GREAT PLANES Shoestring User manual

Champaign, Illinois
[phone], Ext 5
airsuppor[email protected]
Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 GPMA1328 Mnl v1.0
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
WARRANTY
Great Planes®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 Great
Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.
Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this
warranty without notice.
In that Great Planes 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 the address below:
Hobby Services
3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822 USA
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.
Radio: 4-channel minimum with 4–5 servos
and standard receiver
Engine: .46-.55 cu in [7.5–9cc] two-stroke,
.70-.81 cu in [11.5–13.5cc] four-stroke,
RimFire™.46 (42-60-800) brushless
outrunner motor
Wingspan: 54 in
[1370mm]
Wing Area: 572 in2
[36.9 dm2]
Weight: 6.5–7 lb
[2950– 3170 g]
Wing
Loading:
26–28 oz/ft2
[79–85 g/dm2]
SPECIFICATIONS
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................................. 3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE........................................ 3
Radio Equipment ....................................................... 3
Power System Recommendations ............................. 3
Propeller..................................................................... 4
Batteries and Charger................................................ 4
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .................................... 4
Required Hardware and Accessories ........................ 4
Adhesives and Building Supplies ............................... 4
Optional Supplies and Tools....................................... 4
Building Stand............................................................ 5
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ...................................... 5
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .............................. 5
KIT INSPECTION.............................................................. 6
PREPARATIONS............................................................... 7
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS.................................................. 7
ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION ..................................... 9
INSTALL THE TAIL SERVOS AND PUSHRODS............ 12
ASSEMBLE & INSTALL THE MAIN LANDING GEAR .. 13
INSTALL THE POWER SYSTEM.................................... 15
Glow Engine Installation .......................................... 15
Brushless Motor Installation..................................... 18
FINISH THE MODEL....................................................... 21
APPLY THE DECALS ..................................................... 23
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................ 23
Install and Operate the Motor Battery ...................... 23
Check the Control Directions ................................... 24
Set the Control Throws ............................................ 25
Balance the Model (C.G.)......................................... 25
Balance the Model Laterally..................................... 26
PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 26
Identify Your Model................................................... 26
Charge the Batteries ................................................ 26
Balance Propellers................................................... 26
Ground Check.......................................................... 26
Range Check ........................................................... 26
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS................................. 27
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE .............. 27
AMA SAFETY CODE...................................................... 27
CHECK LIST................................................................... 28
FLYING............................................................................ 28
Fuel Mixture Adjustments ........................................ 29
Takeoff ..................................................................... 29
Flight ........................................................................ 29
Landing .................................................................... 29
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Great Planes
Shoestring .46 ARF! This beautiful, fiberglass fuselage
model follows on the success of Great Planes’ larger,
.60-sized version. Much of the typical ARF building work has
been completed at the factory, leaving only the final steps
needed to get you airborne quickly. Even a pilot comes
already installed!
You‘ll enjoy sport performance with a .46-size engine, or
experience scale-like speeds that recall the Cleveland Air
Races with a .55. Accommodations have also been made
for installing a brushless power system. A magnetic canopy
hatch makes radio access and battery changes a breeze!
The two-piece wing with a lightweight, carbon wing tube
allows for easy transport.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Shoestring .46 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the
Shoestring .46 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.
AMA
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 fly at most
R/C sites.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Tele: [phone]
Fax [phone]
Or via the Internet at:
http://www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your Shoestring .46 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 Shoestring, if not assembled and operated
correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators
and damage to property.
2.Youmustassemblethemodel accordingtotheinstructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unflyable 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 first-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.
5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly 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 an experienced pilot or 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.
8. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended
range 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.
9. WARNING: The cowl, wheel pants, and fuselage included
in this kit are made of fiberglass, the fibers of which may
cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow
into a part to remove fiberglass dust, as the dust will blow
back into your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a particle
mask and rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding
fiberglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area
thoroughly after working with fiberglass parts.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished 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 finish the Shoestring
.46 ARF that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Radio Equipment
The Shoestring .46 ARF requires a minimum 4-channel radio
system with four 44 oz.-in. [3.2 kg-cm] minimum standard
sized servos. If you are installing a glow engine, an additional
standard servo is required for the throttle.
In addition, two 6" [152mm] servo extensions are required
for the aileron servos. If you are using a radio system that
does not support mixing functions, Y-harnesses will also be
required to connect the aileron servos to the receiver.
If you plan to install a brushless motor, you will need a 6"
[152mm] servo extension for the ESC.
A charge jack receptacle is optional, but is useful for
recharging the receiver pack without removing the canopy
hatch.Recommended part numbers for the radio components
are provided below:
❏Futaba®S9001 Servo Aircraft Coreless BB (FUTM0075)
❏Hobbico®Pro™HD Extension 6" [152mm] Futaba J
(HCAM2701)
❏Hobbico Pro HD Y-Harness Futaba J (HCAM2751)
❏Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)
Power System Recommendations
The recommended engine/motor size for the Shoestring
.46 ARF is a .46 – .55 cu in [7 – 9 cc] two-stroke engine, a
.70 – .81 cu in [11.5-13.5 cc] four-stroke engine, or a RimFire
.46 (42-60-800) brushless outrunner motor. Engine and
motor order numbers are provided below:
❏O.S.®46AX ABL w/Muffler (OSMG0547)
❏Bisson O.S. .46 SF/FX .50 SX Pitts Muffler (BISG4046)
❏Great Planes RimFire .46 (42-60-800) Outrunner
Brushless (GPMG4725)
❏Great Planes Brushless Motor Mount Medium Motors
(GPMG1255)
If using the recommended brushless motor, a 80A brushless
ESC is required:
❏Great Planes Silver Series 80A Brushless ESC High Volt
(GPMM1860)

