Twisted Hobbys Backyard Series Manual

Rev: 2015.04.22.v03a

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USA Distributor

Twisted Hobbys

www.twistedhobbys.com

Backyard Series Yak / Slick / Edge / Sbach

MOTOR: 23-30G 50 WATT OUT-RUNNER
ESC: 12 AMP
SERVOS: 2X 5g / 1X 9g
PROP: 8x4.3 OR 9x4.7
BATTERY: 2S/3S 450mAh

RADIO: MIN. 4 CHANNEL
WINGSPAN: 32 INCHES
LENGTH: 30 INCHES
AUW: 7.2 OZ. W/LANDING GEAR

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SAFETY NOTES

 Before assembling and flying this model, read carefully any instructions and warnings of other

manufacturers for all the products you installed or used on your model, especially radio
equipment and power source.

 Check thoroughly before every flight that the airplanes’ components are in good shape and

functioning properly. If you find a fault do not fly the model until you have corrected the
problem.

 Radio interference caused by unknown sources can occur at any time without notice. In such a

case, your model will be uncontrollable and completely unpredictable. Make sure to perform a
range check before every flight. If you detect a control problem or interference during a flight,
immediately land the model to prevent a potential accident.

 Youngsters should only be allowed to assemble and fly these models under the instruction and

supervision of an experienced adult.

 Do not operate this model in a confined area.

 Do not stand in line with, or in front of a spinning propeller and never touch it with any object.

IMPORTANT: PRIOR TO ANY ASSEMBLY

Please Note: after removing kit from shipping box, lay each piece flat on a
hard surface, this will allow the airframe to straighten out if lightly bent
from shipping. Do not worry since EPP is very pliable and can be bent back
if out of shape.

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TWISTED HOBBYS

Website: www.twistedhobbys.com – email: [e-mail]

Thank you for your purchasing a Twisted Hobbys‘ model. Please read through the entire manual before beginning to

build this model. If you have any questions please contact us at the above indicated email address.

WARNING INFORMATION

This R/C Aircraft is not a toy! Read and understand the entire manual before assembly. If misused, it c an cause serious bodily harm and
property damage. Fly only in open areas, and AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approve d flying sites. Do not over look the warnings
and instructions enclosed or those provided by other manufactures’ products. If you are not an experienced pilot and airplane modeler you
must use the help of an experienced pilot or an authorized flight instructor for the building and flying of this model aircraft.

These instructions are suggestions only on how to assemble this model. There are other ways and methods to d o so. Twisted Hobbys has
no c ontrol over the final assembly, the materials and accessories used when assembling this kit, or the m anner in which the assembled
model, installed radio gear and electronic p arts are used and maintained. Thus, no liability is assumed or accepted for any d amage
resulting from the use of th e assemb led model aircraft or from this instruction manual including but not limited to direct, indirect,
incidental, special, and consequential damages. By the act of using this user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability. In
no event shall Twisted Hobbys’ liability exceed the original purchase price of the kit.

SHIPPING DAMAGE

Twisted Hobbys checks each plane before shipping to ensure that each kit is in fine condition. We have no bearing on the condition of any
component parts damaged by use, modification, or assembly of the mod el. Inspect the components of this kit upon receipt. If you find any
parts damaged or missing, contact Twis ted Hobbys immediately. We will not accept the return or replacement of parts on which assembly
work has already begun. Twis ted Hobbys reserves the right to change this warranty at anytime without notice.

OUR MISSION

To provide the best products and service to our customers at the lowest prices pos sible. We take great pride in

our company, our commitment to customer service and in the products we sell. Our online store is designed

to provide you with a safe and secure environment to browse our product catalog.

Thank you for shopping with Twisted Hobbys!

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kit contents

HARDWARE KIT DETAIL

Double check that you have all the

above pictured items. There are two

extra snap links included and the use

of the shrink tubing is optional. If any

of the airframe or hardware items are

missing, contact Twisted Hobbys

before starting your build

MAIN AIRFRAME COMPONENTS AND KITS

Double check that you have all the

above pictured items. The Carbon

Bundle includes tail push rods and

wing spars. Also pictured above is
the bag with all the small hardware
items, see the detail to the right for

items in should contain.

