Tower Hobbies TOWER TRAINER 60 MKII 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 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.

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

© Copyright 2002 V 1.0 TOWZ1153 for TOWA1010

Tower Hobbies

P.O. Box 9078

Champaign, IL 61826

[phone]

www.towerhobbies.com

T OWER TRAINER

™

60 MKII

ALMOST-READY-TO-FLY RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL AIRPLANE

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

ARF

Wingspan: 69 in [1,753mm]

Wing Area: 880 sq in [57 dm

2

]

Weight: 7.25 lbs [3,289 g] Length: 56.5 in [1,435mm]

Wing Loading: 19 oz/sq ft [58 g/dm

2

]

Engine: .61 cu in [10 cc] two-stroke

Radio: 4 channel

®

®

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

ENGINE RECOMMENDATIONS................................3

RADIO RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................3

COVERING ACCESSORIES......................................3

ADHESIVES & ASSEMBLING SUPPLIES.....................3

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES & TOOLS ...................................3

PREPARATIONS..............................................................3

ASSEMBLE THE WING...................................................4

JOIN THE WING ........................................................4

HOOK UP THE AILERONS........................................6

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

MOUNT THE STAB & FIN ........................................10

INSTALL THE WING MOUNTING DOWELS .................13

INST ALL THE FUEL T ANK............................................14

MOUNT THE ENGINE....................................................15

MOUNT THE LANDING GEAR......................................17

FINAL ASSEMBLY ........................................................19

HOOK UP THE CONTROLS....................................19

INSTALL THE RADIO GEAR ...................................21

APPL Y THE DECALS ....................................................23

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY................................23

CHECK THE CONTROL DIRECTIONS...................23

SET THE CONTROL THROWS...............................24

BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.)................................25

BALANCE THE MODEL LATERALLY ......................25

PREFLIGHT ...................................................................25

IDENTIFY Y OUR MODEL ........................................25

CHARGE THE BA TTERIES.....................................25

BALANCE THE PROPELLERS................................26

GROUND CHECK....................................................26

RANGE CHECK.......................................................26

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...............................26

AMA SAFETY CODE (EXCERPTS)..............................27

CHECK LIST..................................................................27

GETTING READY TO FLY.............................................27

USING RUBBER BANDS.........................................28

TAXIING....................................................................28

TAKEOFF .................................................................28

FLYING.....................................................................28

LANDING..................................................................29

FUEL MIXTURE ADJUSTMENTS.................................29

MODELING TERMS & TRIVIA.......................................29

PARTS LIST.................................................center section

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing our Tower Trainer™60 MKII
ARF. This model has been specially created for you and

other first-time radio control modelers.The Tower Trainer 60
MKII 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...FOLLO W THESE IMPORT ANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Tower Trainer 60 MKII 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 Tower Trainer 60 MKII ARF,
if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly
cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage 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.

3.You must take time to assemble straight,true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the assembly process.

5. You must properly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates properly 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 R/C pilot, you
should fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.

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 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.

In addition to joining an R/C club, we strongly recommend
you join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.
There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country .Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality kit and instructions, but ultimately the quality and
flyability of your finished model depends on how you
assemble 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.

2

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 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

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to
finish the Tower Trainer 60 MKII ARF. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

Engine Recommendations

TOWER HOBBIES 61 ABC (TOWG0161)
O.S.®65 LA (OSMG0065)
O.S.61 FX (OSMG0561)
SUPERTIGRE®G-61 Ring (SUPG0161)
SUPERTIGRE G-61 ABC (SUPG0181)

Radio Recommendations

FUTABA®4VF (FUTJ62**)

Covering Accessories

Tower Custom Sealing Iron (TOWR3250)
Top Flite®Hot Sock™Iron Cover (TOPR2175)

ADHESIVES & ASSEMBLING SUPPLIES

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools,
this is the “short list” of the most important items required to
assemble the Tower Trainer 60 MKII ARF.

Tower Hobbies

Build-it™CA and Epoxy glue are recommended.