4
Propeller
If you are installing a glow engine, choose a prop based
on the engine manufacturer’s recommendation. If you are
installing the recommended RimFire brushless motor, we
suggest an APC 11x5.5E propeller (APCQ1055).
Batteries and Charger
For a brushless motor installation, two 3350mAh 11.1V
Lithium Polymer battery packs connected in series are
recommended. Order numbers for the battery packs and
series connector are provided below:
❏Great Planes LiPo 3350mAh 11.1V 25C Discharge
w/Balance (GPMP0541)
❏Great Planes Series Deans®U 2 to 1 Adapter
(GPMM3143)
A cell balancer is required for the LiPo battery listed above:
❏Great Planes ElectriFly™Equinox™LiPo Cell
Balancer 1-5 (GPMM3160)
A suitable charger is also required. The Great Planes
PolyCharge4™is designed for LiPo packs only, but is able
to charge four LiPo packs simultaneously. The Great Planes
Triton2™charger will only charge one pack at a time, but is
capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, and Pb acid batteries.
Order numbers for both are provided below:
❏Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC Only 4 Output LiPo
Charger (GPMM3015)
OR
❏Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 DC Comp Peak Charger
(GPMM3153)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Required Hardware and Accessories
This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish
the Shoestring .46 ARF. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses:
❏R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000, or
1/2" [13mm] - HCAQ1050)
❏3' [900mm] standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)
(glow engine only)
Adhesives and Building Supplies
This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to finish the Shoestring .46 ARF:
❏1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro™CA (GPMR6001)
❏1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA– (GPMR6013)
❏Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❏Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❏Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm],
3/16" [4.8mm], 1/4" [6.4mm]
❏Great Planes Tap & Drill Set 6-32 (GPMR8102) (Glow
engine installation only)
❏Tap handle (GPMR8120) (Glow engine installation only)
❏Rotary tool with cutting bit
❏#1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏#11 blades (XACR3111)
❏Medium T-pins (100, HCAR5150)
❏Top Flite®MonoKote®sealing iron (TOPR2100)
❏Top Flite Hot Sock™iron cover (TOPR2175)
❏220 grit sandpaper
❏Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
Optional Supplies and Tools
Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Shoestring .46 ARF:
❏1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)
❏CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)
❏Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❏Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏Harry Higley's 3/16" Extended Drill (HIGR1020)
❏Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)
❏Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❏Hobby Heat™micro torch II (HCAR0755)
❏Dead Center™Engine Mount Hole Locator
(GPMR8130)
❏Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❏AccuThrow™Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❏CG Machine™(GPMR2400)
❏Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)
❏Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)
❏Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❏Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16 Collet w/6 Bits (HCAR0696)