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TOOL AND ADHESIVES NEEDED

Tools shown and listed are suggestions only.

Depending on your building technique you may not

need everything indicated – and/or – you may find that

other tools available to yourself may be of benefit to

your Build.

It is also recommended that you have a flat building

surface, one that will accept stick pins and push pins.

An Acrostic Ceiling panel from your local hardware
store fits this bill nicely, and will lay flat on your work
table. Over size / long push pins are available at your

local craft store. These two items are by no means

required, but will aid in the building process, and can

be used for future projects

 Lighter
 Small Drill Bits
 Tape Measure and Ruler
 Black Sewing Thread
 Welders Glue
 Hobby Knife w/new Blade
 Needle Nose Pliers
 Wire Cutters
 Low Temp Hot Glue Gun
 Course Sand Paper
 Scissors
 Small Phillips Screw Driver
 Thin and Medium CA
 CA Applicator Tips
 Activator

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the build

CONSTRUCTION METHODS:

Building surface should be at least 2ft x 4ft and at. Weights or some small heavy objects will be handy for holding things in place
during the time glue is setting.

Welders glue is used for FOAM TO FOAM joints. Thin and Medium CA are used on the PLASTIC TO FOAM and CARBON TO FOAM
joints. When using the Welders glue for a butt joint, apply a thin lm to each surface, allow to sit for approx ve minutes and

then assemble. Note that this method will create a nearly instant bond, so locate carefully when bringing the two pieces together. If
alignment is necessary or a slip joint, do not allow the glue to tack up, simple apply and join immediately, you will have several

minutes to locate the two parts before the glue sets up. In most cases the parts being glued can be handled with care in 30 minutes,
full cure is approx 24 hours.

Locate the hinged items as shown above, bend them back

onto each other as shown and let set for an hour or so. this

process will help to loosen up the movement of the control

surfaces, and is necessary to prevent servo damage

Gluing the snap links onto the ends of the control rods is

important to do at this time.... the glue will need to cure for

at least 24 hours in order to achieve it’s full strength.

Locate the rods and snap links as shown above

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A quick link will be glued to the end of

the 4 control rods. Hold the rod with

your ngers....

.... dunk it approx 1/2” into the nozzle

of the Welders tube as shown and twist

a time or two

Pull the rod out and check that you

have a nice, even coat of glue as shown,

if not, repeat the process

Multiple power combos are available

through Twisted Hobbys. Each will

operate the model per recommended

spec’s, different components vary and

are shown in the manual.

Multiple power combos are available

through Twisted Hobbys. Each will

operate the model per recommended

spec’s, different components vary and

are shown in the manual.

Attach a snap link as shown. Notice

that the snap link has a “saddled” area,

this should be where you rest the

control rod, repeat for the other rods

and set aside to dry for 24 hours

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Read all the warnings and misc

included instructions from the various

electronic items

Create a model prole in your radio and

bind the receiver per the manufactures

instructions

Hook up all the items as shown and

center the servos with sub-trims so that

the arms are 90 degrees to the servo

case. Ice Power Combo shown above.

See back of manual for servo horn

options.

Locate the airframe components

pictured above

Notice that the tabs are of different
conguration to aid in proper assembly.
Coat each of the mating surfaces with a

thin coat of Welders and let tack up for

approx. 5 minutes

The elevator is also keyed to help with

proper orientation during assembly, as

with the wings, coat the mating

surfaces with a thin coat of Welders

and set aside to tack up

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Locate the Side Force Generator Tree

and free all the parts from each other

While waiting for the Welders to tack

up, clean out the small scrap from the

cut out near the end of the wing as

shown

Once free from one another, remove all

the little tabs so that the edges are

smooth

In the center of the rear of each SFG,

split the foam as shown

This slit will be used later to install the

SFG onto the wing... repeat this with

the other three pieces

By now the Welders should be tacked

up. Carefully bring the pieces together

making sure that alignment is

maintained. With the tack up method,

you have to get it right the rst time.

