Top Flite A1020 INSTRUCTION BOOK

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.

TOPZ1020 for TOPA1020 V1.0

Entire Contents © Copyright 2006

™

Wingspan: 56.5 in [1435 mm]

Wing Area: 677 sq in [43.7 dm

2

]

Weight: 60-70 oz [1700-1985g]

Wing Loading: 12.8-14.8 oz/sq ft

[39-45 g/dm

2

]

Length: 46 in [1170 mm]

Engine: .40-.51 cu in [6.5-8.4cc]

2-stroke glow control line

WARRANTY.....T op 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 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 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ENGINE & LINE RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . 3

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

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

Optional Supplies & Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Install the Flaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Install Flap Linkage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE T AIL SECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install Elevators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install Elevator Linkage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

FINISH THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Test Fit Wing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install Belly Pan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Attach Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

LANDING GEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Assemble Main Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Assemble Tail Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Mount the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Assemble and Install the Fuel Tank . . . . . . 11

FINISH THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Cowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Canopy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Apply the Decals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . 13

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Wing Tip Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

PREFLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Balance Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Engine Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Control Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Adjust Leadouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . 15

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

FLYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Flying Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Preflight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

AMA STUNT MANEUVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations and thank you f or purchasing the Top

Flite Control Line Score ARF.The Score is capable of

performing all AMA stunt maneuvers; however, it is

also a plane that’s suitable even for relative

newcomers to control line flight. The pre-covered

Score assembles quickly and easily with a bolt-on

wing and stabilizer.Access hatches in the tail section

allow elevator control throw adjustment at the field,

and a removable wing tip weight access hatch allows

you to add or subtract tip weight between flights to

fine tune the model. The leadouts can even be

adjusted by a quick turn of a screwdriver. Whether

flown casually or in competition, the Score is sure to

provide you with impressive control line performance.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections

to the Score Precision Control Line ARF visit the Top

Flite web site at www.top-flite.com. Open the

“Airplanes” link, then select the Score Precision

Control Line 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.

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.

AMA

In addition to joining a control line club, we strongly

recommend you join the AMA (Academy of Model

Aeronautics). 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 country.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: http://www.modelaircraft.org

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,

YOURSELF & OTHERS

FOLLO W THESE IMPORT ANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1.Your Score Precision Control Line 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 Score Precision Control Line 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 unfly able 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.Y ou 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.

- 2 -

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. 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 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, 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.WARNING:The cowl and wheel pants included in

this model 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 safety 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.

Before starting to build, compare the parts in this kit

with the Parts List and note any missing parts. Also

inspect all parts to make sure they are of acceptable

quality. If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or

if you have any questions about building or flying this

airplane, please contact Top Flite at the address or

telephone number below. If requesting replacement

parts, please provide the full kit name (Score Precision

Control Line ARF) and the part numbers as listed in the

Parts List.

Top Flite Product Support:

3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

E-mail:

[e-mail]

ENGINE & LINE

RECOMMENDATIONS

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

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 Score Precision Control

Line ARF. Great Planes

®

Pro

™

CA and Epoxy glue

are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15 g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)

❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏ R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)

❏ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

❏ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

❏ Drill bits: #54 [1.4 mm], 1/16" [1.6 mm],

3/32" [2.4 mm]

❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

❏ Small metal file

❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel with cutting/grinding

assortment (for cutting holes in fiberglass cowl)

❏ Denatured alcohol

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you to

build the Score Precision Control Line ARF.

❏ 2 oz. [57 g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)

❏ 4 oz. [113 g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)

❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏ Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming

plastic parts (HCAR0667)

❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole

Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏ Prop Reamer (GPMQ5005)

A .40-.51 cu in [6.5-8.4 cc] two-stroke glow engine

is recommended for the Top Flite Score Precision

Control Line ARF. Our test models performed

superbly with the O.S.

®

Max .46 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 .51 engine could be used as

well, but expect faster speeds with this setup.For

most engines, .015" [.38 mm] multi-strand lines

are recommended, but .018" [.46 mm] multi-

strand lines are recommended if flying with a .46

or .51 engine.

#132 .015" x 60' [.38 mm x 18 m] lines (SULP2632)

#135 .018" x 60' [.46 mm x 18 m] lines (SULP2635)

#166 Standard handle (SULP2866)

#148 80 lb.[36 kg] test lie connectors (SULP2948)

We, as the kit manuf acturer , provide y ou with a top

quality, thoroughly tested kit and instr uctions, 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 -