5
❏Hobbico 8-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench SAE
(HCAR0520)
❏Hobbico 7-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench Metric
(HCAR0521)
❏Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)
Building Stand
A building stand or cradle comes in handy during the build.
We use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for all our
projects in R&D, and it can be seen in pictures throughout
this manual.
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
• When you see the term test fit in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom fit
the part as necessary for the best fit.
• Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When
a specific type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.
• Whenever just epoxy is specified you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.
• 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 stabilizer and wing incidences and engine 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.greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.”
Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way your model will fly, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.
ORDERING REPLACMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes Shoestring .46 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.
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Choose “Where to Buy” and 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 [phone],
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 and payments by personal check to:
Hobby Services
3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
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.
If additional assistance is required for any reason contact
Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@greatplanes.
com, or by telephone at [phone].
Order No. Description
NOTE
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
Fuselage
Wing Set
Tail Set
Canopy/Hatch
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Wing Tube
Decal
GPMA3390
GPMA3391
GPMA3392
GPMA3393
GPMA3394
GPMA3395
GPMA3396
GPMA3397
GPMA3398
Full-size plans are not available.
You can download a copy of this
manual at www.greatplanes.com.

6
KIT INSPECTION
Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit 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.
Great Planes Product Support
3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
Telephone: [phone], ext. 5
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
1. Canopy/Hatch
2. Fuselage
3. Cowl
4. Spinner
5. Fuel Tank
6. Engine Mount Halves
7. Wheel Pants (2)
8. Main Landing Gear (2)
9. Main Wheels (2)
10. Tail Wheel Assembly
11. Rudder
12. Horizontal Stabilizer
13. Wing Halves
14. Wing Joiner Tube
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
88
9
14
10 11
12
13 13

7
PREPARATIONS
❏1. If you have not done so already, remove the major parts
of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any parts
are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection”
section on page 6.
❏2. Remove the tape and separate all the control surfaces.
Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat to
tighten the covering if necessary.Apply pressure over sheeted
areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS
Before completing this section, confirm that the servos that
you will be using will properly fit between the servo mounting
blocks on the aileron servo hatch covers. Make adjustments
as necessary for your brand servos. A razor saw or hobby
knife can be used to trim the blocks if necessary.
CUT OFF UNUSED ARMS
5/64" [2mm]
❏1. Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm for each
aileron servo. Enlarge the outer hole of each remaining arm
with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit.
❏2. Attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each aileron
servo and secure the connector using 1-1/2" [38mm] pieces
from the included heat shrink tubing. Center the servos with
your radio system and install the servo arms to the servos
perpendicular to the servo cases as shown. Be sure to
reinstall the servo arm screws into the servos.
❏3. Position the servos against the underside of the aileron
servo hatch covers between the mounting blocks. Shim
the servo away from the hatch cover approximately 3/64"
[1.2mm] (a business card folded in thirds works well for this).
Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the mounting tabs on the
servo cases into the blocks. Thread a servo mounting screw
(included with the servo) into each hole and back it out. Apply
a drop of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. When the
CA has dried, install the servos onto the hatch covers using
the hardware supplied with the servos.

8
❏4. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo hatches
to pull the servo leads through the wing.
❏5. Position the aileron servo hatch covers in place and drill
a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the mounting holes and into
the hatch mounting blocks. Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-
tapping screw into each hole and back it out. Apply a drop
of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood surrounding the
hole. Install the hatch covers to the wings using eight #2 x
3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws and eight #2 flat washers.
❏6. Thread a nylon clevis 20 complete turns onto each 4"
[102mm] pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis retainer onto each
clevis and connect the clevises to the outer holes of two
control horns.
Hinge Line Hinge Line
CORRECT INCORRECT
Hi
❏7. Position the control horns over the plywood plates in
the ailerons (if you cannot see them, hold the aileron at a
shallow angle in good lighting or use a small pin to puncture
the covering) using the position of the servo arms as a
guide. Align the holes in the control horns directly over the
aileron hinge line and mark the location of the control horn
mounting holes.
❏8. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes at the marks you made
through the plywood plates. Do not drill all the way through
the ailerons! Thread a #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screw
through each hole and back it out. Apply a couple drops of
thin CA glue to each hole to harden the wood. When the glue
has dried, install the control horns onto the ailerons using
four #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screws.