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Installing the main spar is next, locate

the wood spar as shown above.

Repeat the previous process as

mentioned to the fuselage and elevator

connection.

Notice that there are some webbed

areas that will need to be removed prior

to installing the main spar

With a straight edge and sharp hobby

knife remove the webbed areas as

required

When complete, you should have a nice

consistent slot in which to install the

main spar

Test t the spar. It is not likely that any

additional trimming will be necessary,

but it is good to know how it will t

prior to adding glue

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If everything is correct, the spar should

t tight from wing tip to wing tip...

.... and be ush or slightly below ush

with the upper and lower surfaces of

the wing

Once satised with the t of the spar,
remove it and lay down a nice bead of

Welders

Squeeze the spar area together as

shown, do this several times along the

length of the spar to ensure a good sold

glue joint. Wipe away any extra glue

with a paper towel

Spread the area of the wing that

receives the spar wide enough to get the

spar in with out scraping too much of

the glue off during the process

Bead of Welders should look something

like what is pictured above... repeat for

the other side of the spar

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Use some weights to hold everything in

position while the glue dries. You

should let this sit for an hour or two,

and then handle carefully.

While the spar is drying, put a skim
coat of Welders on the black canopy

and mating fuselage part, let the glue

tack up

Once the glue has tacked, bring the two

pieces together as shown.

Make sure that there is no interference

with where the servos t.

Test t the lower fuselage section.Install the aileron and elevator servos

as shown. NOTE - DO NOT GLUE

THEM IN AT THIS TIME. ALSO SERVO

ARMS CAN BE INSTALLED NOW, JUST

MAKE SURE THEY ARE CENTERED

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Lay down a medium bead of Welder’s

along the mating surface of the

horizontal section of the fuselage, avoid

the servo areas and make sure to put a

little in the appropriate tab slots

Assembly the two pieces while the glue

is fresh and wet

Push all along the length of the lower

fuselage piece to make sure all the tabs

and slots are fulling engaged. Do this a

couple time over a couple minutes, this

will help ensure a good glue joint

While the fuselage is drying, locate the

aileron horns and remove them from

the plastic tree, they are the ones with

the larger holes.

Sight down the length from the nose of

the aircraft to veriify that there are no

waves in the vertical sections. let this

dry for about an hour

Use a small builder square or other

item to check that your airframe is

going together nice and square

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There is a pre-cut slot located approx

where shown. It will need to be cut all

the way thru to accommodate the

aileron horn properly

Test t the horn Make sure the hole of the horn is

directly above the hinge line of the

control surface

Apply a thin coat of Welder’s to the area

of the horn that gets buried in the wing

With the tip of the Welder’s tube, force

some glue into the slot

The horn should also be full seated into

the slot so that the back area is ush

with the surface of the wing

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Install into the slot, wipe away any

extra glue and repeat for the other side

Once the glue of the partially

assembled airframe has set up enough

to handle, install the rudder servo.

NOTE - DO NOT GLUE THE SERVO AT

THIS TIME

Make sure that the servo sits nice a

ush in the provided hole

Check the areas around the servos,

they should not interfere with the

fuselage sections meeting up nice a

ush

Test t the upper fuselage section and

make sure that all tabs and slots are

able to fully engage

For ease of wiring later make sure all

the servo wires are on the same side of

the fuselage

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Lay down a medium bead of Welder’s
like you did when attaching the lower

fuselage section. Making sure to get all

the tabs and slots and AVOID THE

SERVO AREAS

Bring the two pieces together while the

glue is fresh and wet, press along the

length a couple time over a few minutes

to make sure everything is fully

engaged

The nose pieces should be ush with

one another

Locate the rudder as shown above and

apply a medium skim coat to both of

the mating surface and allow the glue

to tack up

Airframe assembly as shown should be

dry before moving on to the next steps.

