Top Flite A1025 INSTRUCTION BOOK

Top Flite Models Champaign, IL
Ph: [phone], Ext. 5
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

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.

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

Entire Contents © 2012 Hobbico, Inc. TOPA1025 Mnl

Hobby Services

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

Technical Assistance Call

[phone]

[e-mail]

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wing Area: 329 sq in [ 21.2 dm

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

Length:

Radio: 4 channel

Motor: RimFire .10

36 in [915mm]

27– 30 oz [765 – 850 g]

11.8 – 13.1 oz/sq ft
[36– 40 g/dm

34.5 in [875mm]

2

]

2

]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

Power Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Charger Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . 3

Covering Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

MODEL INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

Mount the Aileron Servos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Install the Nose Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . 4

INTRODUCTION

The original Top Flite Contender kit was introduced over

forty years ago. By popular demand, thirteen years ago
the Contender kit was re-introduced following today’s
high quality kit standards. With the advancements in
electric powered planes, we now bring you the new
Electric Powered Mini Contender EP ARF. With the
traditional looks of the original Contender and the quiet,
clean power of electrics, we think you will be impressed
with the performance of the Mini Contender EP ARF.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections
to the Mini Contender EP ARF visit the Top Flite web
site at www.top-fl ite.com. Open the “Airplanes” link,
then select the Mini Contender EP 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.

Install the Motor and ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Cowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . 13

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . 13

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Radio Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please
join! The AMA is the governing body of model aviation
and membership provides liability insurance coverage,
protects modelers’ rights and interests and is required
to fl y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Ph. [phone]
Fx [phone]

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

IMPORTANT!!! Tw o 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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF AND

OTHERS... FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Mini Contender EP 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 Mini Contender EP 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 motor, 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 model 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 a motor larger

than one that is recommended 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.

2

We, as the manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested ARF 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
Mini Contender EP ARF that may require planning
or decision making before starting to build. Order
numbers are provided in parentheses.

POWER RECOMMENDATIONS

The plane has been designed to use the RimFire .10,

Silver Series SS-25 ESC, APC 9x6E prop and 11.1V

1800mAh to 2200mAh LiPo battery.

❍ (1) RimFire™ .10 (GPMG4595)
❍ (1) Silver Series SS-25 (GPMM1820)
❍ (1) APC 9 6E propeller (APCQ4118)
❍ (1) Great Planes® Power Series LiPo 1800mAh

11.1V 25C discharge w/balance plug (GPMP0515)

❍ (1) ElectriFly® Plug-and-Play LiPo 1800mAh 11.1V

30C discharge w/balance plug (GPMP0855)

❍ (1) ElectriFly Plug-and-Play LiPo 2200mAh 11.1V

30C discharge w/balance plug (GPMP0861)

RADIO EQUIPMENT

The Mini Contender EP ARF requires a 4-channel

radio with four Micro Servos with at least 21oz-in.
[1.5kg-cm] of torque.

❍ (4) Futaba® S3114 Micro High Torque Servo

(FUTM0414)

❍ (1) 6" [152mm] Y-harness for ailerons

(FUTM4130)

❍ (4) 6" [152mm] Servo extension (FUTM4506)

CHARGER RECOMMENDATIONS

❍ Great Planes PolyCharge4™ DC 4 Output LiPo

Charger (GPMM3015)

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton™ JR DC

Computer Charger (GPMM3152)

When using the PolyCharge 4 or the Triton JR we highly
recommend using an Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer
(GPMM3160)

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton EQ AC/DC

Charger (GPMM3155)

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2™ EQ AC/DC

Charger (GPMM3156)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

ADHESIVES AND BUILDING SUPPLIES

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies

that are required to fi nish the Mini Contender EP ARF

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

❍ 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)

❍ Masking tape (TOPR8018)

❍ Paper Towels

❍ Drill

❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], #55 [1.3mm], 3/32"

[2.4mm]

❍ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

❍ #1 Hobby knife (RMXR6903)

❍ #11 blades (5-pack, RMXR6930)

❍ Phillips head screwdriver

❍ Crescent wrench

❍ 3/32", 2.5mm Hex wrench

3

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)

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES AND TOOLS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual
that will help you build the Mini Contender EP ARF

❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ 36" metal ruler (HCAR0475)
❍ Hobbico® High Precision Diagonal Cutter 5"

(HCAR0630)

❍ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)
❍ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)
❍ AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❍ Williams Brothers 1/8 Pilot Bust Kit (WBRQ1090)

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 Mini Contender EP 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.

White (TOPQ0204) True Red (TOPQ0227)

● The stabilizer and wing incidences and motor 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 Ph: [phone]
Champaign, IL 61822 Fx: [phone]

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

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 [phone], 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.

CONTENTS

6

5

7

1

If additional assistance is required for any reason
contact Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@
top-fl ite.com, or by telephone at [phone].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

TOPA1900

TOPA1901

TOPA1902

TOPA1903

TOPA1904

TOPA1905

TOPA1906

TOPA1907

8

9

10

12

2

Wing

Fuselage

Tail Surfaces

Cowl

Canopy

Landing Gear

Decals

Spinner

11

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Top Flite Mini Contender
EP 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.

1. Fuselage

2. Wing

3. Fin & Rudder

4. Stabilizer & Elevator

5. Decal

13

6. Cowl

7. Motor Mount

8. Compartment Cover

9. Spinner

10. Wing Bolt

4

3

14

11. Lower Fin

12. Wing Dowels

13. Hook & Loop

14. Elevator Joiner Wire

15. Wheels

15

4

20

16

19

16. Main Landing Gear

17. Nose Gear

18. Nose Gear Block

19. Steering Arm

20. Pushrods

18

17

ASSEMBLE THE WING

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

❏

sock to go over the wing 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 or T-pin to puncture several holes in the
covering, then reheat. The suggested iron temperature
is around 360 degrees F.

2. Carefully pull the string from the aileron servo

❏ ❏

opening and tie it to the end of the servo extension.

3. Pull the aileron servo lead through the wing

❏ ❏

and out of the opening on the top of the wing.

of thin CA in each screw hole. After the CA has cured,
reinstall the aileron servo and screws.

5. Install a servo arm on the aileron servo so

❏ ❏

that it is perpendicular to the centerline of the servo.
Remove the three unused arms.

6. Use a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit to enlarge the

❏ ❏

hole 5/16" [8mm] from the center of the servo arm.

MOUNT THE AILERON SERVOS

1. Connect a 6" [152mm] servo extension to

❏ ❏

one of the aileron servos. Secure the extension to
the servo lead with a piece of heat shrink or electrical
tape (not included).

4. Use a #55 drill bit or small T-pin to drill pilot

❏ ❏

holes for the servo mounting screws. Mount the aileron
in the wing with two #2 x 1/4" [2 x 6mm] sheet metal
screws. Remove the screws and servo. Apply a drop

5

7. Thread a nylon clevis 20 turns onto the 2-56 x

❏ ❏

4-7/16" [110mm] metal pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis
keeper over the nylon clevis.

8. Connect the nylon clevis in the enlarged hole

❏ ❏

of the servo arm.