow the flaps to fit close to the

wing.

❏ 9. Cut a small str ip of covering between the slits

you cut over each hinge slot in the wing.

❏ 10. Without using any glue temporarily rejoin the

flaps to the wing with the hinges. There should be
little or no hinge gap and the flaps should move up
and down freely. Make adjustments where necessary
to close the hinge gaps.

Make the Flap Pushrod
❏1.Bend and cut the flap pushrod as shown in the

full-size drawing on the back cover page from a 4-40
x 17-1/2" [445mm] threaded one-end pushrod.
Thread a 4-40 nut followed by a clevis onto the
pushrod.

❏2.Use a 7mm socket wrench or needle nose pliers

to loosen, but do not remove , the 4mm nut on the top
of the wing that secures the bellcrank.Guide the flap
pushrod through the exit slot in the top of the wing.
Then lift the bellcrank and fit the pushrod up through
the middle hole. Tighten the nut. Make sure the
pushrod and bellcrank operate freely.

- 7 -

❏ 3. Test fit one of the metal clevises in the holes in

both control hornson both joiner wires. If the clevis
pins don’t go in, enlarge the holes in the joiner wires
with a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill. Clean the joiner

wires with

denatured alcohol, and then thoroughly

roughen them

with coarse sandpaper so epoxy will adhere.

❏ 4. Temporarily connect the clevis on the flap

pushrod to the top hole in the control horn on one of
the joiner wires. Position the joiner wire so the
pushrod is centered in the exit slot in the wing.Then
mark the location of the joiner wire onto the flaps.

❏ 5. Use a 1/8" [3.2mm] brass tube shar pened on

the end or a 1/8" [3.2mm] drill to drill holes into the
flaps in alignment with the marks that note the
location of the joiner wire.

❏ 6. Use a 1/8" [3.2mm] brass tube shar pened on

the end or a hobby knife to cut g rooves in the leading
edge of the flaps to accommodate the wire.

❏ 7. Test fit both flaps to the joiner wire. View the

trailing edges of the flaps from the end of the wing.
See if the flaps are parallel with each other (have the
same “up” and “down”). If necessary, “tweak” the
joiner wire to align the flaps.

❏ 8.Test fit the flaps to the wing with the joiner wire.

Cut a half-round notch in the trailing edge of the wing
to accommodate the solder joint and the control horn
during maximum flap deflection. Make certain
nothing interferes with full, smooth flap movement.
Make adjustments where necessary.

Join the Flaps to the Wing

❏ 1. Remove the flaps, hinges and joiner wire from

the wing. Carefully apply a small dab of petroleum
jelly or small drop of oil to the pivot points on the
hinges to keep epoxy from getting into the hinge joint
and jamming up the hinges.

❏ 2. Lay two or three paper towels on top of each

other.Cut the stack into small squares by cutting the
stack into four, equal-width strips. Cut the strips into
four equal squares. These paper towel squares will
come in handy throughout the building project (and
save you from wasting whole paper towels!).

One flap at a time will be glued to the wing…

- 8 -