❍2 oz. Tower Hobbies Build-it CA (TOWR3800)
❍30-Minute Tower Hobbies Build-it Epoxy (TOWR3811)
❍6-Minute Tower Hobbies Build-it Epoxy (TOWR3807)
❍Hobby Knife (HCAR0105), #11 Blades (HCAR0211)
❍Small T -pins (HCAR5100)
❍Builder’s triangle (HCAR0480)
❍Small Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers
❍Small metal file
❍Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

❍Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❍RTV Silicone
❍Great Planes

®

Easy-Touch™Bar Sander (GPMR6170)

❍Easy-Touch Sandpaper, 180 Gr it (GPMR6184)

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES & TOOLS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you assemble the Tower Trainer 60 MKII ARF.

❍Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❍Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❍Masking Tape (TOPR8018)
❍Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)
❍Mixing Sticks (GPMR8055)
❍Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar fishing line

(K&SR4575)

❍Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❍Masking Tape (TOPR8018)
❍Felt-Tip Marker (TOPQ2510)
❍Hobbico Ser vo Horn Dr ill (HCAR0698)
❍Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge

(GPMR2405)

PREPARATIONS

❍

1. Remove the major parts of the kit from the box (wings,
fuselage, tail parts, etc.) and inspect them for damage. If any
parts are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed in this manual.

❍

2. Remove the masking tape and separate the ailerons
from the wing, the rudder from the fin and the elevator from
the stab. Where necessary, use a covering iron with a Hot
Sock™Iron Cover to tighten the covering that may have
loosened during storage or from removing the masking
tape. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly
bond the covering to the wood.

3

❍

1. In order to assemble the wing you will need the

following items as shown in the photo above.

#1 Right Wing Panel (1)
#2 Left Wing Panel (1)
#3 Right Aileron (1)
#4 Left Aileron (1)
#5 CA Hinges (8)
#6 Wing Joiners (4)
#7 Aileron Servo Tray (1)
#8 Aileron Servo Tray Mounting Blocks (2)
#9 Aileron Pushrods (2)
#10 Faslinks (2)
#11 Clevises (2)
#12 Silicone Clevis Retainers (2)
#13 Nylon Torque Rod Horns (2)

❍

2. In order to assemble the wing you will need the items
shown in the photo above from your radio control system
contents.

JOIN THE WING

❍

3. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the four 3mm plywood
wing joiners together. Use weights or clamps to hold the
joiners in place until the epoxy cures.

4

ASSEMBLE THE WING

❍

4.T est fit the aileron servo in the 3mm plywood aileron serv o

tray.If necessary, trim the opening in the tray to accommodate

the servo.Once you are satisfied with the fit of the servo, remove
it from the tray and set it aside for now.

❍

5. Measure the width of your ser vo. Mark and cut 1/2 of
this distance from the sheeting over the aileron servo
mounting area in the wing panel to accommodate 1/2 of
your aileron servo on each wing panel as shown in the
photograph above. Remove a small area of the sheeting
along side the servo as shown in the right wing panel to
allow the servo lead to exit the wing when the servo is
mounted in place.

❍

6. The servo will be centered in the wing after the two
panels are joined. Test fit the servo into the cutout of both
the wing panels. Trim the root rib if necessary to
accommodate the servo and the servo wire. Check the left
wing panel in the same way.

❍

7.Trim the covering from the ends of the root ribs on both
wing panels. This is easily done with a sanding block and
medium-grit sandpaper as shown.Trim both wing panels at
this time.

❍

8. Draw a centerline on both sides of the assembled

plywood wing joiner as shown.

❍

9. Locate the two 8mm square x 38mm aileron servo

tray mounting blocks. Mark a centerline on each block.

Using the wing joiner as a guide, mark the wing dihedral
angle on both of the aileron mounting blocks.Trim and sand
to shape at this time.

Set the blocks aside for now.

5

❍

10. Test fit the wing joiner into one wing panel, then the
other.Be certain the joiner is installed upright with the joiner
angled upward for wing dihedral. Also make sure that the
joiner slides in all the way to the centerline.Test fit the wing
panels together with the joiner. Make certain both panels
fit well.

