Tower Hobbies Tower Trainer 40 ARF Assembly Instructions Manual
WARRANTY
Tower Hobbies®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 Tower Hobbies' liability exceed the original
cost of the purchased kit. Further, Tower Hobbies reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Tower Hobbies 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 buyers are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, they are advised to return this kit
immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WINGSPAN: 60 IN.
LENGTH: 50 IN.
WING AREA: 660 SQ. IN.
WEIGHT: 5.5 LBS.
WING LOADING: 19.2 OZ./SQ. FT.
© Copyright 2000 V1.0
™
ALMOST READY-TO-FLY RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL AIRPLANE
TOWZ1149 for TOWA1100
Page
INTRODUCTION.......................................................2
PRECAUTIONS...........................................................2
SUGGESTED TOOLS & SUPPLIES ..............................2
ACCESSORIES REQUIRED TO COMPLETE
YOUR T OWER TRAINER 40 .......................................3
ENGINE SELECTION ..................................................3
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS............................3
TOWER TRAINER GUARANTEE .................................3
PARTS LIST.................................................................4
WING ASSEMBL Y.......................................................5
FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY ................................................7
LANDING GEAR INSTALLATION ............................10
FUEL TANK INSTALLA TION.....................................11
ENGINE INSTALLATION..........................................12
RADIO INSTALLATION............................................13
RADIO SYSTEM SET-UP ...........................................17
BALANCE YOUR MODEL.........................................18
PREP ARING TO FL Y YOUR T OWER
TRAINER 40 .............................................................19
AMA SAFETY CODE.................................................20
FL YING YOUR T OWER TRAINER 40 ........................20
SOME MODELING TERMS & TRIVIA .......................22
Congratulations! You’re about to build in a few days what took
pioneers years - a powered machine that flies. Specially created for
you and other first-time radio control modelers, the Tower Hobbies
Tower Trainer 40 ARF offers nearly all the excitement of piloting a
real airplane...and develops skills that will take you anywhere you
want in your new hobby.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS
FOLLOW THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION
Your Tower Trainer .40 is not a toy, but rather a sophisticated,
working model that functions very much like a full size airplane.
Because of its realistic performance, the Tower Trainer .40, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to
yourself or spectators and damage property.
To make your R/C modeling experience totally enjoyable, we
recommend that you get experienced, knowledgeable help with
assembly and during your first flights. You’ll learn faster and avoid
risking your model before you’ re truly read y to solo. Your local hobby
shop has information about flying clubs in your area whose
membership includes qualified instructors.
You can also contact the national Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA), which has more than 2,500 chartered clubs across the
country.
Through any one of them, instructor training programs and insured
newcomer training are available.
Contact the AMA at the address or
toll-free phone number below:
We recommend Great Planes®, Hobbico®and Tower brand glues
and accessories for your modeling needs
❍ (2) T ower Build-It
™
Thin CA 2 oz. – TOWR3800
❍ (2) Tower Build-It Medium CA+ 2 oz. – TOWR3801
❍Tower Build-It Thick CA 1 oz. – TOWR3802
❍Tower Hobbies 6-minute Epoxy – TOWR3806
❍Tower Hobbies 30-minute Epoxy – TOWR3810
❍ Hand or Electric Drill
❍ Drill Bits: (1/16", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16")
❍ Hobby Saw (X-Acto
®
Razor Saw)
❍ Hobby Knife, #11 Blades
❍ Pliers
❍ Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flat Blade)
❍ Flat File (or Similar Tool)
❍T-Pins (Short – HCAR5100, Long – HCAR5200)
❍ String
❍ Straightedge with Scale
❍ Masking Tape (Required for Construction)
❍ Sandpaper (Coarse, Medium, Fine Grit)
❍ Great Planes Easy Touch
™
Bar Sanders (or Similar)
❍ Waxed Paper
❍ Dremel
®
Multi-Pro™or Similar (Optional)
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES & TOOLS
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Office: (765) 287-1256
Toll Free: (800) 435-9262
FAX: (765) 741-0057
READ THROUGH THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK FIRST. IT
CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
3
❍ 4-Channel Radio With 4 Servos
❍ Engine;
(See Engine Selection)
❍ Spare Glow Plugs (Tower R/C Long – TOWG1001)
❍ Medium Fuel Tubing (GPMQ4131, 3’)
❍ 1/4” Latex Foam Rubber Padding (HCAQ1000)
❍ 1/16” Foam Wing Seating Tape (GPMQ4422)
❍ #64 Rubber Bands (TOWQ1220)
❍ Screw-Lock Pushrod Connectors (GPMQ3870)
❍ Silicone Sealer
A quality brand .40-size engine will be needed. Also a prop will be
required for the engine (follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
for appropriate sizes). We recommend the Top Flite
®
Power Point
®
brand of props.