- 4 -

PARTS PHOTOGRAPHED

1. Fuselage

2. Cowl

3. Canopy

4. Fuel Tank Hatch Door

5. Hor izontal Stabilizer

w/Elevators

6. Wing w/Flaps

7. Spinner

8. Fuel Tank w/Hardware

9. Wheel Pants

10. Landing Gear

11. Elevator Control Horn

Access Hatch

12. Tail Wheel

13. Tailgear Wire

14. Elevator and Flap

Joiner Wires

15. Engine Mount Halves

16. Main Wheels

17. Steel Shot

PARTS NOT PHOTOGRAPHED

(1) Wing Tip Weight Hatch Access Door

(2) Nylon Tie Straps 395 mm

(14) 2 x 10 mm Self-Tapping Washer Head Screws

(23) 2 x 6 mm Self-Tapping Washer Head Screws

(5) 2 mm Nuts

(3) Silicone Clevis Retainers

(10) 3 mm Washers

(6) 3 x 25 mm Socket Head Machine Screws

(7) Nylon Landing Gear Straps

(3) 2 mm Steel Clevises

(4) 4 mm Blind Nuts

(6) 4 mm Washers

(2) 4 x 55 mm Machine Screws

(4) 4 x 20 mm Machine Screws

(4) 4 mm Lock Washers

(1) CA Hinge Strip

(1) 2 mm Wheel Collar

(4) 4 mm Wheel Collars

(5) 3 mm Set Screws

(1) 3 x 6 mm Machine Screw

(1) 305 mm Silicone Fuel Tubing

(4) 3 mm Nylon Locknuts

(2) Wing Dowels

(1) Aluminum Pushrod

(2) Pushrod Wires

(2) Landing Gear Retainer Plates

KIT CONTENTS

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

9

7

2

1

8

10

15

16

4

6

17

3

14

13

5

11

12

- 5 -

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Install Flaps

❏ 1. Carefully remove the tape holding the flaps to

the wing panels. Cut the covering from the control

line bellcrank access hole as well as the flap joiner

wire groove located in the center of the wing trailing

edge. If necessary, trim the covering from the two

wing bolt holes.

❏ 2. Cut the included 2" x 9" [51 x 229 mm] CA hinge

strip into 3/4" x 1" [19 x 25 mm] hinges as shown in

the drawing. Clip the corners of each hinge to allow

them to fit in the hinge slots easier.

❏ 3. Locate the holes and slots for the flap joiner

wire at the inside leading edge of both flaps and trim

the covering away. Temporarily install CA hinges

halfway into each of the pre-cut hinge slots in the

flaps.Test fit the flap joiner wire (the larger of the two

included joiner wires) into the joiner wire holes with

the control horn pointing up.

❏ 4. Temporarily attach the flaps to the wing by

sliding the CA hinges into their matching pre-cut

slots.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”, or bend the joiner to align the flaps.Be sure

to remove the joiner wire from the flaps before

attempting to bend it.

❏ 5. Remove the hinges and trim the covering from

the pre-cut CA hinge slots both on the wing and the

flaps. Drill a 3/32" [2.4 mm] hole into the center of

each hinge slot.

❏ 6. Insert the hinges into the slots in both flaps.Use

a T-pin to help keep the hinges centered in the slots

during assembly.

❏ 7. Roughen up the por tions of the joiner wire that

fit into the flaps with sandpaper. Clean the wire with

denatured alcohol. Mix a small batch approximately

7.5 cc [1/4 oz] of 30-minute epoxy. Use a piece of

wire or a toothpick to apply epoxy to the holes and

grooves in the flaps for the joiner wire. Coat the

matching halves of the joiner wire with epoxy, and

then insert it into the flaps. Join the flaps to the wing

by inserting the hinges into their mating slots in the

wing. Apply thin CA to the center of the hinges on

both sides. The hinges will secure the flaps in place

while the epoxy on the joiner wire cures.Wipe away

any excess epoxy with alcohol.

Install Flap Linkage

❏ 1.Thread a 2 mm nut, silicone clevis retainer, and

a metal clevis onto the flap pushrod wire.

❏ 2. Feed the bent end of the pushrod wire through

the cutout in the sheeting near the trailing edge of the

wing. Connect the pushrod to the outer hole on the

control line bellcrank.

❏ 3. With the bellcrank in the center position, adjust

the clevis until the flaps are neutral when the clevis is

connected to the middle hole on the flap joiner control

horn. Slide the silicone clevis retainer onto the clevis,

add threadlocking compound to the pushrod threads,

and tighten the 2 mm nut against the clevis to secure

it into place.

ASSEMBLE THE T AIL SECTION

Install Elevators

❏

1. Trim the covering from the two mounting holes

on the horizontal stabilizer and the elevator joiner

wire groove located in the center of the stab trailing

edge. As you did with the wing and flaps, trim the

covering from the pre-cut CA hinge slots both on the

stabilizer and the elevators.

❏ 2. Locate the holes and slots for the elevator joiner

wire at the inside leading edge of both elevators and

trim the covering away. Temporarily install CA hinges

halfway into each of the pre-cut hinge slots in the

elevators .Test fit the elevator joiner wire into the joiner

wire holes with the control horn pointing down.

❏ 3.T empor arily attach the ele vators to the stabilizer

by sliding the CA hinges into their matching pre-cut

slots.View the trailing edges of the elev ators from the

end of the stab. See if the elevators are parallel with

each other (have the same “up” and “down”). If

necessary, “tweak” the joiner to align them. Remove

the joiner wire from the elevators to do this.

- 6 -