❍

11. The measurement for this wing is 3-3/4" [95mm]
plus/minus 1/8" [3mm] from the top of your table to the
highest point of the wing tip as shown in the photo.To check
that this is correct, join the two wing panels together with the
joiner in place.

Lay the wing on a flat surface with one panel flat on your
bench or table.To do this you will need to allow the trailing
edge of the wing to overhang the edge of your tab le in order
to avoid the aileron torque rods as shown in the photog raph
above. After making sure the root r ibs are fitting together
with no gaps on the top or bottom of the wing, measure the
distance from the surface of the table to the wing tip. If this
measurement is not 3-3/4" [95mm] plus/minus 1/8" [3mm]
make adjustments in the plywood joiner. (It is possible that
the joiner may require slight sanding to remove slivers of
wood or excess epoxy that may interfere with the fit).

❍

12. Once satisfied with the fit of the joiner and the wing
has the proper dihedral, it is time to glue the two panels
together. First thoroughly coat the inside of both pockets
where the joiner fits and one half of the joiner with
30-minute epoxy. Making cer tain the joiner is upr ight, inser t
the coated end into one of the wing panels. Coat the other
end of the joiner and both wing root ribs with the epoxy and
join the two wing panels together.

❍

13. Wipe away epoxy that squeezes out from between the
wing halves with paper towels saturated with alcohol. Use
masking tape on the top and bottom to hold the wing together
as shown. Be certain the root ribs on the ends of the wing
panels accurately align.Again, wipe away excess epo xy and do
not disturb the wing until the epoxy has fully hardened.

HOOK UP THE AILERONS

Do the left wing first so the assembly matches the
photographs the first time through.You can do one wing at
a time, or work on them together.

6

❍ ❍

1.Take a close look at the supplied hinges.The above
photo has this slot highlighted and must be inserted into
place in the proper direction as indicated in the photo.

❍ ❍

2. Test fit the hinges in the hinge slots of the aileron
and the wing. If you have difficulty inserting the hinges,
insert a #11 blade into the slot and carefully move it back
and forth to slightly widen the slot. Test fit the aileron to the
wing with the hinges.

❍ ❍

3.If the hinges don’t remain centered, stick a pin through

the middle of the hinge to hold it in position as shown.

❍ ❍

4.Coat the “arm” portion of the aileron torque rod that
slips inside the aileron and the groove, and the hole in the
aileron where the torque rod fits, with 30-minute epoxy. Tip:
You may want to use a toothpick to get epoxy into the hole
drilled in the aileron for the aileron torque rod “arm.”

❍ ❍

Use a strip of waxed paper between the torque rod and
the wing to keep from gluing the torque rod to the wing. Be
careful to keep the epoxy out of the area where the rod
enters the trailing edge of the wing.Place a small amount of
petroleum jelly in this area. Join the aileron to the wing and
the torque rod with the hinges. Wipe away excess epoxy
with a tissue saturated with alcohol.

❍ ❍

5. Remove the T-pins if you’ve used any. Adjust the
aileron so there is a small gap—just enough to see light
through or to slip a piece of paper through—between the
aileron and the wing.

❍ ❍

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. Go
back and install the other aileron in the same manner.

7

❍

7. Glue the two 8mm square x 38mm aileron servo tray
mounting blocks that you cut to shape earlier to the aileron
servo tray. Be sure that you glue the flat side of the blocks to
the aileron servo mounting tray.

❍

8. Place the servo into this assembly and test fit this into
location in the center of the wing. Mark the location of the
mounting blocks with a felt-tipped pen.

Use a sharp #11 blade to cut the covering from the wing for
the aileron servo mount. Be extremely careful to cut only
the covering and do not cut into the balsa wood under the
covering.

Be sure to place the aileron servo lead in the cut out you
made in an earlier step. Glue the ser vo mount to the wing
with 6-minute epoxy.

❍

9.Assemble the servo using the four servo grommets and
four brass eyelets as shown in the sketch above. Insert the
servo into the mount and mark the location for the 4 screws.
Remove the servo and drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the
servo mount for the servo mounting screws.