We recommend the following engines:
Tower Hobbies .40 ABC O.S.
®
.40 LA
TOWG0040 OSMG0040
O.S. .40 FX SuperTigre®GS-40
OSMG0540 SUPG0122
Replacement parts are available from Tower Hobbies for your Tower
Trainer 40. Our order assistance representatives are ready to answer
your questions or to place your order. Call us at (800) 637-6050.
We are so confident that the Tower Trainer 40 ARF is the best almostready-to-fly trainer available that we make this guarantee. You will
successfully learn how to fly with the Tower Trainer or we will replace it
with your choice of another trainer of up to equal value. All we ask is that
you learn under the supervision of a qualified, club-designated instructor ,
follow normal safety precautions, fly at an AMA-chartered club field and
construct the kit as outlined in this instruction manual.
If for some reason, you find the design and/or workmanship of the
T o wer T rainer is not conduci ve to learning to fly under the conditions
outlined above, contact Hobby Services at 1-217-398-0007 Monday
through Friday 9am-5pm central time. Or send the Tower Trainer to
Hobby Services, 1610 Interstate Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61822.
The information Hobby Services will need is: a letter explaining w hat
happened, (the letter is to be signed by the instructor and yourself),
name of flying field, name of instructor, and a copy of invoice as
proof of purchase.
This guarantee is effective for 60 days after you receive the kit and
does not cover incidental items (engines, radio equipment and
hardware, etc.). The kit, along with the above specifications must be
sent to Hobby Services for inspection no later than 60 days after
receipt of the kit. Hobby Services reserves the right to verify all
information provided. Replacement trainer kit options are limited to
flat-bottom wing trainer models and makes available from Tower
Hobbies and one replacement per customer.
The T ower T rainer 40 ARF is a great tr ainer and we are pleased to make
this unprecedented guarantee. If you have any further questions, feel
free to contact Tower Hobbies at 1-800-637-6050.
TOWER TRAINER GUARANTEE
Replacement Parts
Wing Set – TOWA1111 (Includes wing halves, wing joiner and
servo mounting tray)
Fuselage Set – TOWA1112 (Includes fuselage, engine mount, fuel
tank, pushrods and servo tray)
Fin Set – TOWA1113 (Includes horizontal and vertical stabilizers)
Landing Gear Set – TOWA1114 (Includes nosegear wire, main
gear wire, wheels, wheel collars, mounting hardware)
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
ENGINE SELECTION
ACCESSORIES REQUIRED TO COMPLETE
YOUR TOWER TRAINER 40
Inch Scale
0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
Metric Scale
1 Fuselage
2 Left Wing Panel
3 Right Wing Panel
4 Stabilizer
5 Elevator
6 Rubber Bands
7 Foam Rubber
8 Engine Mount
9 Left Aileron
10 Right Aileron
11 Pushrod Assembly (2 pcs., Not Shown)
12 Pushrod Housing (2 pcs., Not Shown)
13 Pushrod Wire (Long – 2 pcs., Not Shown)
14 Pushrod Wire (Short – 2 pcs., Not Shown)
15 Spinner Assembly (53mm/2 in.)
16 Plastic Part Set (Not Shown)
17 Rudder
18 Fin
19 Pushrod Supports
20 Receiver Battery Retainers
21 Aileron Pushrods
22 Fuel T ank Stopper
23 Plywood Wing Joiner
24 Fuel T ank
25 Main Landing Gear (2 pcs.)
26 Fuel T ank Clunk
27 Silicone Fuel Tubing
28 Aileron Servo Tray Mounting Blocks
29 Aileron Servo Tray
30 Nose Landing Gear Wire
31 Wing Mounting Dowels (2 pcs.)
32 Wheels (64mm/2-1/2 in. – 3 pcs.)
4
PARTS LIST
1
5
4
17
18
32
25
9
2
7
6
31
26
22
27
24
15
8
30
32
23
29
28
21
19
20
3
10
32
25
Before assembly match the parts in the photo with the parts in the kit. Check off each part as it is located. If any parts are missing or damaged,
consult Tower Hobbies Order Assistance (see back cover page for phone numbers).
Note: All Parts Are 1 Piece Unless Otherwise Stated.
Special Note:
It is suggested to charge your radio system before starting to build.
