Build RC RC SCALE FOX ARF EP GLIDER User manual

RC SCALE FOX ARF
EP GLIDER
BUILD GUIDE
ABSTRACT
Assembly instructions and options for The 3-4Ch
RC Scale FOX ARF EP Glider Airframe from
TheBuildRC.com.
Jason Uberig

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Specifications....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Tools & Equipment .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Parts List .............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Required Parts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Wings....................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Prepare Servo Cut-outs........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Prepare Servos..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Mount Servos and Covers to the Wing................................................................................................................................ 5
Install Control Horn ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Alternate Pushrod Method.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Install Wing Mounting Eyelet .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Install The Wings on The Fuselage....................................................................................................................................... 9
Fuselage................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Installing The Horizontal Stabilizer .................................................................................................................................... 11
Install The Elevator Pushrod .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Install the Wheel................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Install The Motor ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Canopy Installation ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
Opening Air Inlets (Optional)............................................................................................................................................. 17
Electronics Installation....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Install The Propeller........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Pre-Flight Setup ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Attach The Wings............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Check Control Surfaces...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Control Throws / DR&Expo................................................................................................................................................ 18
Center Of Gravity (CG)....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Congratulations! .................................................................................................................................................................... 18

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
INTRODUCTION
The Fox is a gorgeous scale glider in the 1.5m range. It is made of a combination of composite materials and balsa.
Building the model will require a few tools and a night or two to build.
SPECIFICATIONS
SKU
rcpl3902008_y
Color
Yellow
Version
ARF
Power
Electric Motor
Wingspan (mm)
1520
Wing Material
Balsa Wood
Fuselage Length (mm)
770
Center of Gravity
50-55mm (measured from front edge of the wing)
Number of Servo
3 x 9g
Recommended Motor
D2627 1200rpm/v Brushless Motor
Recommended Battery
3S LiPo
Recommended Radio
4 Channel (Optional 3ch with Y-lead on ailerons)
Recommended ESC
40A
Recommended Propeller
11” folding propeller (included)
Net Weight (kg)
1.1
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
#1 Phillips
Needle nose pliers
1.5mm Hex driver / Allen wrench
#11 X-Acto blade / hobby knife
Thin CA (Cyanoacrylate) glue
Medium CA or Epoxy
Masking tape / marker
Trim sealing iron or Covering Iron (optional)
PARTS LIST
Qty
Part
Qty
Part
1
Fuselage & Canopy
2
Wings
1
Wing Spar
2
Aileron servo covers
2
Wing mounting hardware (spring &
eyelets)
2
Prebent pushrods for elevens
1
Prebent elevator pushrod & sleeve
2
Control horns for surfaces
2
Servo extension wires
1
Set of hook and loop
1
Bag of miscellaneous hardware
1
Propeller & spinner assembly