9
Servo Horn
1/16"
2-56 (.074")
Pushrod Wire FasLink
❏9. Use tape or a small clamp to hold the ailerons in the
neutral position. Make a mark on the pushrods where they
cross the outer holes in the servo arms. Make a 90° bend at
the mark on the pushrod and cut off the excess pushrod 1/4"
[6mm] beyond the bend. Attach the pushrods to the servo
arms using nylon FasLinks. Thread the clevises up or down
on the pushrods as necessary to center the ailerons with the
servo arms centered. When satisfied, slide the silicone clevis
retainers to the ends of the clevises to secure them.
ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION
❏1. Insert the wing tube into the fuselage and center its
position. Slide the wing panels onto the tube and feed the
aileron servo leads through the mating holes in the fuse.
Tighten the wing panels against the fuse using the two nylon
wing bolts.

10
❏2. Test fit the horizontal stabilizer into the stab slot at
the aft end of the fuselage (without glue). Center the stab left
and right in the fuse. Measure the distance from the stab tips
to the wing tips and make the measurements equal. Now,
stand behind the model approximately 5-6 ft [1.5-1.8m] and
confirm that the stab and wings are parallel. If not, weight
can be added to one side to bring them parallel, or the stab
can be taped to the fin to pull it parallel with the wing.
❏3. After you have determined if any weight will need to
be added during the gluing process, remove the stab from
the fuse. If necessary, lightly sand away any excess paint
from inside the stab slot. Mix up a batch of 30-minute epoxy
and coat the stab slot as well as the exposed wood of the
stabilizer (coating the stab slot will require additional cleanup
after inserting the stab into the fuse. However, it will make a
stronger glue joint). Slide the stab into the fuse, center it left
and right and align it with the wing panels. Use denatured
alcohol to clean up any excess epoxy. Allow the epoxy to
cure undisturbed.
❏4. When the epoxy has cured, the wing panels can be
removed from the fuselage and set aside. They will not be
needed again until it is time to set up the control throws.
1"
1"
3/4"
❏5. Cut the included 2" x 9" [51mm x 229mm] CA hinge
strip into 3/4" x 1" [19mm x 25mm] individual hinges. Clip the
corners of each hinge to make them easier to insert into the
hinge slots.
DRILL A 3/32" HOLE,
1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER
OF HINGE SLOT
❏6. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole 1/2" [13mm] deep into the
center of each hinge slot in the stab and elevator halves.
❏7. Test fit a CA hinge into each of the hinge slots in the
stab and elevator halves. If necessary, enlarge the slots with
a hobby knife. When satisfied with the fit, insert a CA hinge
halfway into each hinge slot in the wing panel. Push a pin
through the middle of each hinge to keep them centered.

11
❏8. Join the elevators to the stab and remove the pins from
the hinges. Align the tips of the elevators with the stab tips.
Adjust the elevators so there is a small gap between the LE
of the elevators and the stab. The gap should be small, just
enough to see light through the gap or to slip a piece of paper
through. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of
each hinge without using accelerator. After the CA glue has
hardened, confirm that the elevators are secure by pulling on
them and deflecting them up and down.
❏9. Test fit the rudder to the fuselage with the tail wheel
assembly installed in the orientation shown. Make any
adjustments necessary so the nylon tab on the tail wheel
wire fits all the way into the slot in the fuse.
❏10. Roughen the portion of the tail wheel assembly that
fits into the rudder with 220-grit sand paper and clean it off
with alcohol. Oil the tail wheel wire at the nylon tab to prevent
it from being glued to the wire.
❏11. Glue the tail wheel wire into the hole in the LE of
the rudder with medium or thick CA glue. Lightly coat both
sides of the nylon tab with thick CA glue or epoxy and fit the
rudder to the fuselage along with two CA hinges. Glue the
CA hinges in place with thin CA glue.
❏12. Secure the tail wheel onto the tail wheel wire with a
3/32" [2.4mm] wheel collar and a 4-40 set screw.

12
INSTALL THE TAIL SERVOS
AND PUSHRODS
❏1. Temporarily insert a 2-56 x 36" [914mm] pushrod
into each elevator pushrod exit slot. Use the position of
the pushrods to align the elevator control horns onto the
undersides of the elevator halves. Mark the locations of the
control horn mounting holes onto the elevator halves and
drill 5/64" [2mm] holes at the marks. Attach the elevator
control horns to the elevators using four 2-56 x 5/8" [16mm]
machine screws and the control horn backplates.
❏2. Install a control horn onto the right side of the rudder in
the same manner.
❏3. Install the elevator and rudder servos onto the servo
tray in the direction and positions shown using the hardware
supplied with the servos. Note that the pushrods are used to
position the servos on the tray. Be sure to harden the screw
holes with thin CA as was done with the aileron servos.
Cut three arms from two four-armed servo arms. Center
the servos with your radio system and install them onto the
servos with the servo screws. Enlarge the outer holes of
each servo arm with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit.
❏4. Thread a nylon clevis and silicone clevis retainer onto
a 2-56 x 36" [914mm] pushrod 20 complete turns. Slide the