Following the manufacturer‘s instructions, connect your transmitter
and receiver batteries to the system‘s charger. This way the radio will
be ready when it is time to install and test the radio components.
MARK THE CENTERLINE ON THE JOINER
❍ 1. Draw a centerline on both sides of the plywood wing joiner
as shown.
PREPARE THE AILERON SERVO TRAY MOUNTING BLOCKS
❍ 2. Locate the two 3/8" square x 1-11/16" (9.5mm square x 43mm)
aileron servo tr ay mounting blocks. Mark a centerline on the blocks.
Using the wing joiner as a guide, mark the wing dihedral angle on
both of the aileron mounting blocks. Set the blocks aside for use in
later steps.
EVEN THE WING ROOTS
❍ 3. Using a flat sanding block or similar tool and 120-grit sandpaper,
sand the wing roots so they will fit together without any gaps. Do not
sand too much or the dihedral angle could change.
PREPARING THE WING SERVO CAVITY
❍ 4. Using a sharp hobby knife, remove the covering from the wing
panels for the aileron servo.
TEST FIT THE WING JOINER
❍ 5. Test fit the wing joiner in both wing panels by sliding the joiner
into the joiner cavity in the wing. The joiner should slide in with little
resistance up to the centerline that was drawn on the joiner. If the
joiner will not fit in the cavity, lightly sand any uneven surfaces from
the joiner edges, sides or ends. Caution: A snug fit of the joiner in the
joiner cavity is desired. Use caution not to sand the joiner excessivel y .
VIEWING THE WING DIHEDRAL
❍ 6. Pay close attention to the orientation of the wing joiner in
relation to the wing panel, creating the dihedral angle as shown. Test
fit the wing panels together. They should fit flush against each other
without any gaps.
Note: When performing the following steps, be sure to use a
sufficient amount of epoxy to form a complete and solid bond
between the plywood wing joiner and the two wing halves. This is
the most important glue joint in the entire airplane.
Please read through the following three steps before mixing any
epoxy. You must complete these steps within 20 minutes from the
time you mix the epoxy.
WING ASSEMBLY
5
GLUE THE JOINER CAVITY
❍ 7. Mix 1/2 oz. (14ml) of 30-minute epoxy. Use a mixing stick or
epoxy brush to apply epoxy to all four sides of the joiner cavity.
Insert the joiner into the cavity up to the centerline marked on the
wing joiner. Be sure y ou are installing the joiner to obtain the correct
direction for the dihedral. Quickly proceed to the next step.
APPLY EPOXY TO THE WING ROOT
❍ 8. Apply epoxy inside the joiner cavity of the remaining wing
panel. Next, coat the wing root ribs on both panels. Quickly proceed
to the next step.
JOIN THE WING HALVES
❍ 9. Assemble the two wing halves with the tightest seam possible.
No gaps should be showing between the two halves. Clean up any
excess epoxy from the outside of the wing using a paper towel and
rubbing alcohol. Use several strips of masking tape on both sides of
the wing to hold them securely together. Let the epoxy fully cure
before continuing.
SHAPE THE AILERON SERVO MOUNTING BLOCKS
❍ 10. Locate the two aileron servo mounting blocks and position
them with the dihedral line up. Cut or sand the marked angle out of
the block. This angled side will be placed against the wing when the
servo tray is installed.
ASSEMBLE THE SERVO TRAY
❍ 11. Glue the balsa aileron servo mounting blocks onto the aileron
servo tray using either 6-minute epoxy or medium CA. Make sure
that the angled side you just cut is facing away from the plywood
servo tray.
TEST FIT THE AILERON SERVO
❍ 12. T est fit the aileron ser vointo the servo tra y. Note that the notch
in the tray corresponds to the location of the servo lead wire. Enlarge
the opening in the servo tray, if needed, using a sharp hobby knife or
fine toothed file. There should be a gap of about 1/64" (.5mm)
between the servo and the servo tray when installed properly.
Remove the servo for the time being.
TRIM THE WING COVERING
❍ 13. Hold the plywood aileron servo tray assembly over the hole
in the bottom of the wing. Trace the outside of the blocks with a
felt-tip marker, then remo ve the tr ay from the wing. Carefully r emov e
the covering within the lines using a sharp hobby knife with a new
blade, being careful not to cut into the balsa wing sheeting.
6
7
INSTALL THE SERVO TRAY
❍ 14. Mix 1/8 oz. (3.5ml) of 6-minute epoxy to glue the servo tray
to the bottom side of the wing. Apply equal amounts of epoxy to the
mounting blocks on both ends of the servo tray. Attach the servo tray
to the bottom of the wing with the notch in the servo tray facing
towards the leading edge of the wing. Allow the epoxy to fully cure
before proceeding to the next step.