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
REQUIRED PARTS
The following parts are not included and must be obtained separately.
Transmitter
Receiver
Motor
ESC
Servos (3x 9g)
Tools
Glue
Etc.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
WINGS
PREPARE SERVO CUT-OUTS
To prepare the wings begin by locating and cutting open the servo bay in the wing. Be careful NOT to cut through the
opposite side of the wing’s covering!
If you have a trim sealing iron or covering iron use them to seal the covering down in the hole that you just opened. This
will just clean up the opening and keep any tears from forming with age.
Find, mark, and drill the holes for the servo covers. An easy way to do this is to line up the servo cover over the hole.
Screw in and then remove a pan head mounting screw to each hole, then add a drop of thin CA to reinforce the hole.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
PREPARE SERVOS
Included in the package you will find servo extension wires.
The servo leads should reach out the end of the wing; however, depending on your servo manufacturer you may need to
have the servo extension on before routing the wire through the wing. If this is needed then you will need to remove the
servo extension’s ‘cover’ or plug; otherwise it will not fit through the channels in the wing. Either way, ensure you secure
the extension to the servo in some fashion –such as electrical tape, string, etc.
Centre the servos at this time. Insert the aileron pushrod (short, pre-bent wire) into the second last / outer hole on the
servo arm. Then mount the servo on the servo covers using the provided pan head wood screws. Ensure that the output
shaft is closest to the opening of the servo cover.
MOUNT SERVOS AND COVERS TO THE WING
Fish / run the servo wire through the holes in the wing using a rod / string / both as needed to get the plug out to the
inside edge of the wing.
Note: After inserting the
screws, remove them and
put a drop or two of thin CA
into the wood where the
holes are to reinforce the
threads.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
Insert the servo and cover into the servo bay on the wing and mount the servo cover to the wing using the provided pan
head screws.
INSTALL CONTROL HORN
Drill out or use a #11 X-acto blade to open up the outer most hole on the aileron control horn to match your choice of
either the pushrod keeper’s diameter or a double z-bend pushrod.
Note: Ensure that the
pushrod exit is ‘away’ from
the wing root. This will
ensure the servo wire has the
most direct path out of the
wing.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
Use low-tack / painters tape to tape the aileron still and in-line with the wing root. This will allow you to properly line up
the control horn and pushrod later.
If you will be using the pushrod keepers then temporarily install the keeper on the control horn. Then slide the keeper
over the pushrod that extends out of the servo cover. Once in place, line up the servo horn on the aileron so that the top
hole of the horn is as close to being over the hinge line as possible.
Mark the location of the control horn’s holes with a fine tip marker.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
Remove the control horn and drill 2mm holes to suit the control horn bolts.
Remove the pushrod keeper from the control horn and mount the control horn on the aileron. The 2mm bolts pass
through the control horn and self tap into the base plate on the opposite side.
Reinstall the pushrod keeper by first sliding it over the pushrod then inserting it into the control horn. Be sure to use a
dab of blue Loctite on the keeper’s nut to keep it from coming loose!
ALTERNATE PUSHROD METHOD
Alternately, if you wish to avoid using the pushrod keepers you can use a double Z-Bend. Once you have the control horn
mounted simply mark the pushrod where it would enter the control horn.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
Remove the servo & cover assembly and carefully create a Z-bend that starts at the mark you made. Once you have the
2nd Z-bend simply insert it into the control horn on the aileron and then maneuver the servo & cover assembly down onto
the wing. Lastly, remember to screw down the servo cover.
INSTALL WING MOUNTING EYELET
The last step with the wing assembly is to mount the included eyelet screws. These are where the spring hooks on to
hold the wings on during flight. Carefully screw the eyelet into the pre-drilled hole in the face of the root of the wing.
Then remove it and apply a drop or two of thin CA to strengthen the screw hole.
INSTALL THE WINGS ON THE FUSELAGE
Once you have completed both wings up to this point, temporarily install the wings on the fuselage so that you can
ensure the spring joining mechanism is good and the servo wires are the right length.
Install the carbon wing spar into the fuselage. Then slide the wings on being careful to route the servo wires into the
holes in the fuse. Then, once you have both wings mated to the fuselage use a pair of needle nose pliers to hook the
spring on the two wing eyelets. The resulting assembly should look something like the picture below when done.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
Note that you may need to ‘create’ a second hook on the end of the spring. To do this simply use your needle nose pliers
to bend the last loop of the spring out into the desired hook shape.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
FUSELAGE
The fuselage requires a little bit of work to install the horizontal stab & elevator and then to mount the motor /
electronics (may not be included in your package).
INSTALLING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
Insert the stabilizer into the slot on the tail of the fuselage. Ensure that the stabilizer is parallel to the wings by sighting
down the fuselage from the nose or tail. Adjust the angle of the stabilizer accordingly by sanding the slot on the side