During this process also check for

squareness all along the upper fuselage

section

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2.00"

Once the glue has tacked up, assemble

the two pieces. Use the slot on the

rudder to line up with the n on the

fuselage

Next up are the fuselage trusses. To

install these, apply a medium bead of

Welder’s to the beveled areas. Do one

at a time, keep an area of one free of

glue as shown two steps down

Do the truss for the electronics side

next, keep the area shown free of glue

for now, this will help to provide an
area to tuck the wires into later on.

Apply Welder’s to the mating surface of

the aircraft and allow to tack up.

Locate the motor mount, rough up one

side with sand paper or the edge of a

le and apply an even medium coat of

Welder’s to the roughed up side.

While the glue is fresh and wet, bring

the pieces together. Apply a little

pressure along the glue joint a couple

times to ensure a solid bond. Repeat for

the other side.

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While the Motor mount is tacking up,

locate the remaining plastic hardware

pieces shown.

There should be two equal size horns,

one for the elevator and one for the

rudder, along with 10 push rod guides

By now the glue for the motor mount

should be tacked up, locate as shown

above...

With the tip of the Welder’s nozzle, force

some glue into the slot

Install the tail surface horns, starting
with the elevator horn, locate the pre­cut slot and with a sharp hobby knife

make the cut all the way through

.... bring the two pieces together and

rmly press together for a strong and

solid bond

While the glue is fresh and wet, bring
the pieces together, then immediately

remove and allow the glue to tack up.

This technique transfers glue to the

fuselage.

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Install the horn into the slot, should be

all the way thru and ush with both

surfaces.

When properly installed the hole of the
horn should be directly above the hinge
line ush with both the top and bottom

surfaces..... as well as....

Repeat the process for the rudder and

wipe away any extra glue, pay attention

to the rudder horn direction, should be

as shown in photo

Secure the horns with the retaining

screw, since the servos are not yet
glued in, you can move them slightly in
the direction needed to reach the screw

with a screwdriver.

... the arms should be pointing forward

as pictured above. Repeat for the tail

servos. Rudder Horn pokes out the left

side of the fuselage and the elevator

horn thru the top of the right side.

It is now time to install the aileron

differential horn, you will need to t

assembly as shown. The EPP foam can

be bent easily in order to get the horn

in....

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Locate the Side Force Generators that

you worked on earlier

Spread as shown and test t each of

the four pieces

Apply a small bead of Welder’s to the

mating area on the wing

Next steps are optional, but will help to

reinforce weak areas and increase

durability. Four places around the

nose/motor mount and ten places at

the end of hinge lines and fuse stress

Before the glue dries, make sure the

SFG’s are square to the wing

Install the SFG and repeat for the other

three pieces

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4x

Gather 3M Blenderm tape and the

other tools shown above.

Above are all the areas Blenderm will be

applied. 1.50” pieces for the 4 on the

motor mount and 1.00” pieces for the

rest of the locations

Starting with the motor mount area,

apply a bead of Welder’s approx as

shown

Starting with the 1.5” pieces and the

motor mount, center the piece of tape

as shown, and with a little pressure,

fold it back onto the sides of the

fuselage and press rm to bond

While the glue in the tape areas is

tacking up, cut the strips. You will need

4 pieces 1.5” long and 10 pieces 1.0”

long.

Spread it out to approx the area that

the tape will be. Repeat this for all the

areas in which Blenderm is being

applied. Let the glue tack up for about

5 minutes

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Repeat the process with the shorter

pieces and all the locations were glue

was applied

Locate your motor and motor hardware

bag

Attach the motor as shown.... note the

motor wires should be routed to the

same side of the fuselage as the servo

wires

Slide the raw end of the control rod

thru the adjustable link as shown

On one of the longer ones, slide 5 of the

guides onto the rod as shown

Next is the control rods, locate the rods

that you set aside to glue at the

beginning of the build.