APPLY THE WING CENTER SECTION TAPE
❍ 15. Starting at the front of the aileron servo tray, apply the 1/2"
(13mm) white wing center section tape completely around the wing
over the joint. A small amount of pressure should be applied to make
a smooth seam.
INSTALL THE AILERON CONTROL HORNS
❍ 16. Thread the aileron control horns onto the torque rods until
they are positioned 3/4" (19mm) above the bottom of the wing.
ASSEMBLE THE PUSHRODS
❍ 17. Locate two plastic clevises and two 6-3/4" (171mm) aileron
pushrods. Thread the clevises onto the rods so that 1/16" (1.5mm) of
the rod protrudes between the clevis forks.
INSTALL THE PUSHRODS
❍ 18. Attach the pushrods to the aileron control horns. If the pins
from the clevises do not fit the holes in the horns, drill the holes out
to 1/16" (1.5mm). Press the forks of the clevises together until the pin
snaps into the opposite fork. Slide the safety tubing into position over
the clevis.
Note: The paper towel in the photo is only there for
photographic purposes. You do not need to install the paper towel
on your aircraft.
This concludes the wing assembly for now. Tape the pushrods to the
wing to keep them in place until the aileron servo is installed.
LOCATE THE WING DOWEL HOLES
❍ 1. Locate the four positions for the 1/4" (6mm) wing dowel holes
by gently pressing the covering in the areas in the photos. The
position for the front wing dowels can be seen from the inside of the
fuselage. Carefully cut out the holes using a sharp hobby knife.
Caution: Do not cut out any of the rectangular holes in the sides of
the fuselage.
FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY
INSTALL THE WING MOUNTING DOWELS
❍ 2. Insert both wing mounting dowels so they protrude an equal
amount on both sides of the fuselage. Mix 1/4 oz. (7ml) of 30-minute
epoxy. Apply glue around the dowels next to the fuselage and slide
them in and out of the fuselage to help distribute the epoxy into the
fuselage. Using a paper towel, spread the excess epoxy around the
ends of the dowels. This will fuelproof and add strength to the wood.
From the inside of the fuselage, apply more epoxy around the dowels
where they meet the sides of the fuselage. These wing dowels will be
used as the anchors for the rubber bands to hold the wing in position.
Wipe off all excess epoxy using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.
LOCATE THE STABILIZER SLOT
❍ 3. Locate the slot for the horizontal stabilizer under the covering
on the tail section of the fuselage by gently pressing the covering
with your finger. The slot is located on both sides of the fuselage.
Using a sharp hobby knife, carefully remove the covering, exposing
the slots. Note: Do not cut into the wood around the slot.
LOCATE THE VERTICAL FIN SLOT
❍ 4. Using the same technique as in step 3, locate the slot for the
vertical fin on the top of the fuselage. Remove the covering using a
sharp hobby knife.
MARK THE CENTERLINE
❍ 5. On the top surface of the horizontal stabilizer, measure to find
the exact center from side to side. Draw a “centerline” using a felt-tip
pen. Next, extend that centerline onto the trailing edge, in the gap,
as shown in the photo. (DO NOT MARK ON THE ELEVATOR WHEN
PERFORMING THIS STEP.)
ALIGN THE STABILIZER WITH THE WING
Note: Do not use any glue until instructed to do so.
❍ 6. Insert the stabilizer into the horizontal stabilizer slot so it is
centered in the fuselage (A). Place the wing onto the fuselage and
secure with two rubber bands. View the plane from a distance of
about 8 feet (2.4m) to check the alignment of the stabilizer to the
wing (B). If the stabilizer is not parallel to the wing, remove the
stabilizer and sand the stabilizer base slightly on the high side.
Replace the stabilizer and check the alignment. Continue this
process until the wing and stabilizer are parallel.
ALIGN THE STABILIZER WITH THE FUSE
❍ 7. Attach a piece of string with a T-pin to the center of the fuselage
as shown. Hold the string to one corner of the horizontal stabilizer.
Mark the position on the line, then swing the line over to the
opposite tip on the stabilizer. If the mark does not line up, adjust the
positioning of the stabilizer and repeat the “mark and swing”
procedure until the stabilizer is in proper alignment.
8
Wing
B
A
A=A
B=B
B
Horizontal
Stabilizer
Fuse
A
Wing/Stab Align
T-PIN
STRING
EQUAL MEASUREMENTS
STRING
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