Run the servo mounting screws into the mount and then
remove them, which will make threads in the wooden servo
mount. Add a drop of thin CA to the holes and allow to fully
harden, thus hardening the threads for more strength. Note:
Do not apply the thin CA with the servo in place as you will
glue it to the mount.Mount the aileron servo using the servo
mounting screws.

❍

10. Thread nylon torque rod horns onto both aileron
torque rods until the top of the horn is even with the top of
the torque rod as shown in the photograph.

How to cut covering from balsa.

To avoid cutting into the balsa, use a soldering iron instead
of a hobby knife to cut the covering from the stab.The tip
of the soldering iron doesn't have to be sharp, but a fine tip
does work best. Allow the iron to heat fully. Use a
straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that will
just melt the covering and not burn into the wood. The
hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must travel to melt a
fine cut. Peel off the covering.

8

❍

11. Make a two-arm servo arm by cutting two arms off a
four-arm servo arm. Enlarge the outer holes in the arm with
a Hobbico Servo Horn Drill (or a #48 or 5/64" [2mm] drill

bit).

❍

12. Assemble the two aileron pushrods made from two
200mm wire pushrods, clevises, and silicone retainers.To
make the pushrods, install the clevises onto the wire
pushrods approximately 25 full turns.

❍ ❍

13. Center the servo arm on the ser vo. Attach the clevis
to the torque rod horn; hold the aileron level with the bottom of
the wing, using a straightedge to assure accuracy. Mark the
location where the wire crosses the hole in the servo arm. At
this location bend the wire 90 degrees.

❍ ❍

14. After bending the pushrods at your mark, slide the

Faslink over the wire and snap it into place on the pushrod.

❍ ❍ Cut the wire that e xtends be y ond the Faslink;be

certain
to leave 1/16" [1.6mm] of wire protruding from the F aslink as
shown in the photograph.

❍

15. Install the remaining pushrod in the same manner.
The above photo shows how your assembly should look
when finished.

9

MOUNT THE STABILIZER & FIN

❍

1. In order to complete this section you will need the
following items as shown in the photograph above. You will
also need the wing (not shown) for alignment purposes.

#1 Fuselage (1)
#2 Stabilizer (1)
#3 Elevator (1)
#4 Fin (1)
#5 Rudder (1)
#6 CA Hinges (7)

❍

2.Test fit the hinges into hinge slots in the stabilizer and

elevator and the fin and rudder. If necessary insert a #11

blade into the hinge slots and run it back and forth to
enlarge them slightly. Important Note: Remember to insert
the hinges with the cut running the correct direction.

❍

3. Use a hobby knife with a sharp #11 blade and cut the
covering from the openings on both sides of the fuselage for
the stab.Also cut the covering from the opening in the top of the
fuselage for the fin.Remove the elevator from the stab.

10

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

❍

4. Taking accurate measurements, locate the center of
the stab along the trailing edge. Slide the stab into the
fuselage and center it over the aft end of the fuselage.Insert
a T-pin through the stab and into the fuse at the location
shown in the photograph above.This will hold it in place but
will still allow for correct alignment.

❍

5. Support the model with a small stand or cardboard
box. Place the wing into the wing saddle on the top of the
fuselage. Stand five to ten feet behind the model and view
the stab and wing.If the stab and wing align with each other,
proceed to the next step. If the stab and wing do not align,
place a small weight on the “high”side of the stab to bring it
into alignment. If much weight is required, remove the stab
and carefully sand the slot in the fuselage where the stab
fits until it aligns with the wing.

❍

6. Stick a T-pin into the top of the fuselage centered in the

middle stringer over the firewall.Tie a small loop in one end of

a piece of non-elastic string (K & S #801 Kevlar thread;
K&SR4575). Slip the loop in the string over the T-pin.

❍

7. Fold a piece of masking tape over the other end of the
string and draw an arrow on it. Slide the tape along the
string and align the arrow with one end of the stab as shown
in the photograph. Swing the string over to the same
position on the other end of the stab. If the distance is not
equal move the stab 1/2 way to the arrow. Then move the
string back to the other side to check alignment. Adjust the
stab in this manner until both sides are equal.

❍

8. When you are satisfied with the alignment of the stab

use a fine-point felt-tip pen such as a Top Flite Panel Line

11