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Stick each of the push rod guides into

their respective holes, hold the fuselage

up again a light source to make the

holes a little easy to spot

Once all the guides are in place,

carefully align the snap link up square

with the hole in the control horn and

apply pressure with your nger tips, it

should snap right in

Site down the length of the control rod

and align all the guides into a nice

straight line, then apply a drop of CA to

the base of each and hit with kicker

Locate your RX and ESC. Time to

mount these items and button up the

electronics part of the build

Repeat the process with the Rudder

control rod and guides

Clip the extra length of the control rod

off, leave about 1/4”

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Locate all the electornics to your

preference or as shown. Use low temp

hot glue for this process

NOW is the time to glue the servos...

apply a couple small dots of Welders to

the areas you can reach with the tip of

the glue tube. Keep to a min., this will

make removal easier later if needed.

Low temp hot glue can be used instead

of Welder’s. Hot Glue makes for a little

easier replacement if needed since the

glue joint can be released with alcohol.

Repeat the process with the Elevator

and Aileron Control surfaces and quick

links and trim as required

Install the small adjustable link screw

and gently tighten while holding the
control surface in the neutral position.
NOTE - it is easy to cross thread these

screws, so make sure they start true

Power everything up (no prop yet) make

sure the servos are centered and at 90

degrees

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See the back of the manual for the CG

point of the model you are building, for

the Crack Yak shown the CG is 210mm

back from the nose of the aircraft

Locate your battery with the method of

choice, here it is shown with velcro. It is

a good idea to not cut a hole in the

fuselage until sure of the location after

doing a couple ight

Check all your control directions and

control throws. Make sure nothing is

binding and that the servos are not

being over loaded. Balance a prop and

attach with the included O-Rings

This completes the build. Center of Gravity, Control Throws

and some basic radio settings are on the following pages.

There is also a setup sheet included with this manual if you

would like to record all of your parameters.

Another good resource is RC Groups. Threads for these

models can be found there under the 3D Foamies section.

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center of

gravity

control

throws

CG = 210mm / Crack Yak 55
CG = 200mm / Edge 540
CG = 200mm / Sbach
CG = 175mm / Extra Slick

Locate all the electronic to achieve

indicated CG point. Use Velcro for

initial ights for battery mounting and

experiment with it’s position until you

have determined the best spot for your

ying style. For best 3D performance,

balance for level ight upright and

inverted with little to no elevator input.

Also power off down line should be

straight down without any pull or tuck.

Extreme & 3D

Ailerons - approx +/- 45 deg

Rudder - approx +/- 45 deg

Elevator - approx +/- 45 deg

Expo to suit

Beginner & Sport

Ailerons - approx +/- 20 deg

Rudder - approx +/- 20 deg

Elevator - approx +/- 20 deg

Expo to suit

In order to achieve the control throws as

described for “Extreme and 3D, it is

imperative that the control surfaces,

linkages, rod ends, etc, all move freely

over the entire range, including range

end points.

Failure to do so will result in damage to

either the servos or mechanical

components

CG

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pre-flight & testing

Motor: Should run smoothly at all stick positions, and transition
smoothly from low to high RPM. If the motor is turning
backwards, reverse two of the three wires between the motor
and ESC. Check that the screws holding the motor to the
airframe are tight and secure.

Flight Controls: Set all to neutral or level positions with sticks
in the neutral positions. Ensure that all controls and linkages
move freely. Double check that all hinged areas are free from
rips or tears. Verify proper control surface directions. Right Roll
is – right aileron up, left aileron down, Left Roll is left aileron up
and right aileron down.

Batteries: Should be fully charged prior to each flight. Watch
tra n smi t ter b a tte r y lev el and f ollo w manu fact ures
recommendations. Motor battery should not be drained any
further than recommended by the manufacture, use a timer to
prevent an over discharged condition.

Radio: All trims should be set to neutral and throttle in the low
position. Check that rate switches and mixes are set properly.

Range Check: With and without the motor running per radio
manufactures instructions. If there is insufficient range or
significant reduction with the motor running, resolve and re-test
before flying.