where the stabilizer is ‘higher’ than the wing. Sand and check frequently until it fits perfectly.
You must also ensure that the horizontal stabilizer is properly aligned to the wing when looking down on the plane. The
distance from wingtip to the horizontal stabilizer’s tip on both sides of the plane must be equal. Also, the stabilizer must
be centred in the fuse (ie. Equal length of stab sticking out from left and right sides of the fuse). Use a ruler or measuring
tape to ensure the stab is square and true as in the following diagram.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
Once you are happy with the fit you can either use epoxy to glue the wing in or simply wick some thin CA into the joint.
Using CA will allow the tail plane to break free in a less than perfect landing, but will stand up to any flight conditions you
can find.
INSTALL THE ELEVATOR PUSHROD
The elevator pushrod & sleeve can simply be fed into the fuselage from the slot in the tail of the plane. Slide it in until
the sleeve meets and rests on the pre-cut notch on the servo tray. Glue the sleeve to the notch (eg. Epoxy / CA / etc.),
install and hook up your chosen elevator servo.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
You will also need to anchor the pushrod sleeve to the side of the fuse closer to the tail to prevent flex and slop in the
pushrod during use.
Lastly, ensure you add some glue to the pushrod sleeve where it exits the fuselage.
Once you have the pushrod and sleeve in place mount the control horn on the elevator aligning it with the pushrod and
the edge of the elevator.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
The bolts coming through the control horn can be cut off with side cutters or a fine saw.
Once the control horn is in place install the pushrod keeper ensuring that you use blue Loctite on the nut to ensure it
does not come off while at the same time ensuring that the keeper turns reasonably freely inside the hole of the control
horn.
Center the servo if needed, ensure the elevator is in the neutral position, and then lock down the set screw of the keeper
on the pushrod. You may want to add a tiny drop of blue Loctite on this screw as well. Once everything is set you can cut
the excess pushrod off leaving approximately 1/4 inch extra.
INSTALL THE WHEEL
Mark and drill two 2 mm holes at the center of the wheel well in the bottom of the fuse. Then insert the 2 mm bolt and
nut being sure to dab the nut with blue Loctite to ensure it does not come off.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
INSTALL THE MOTOR
If you have elected to go with the recommended motor you will need to first take off the retaining collar on the back
plate of the motor.
Mount the motor on the inside of the fuse with the shaft sticking out the front. Be sure to use blue Loctite on the bolts to
keep them from vibrating loose over time.
Now would be a good time to plug in your ESC and test that you have the motor turning in the correct direction. When
looking AT the nose of the plane the shaft should spin counter clockwise.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
CANOPY INSTALLATION
The canopy can be installed using two small self-tapping screws. Start by aligning the canopy on the fuse and drilling a
pilot hole (~ 1.5 to 2mm dia.) through the aft end of the canopy and the mating surface of the fuselage. Allow for enough
material around the hole to hold the canopy on without it slipping off.
Once you have the hole made screw the screw into the hole to set the threads in the fuselage. Remove the screw and
wick a drop or two of thin CA into the hole.
Once the rear mount is complete mark the centre and repeat for the front screw. To make canopy removal easier you
can notch the front of the canopy as shown. In this way the front can simply slide in and the screws be tightened. No
need to fully unscrew both screws.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
OPENING AIR INLETS (OPTIONAL)
This step should not be required if running the stock electronics; however, it will add cooling airflow to the electronics.
Use a rotary tool or drill and files to open up the air scoop inlets on the both sides of the fuselage as in the following
pictures.
ELECTRONICS INSTALLATION
By this point you should have servos, and motor installed. Completion of your plane should require just the ESC and
receiver installation. If using the recommended electronics the CG can easily be met with positions of components as in
the following pictures.
INSTALL THE PROPELLER
When the build is basically done and you have ensured your ESC is turning the motor the correct direction proceed to
mount your propeller.

RC Scale Fox ARF EP Glider www.TheBuildRC.com
PRE-FLIGHT SETUP
Firstly, ensure your radio is bound and set up on the proper model. Make sure your flight pack is charged and ready to
go.
ATTACH THE WINGS
Insert the carbon wing joiner into the fuselage. Mount each wing half routing the aileron wires in and plugging them
into the receiver. Lastly, tuck the wires out of the way and install the retaining spring to hold the wings onto the plane.
CHECK CONTROL SURFACES
Power up your transmitter and the receiver and ensure that all control surfaces are moving in the right directions. If
needed reverse the appropriate channel.
CONTROL THROWS / DR&EXPO
As far as travel / throws go, if you follow the instructions above in terms of which holes to insert the pushrods on the
control horns your throws should be fine with the following DR / Expo settings. Of course tune these to your tastes as
needed. These are just a starting point.
Surface
Low Rate (DR / Expo)
High Rate (DR / Expo)
Aileron
40 / 40
100 / 60
Elevator
40 / 20
100 / 35
CENTER OF GRAVITY (CG)
The CG for The Fox is 50-55mm (measured from front edge of the wing).
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations! Your plane is done and ready for flight. You may want to have a friend help you with the first. Have fun
and fly safely!