The fi rst flights should be done with the CG at the
recommended position, and reduced control rates until
comfortable with your handling of the aircraft. As your
experience with the aircraft grows experiment with different CG
points and control rates. After all flights, check the aircraft over
for damage and/or other items that may adversely affect flight
performance.

This Extreme 3D Plane is a full performance aircraft and will
provide hours of entertainment, including the occasional crash.
If, as the result of a crash, the foam tears, simply glue with
Welders or CA. Many pilots prefer Welders because it remains
flexible after drying. CA however, is more suited for the “quick”
repair.

This aircraft can be flown indoors or outdoors. It is however
designed specifically indoor flying and will be right at home in
the local gymnasium or other similar sized venue.

Storage

This EPP plane should be stored resting it's landing gear or
hung from the prop. Storing in other fashions that put stress on
the airframe could cause the airframe to distort. Storage in a
hot car could also cause damage.

Preght Checks Preght Checks

Be safe and enjoy, thank you again for purchasing a Twisted Hobbys’ Product!

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optional parts

CRACK POWER COMBO

Perfectly matched items for

the ultimate Standard 32”

foamie. Check the website for

the latest specs

2s / 450mAh Battery

If intending to y with 9in

props with a more tame setup

this is the battery of choice

Carbon Fiber Kit

Wanting the ultimate in

strength for your foamie, this

is it.

TMW/TWS POWER COMBO

A great package for the budget

minded builder. Check the

website for the latest specs

3s / 450mAh Battery

If intending to y with 8in

props and extreme ying style

this is the battery to use

6ch Receiver

Great little 6 channel receiver,

light weight and durable.

Check the website for the

latest specs

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notes and s/u Sheet

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This option is for the servos that come

with extra long arms. Trim off one side

and mount a quick link on the inner

most hole. Differential Horn for this

Option is the same as for Option 1 and

2. Outer holes are not recommended
and as they will stress the servo.

Use this option for your tail servos if

the stock horns do not provide enough

travel for the control surface.

Differential Horn is the same as shown

in Option 1. There servo horn you have

to mount it to may be different than

what is shown.

Standard horns for the tail servos as
shown with the adjustable links in the
outer most hole. For the Aileron Horn

this is the same for all options. Find
one of the horns that the Differential
horn can be glued to and install from

the back side of the stock horn

SERVO HORN CONFIGURATIONS

OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3

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TIPS AND TRICKS

 A good building surface is —drop ceiling“ panel from a local hardware store on a nice flat board

 Use parchment paper between the areas being glued and your work surface

 Heavy flat objects (like books, batteries, etc.) could be used to hold everything flat

 When resetting your radio, start with all the ATV‘s or throw volumes at 100%.

 Make sure you have set the direction of the servos correctly before attempting t o trim for zero position.

 If possible try the servo horns in different locations to determine which position will require the least amount of

sub trim.

 Installing the servo horns in thei r final location and attaching quick links to the servos may make servo

installation much easier later.

 On the Orange Rx, the negative pin is the one closest to the flat side of the circuit board.

 Keep a good supply of sharp knife blades handy when building a foamie airplane.

 Use low temp hot glue for gluing electronics, this will allow for easy removal later if necessary. The low temp hot

glue can be “released” by painting” the glue bead wit h an alcohol soaked cotton swab a couple times.

 A business card with the corners clipped off can be used as a small square.

 Allowing the Welders glue to set for five minutes before assembly will shorten the tack up time, just be sure if

doing it this way that you get the parts into posit ion quickly, as the glue will start to bond on contact. Any joints
that you feel are going to require adjustment , it is best to assembly the pieces while the glue is wet. The Green
(high tack) masking tape works the best when used to clamp things together on an EPP foam airplane.

 When gluing the rudder to the fuselage, stick pins could be used to ho ld in position if wanting to handle the

airframe before it is completely dry

 A rotary tool with a cutting wheel could be used to produce grooves in fiber glass parts instead of coarse sand

paper. Use a hatch pattern. This creates more bonding area for the glue.