13
pushrod through the rudder pushrod exit slot in the fuselage
and connect it to the third outer hole in the rudder control horn.
Slide the silicone clevis retainer to the end of the clevis.
❏4. With the rudder in the neutral position and the rudder
servo arm perpendicular to the servo case, mark where the
pushrod crosses the outer hole of the servo arm. As you did
with the aileron pushrods, make a 90° bend at the mark and
cut off the excess pushrod 1/4" [6.4mm] beyond the bend.
Secure the pushrod to the servo arm with a nylon FasLink.
Make any adjustments necessary to the nylon clevis so that
the rudder is properly centered and slide the silicone clevis
retainer to the end of the clevis.
❏5. Connect two 2-56 x 36" [914mm] pushrods with nylon
clevises and silicone clevis retainers to the third outer holes
in the elevator control horns.
❏6. With the left elevator in the neutral position and the
elevator servo arm perpendicular to the servo case, mark
the location where the left elevator pushrod crosses the
outer hole of the elevator servo arm. Make a 90 degree bend
at the mark and cut off the excess pushrod 1/4" [6.4mm]
beyond the bend. Position the right elevator in the neutral
position and cut off the excess pushrod 1" [25mm] behind
the elevator servo arm. Join the two elevator pushrods
together using two 5/32" [4mm] wheel collars, two 6-32 x
1/4" [6.4mm] SHCS, and thread locking compound. View
the model from behind and confirm that the elevator halves
are parallel. If not, make any adjustments as necessary to
the clevises or wheel collars until they are. Connect the left
elevator pushrod to the servo arm with a FasLink.
ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE
MAIN LANDING GEAR
❏1. Secure the axles to the landing gear legs using the
5/16"-24 nylon lock nuts.

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❏2. Slide a 5/32" [4mm] wheel collar onto each axle followed
by a 3" [76mm] wheel and then another 5/32" [4mm] wheel
collar. Mark the location of the threaded holes in the wheel
collars onto the axles. Use a file or rotary tool such as a
Dremel to grind flat spots at the marks on the axles.
❏3. Reinstall the wheel collars and wheels onto the axles.
Thread a 6-32x1/4" [6.4mm] socket head cap screw into each
wheel collar and tighten the screws against the flat spots on
the axles using threadlocking compound. Be sure that the
wheel rotates freely on the axle. Oil the axles if necessary.
❏4. Attach the wheel pants to the landing gear legs using
four 4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] machine screws, four #4 flat washers,
four #4 lock washers, and thread locking compound.
❏5. Attach the landing gear legs to the fuselage using four
6-32 x 5/8" [16mm] SHCS, four #6 flat washers, four #6 lock
washers, and thread locking compound.

15
INSTALL THE POWER SYSTEM
Glow Engine Installation
The Shoestring is designed to be flown with a .46 – .55 two-
stroke glow engine, .70 – .81 four-stroke glow engine, or a
brushless outrunner motor. If you plan to install a brushless
motor, skip this section as it only contains information
relevant to installing a glow engine.
❏1. The fuel tank can be assembled as a two line system
consisting of a vent (pressure) line to the muffler and a
carb line. Filling and emptying of the tank would need to be
done through the carb line, or an optional fuel fill valve (not
included). The tank can also be assembled as a three line
system having a vent line, carb line, and fill line. If installing
a fill line, puncture the top of the stopper above the sealed
off fuel tube hole. The front of the lines should extend out
1/2" [13mm] beyond the stopper and the vent line should be
bent upwards and left uncut. With the tubes installed in the
stopper, fit the stopper plates loosely in place with the 3 x
25mm phillips screw to hold the assembly together.
TOP OF TANK
VENT
FILL AND CARB LINES
❏2. Fit the stopper assembly into the tank with the vent
line pointing toward the top of the tank, but not touching.
The fuel tubing and clunks (fuel pickup) on the carb and fill
lines should almost reach the back of the tank but not touch.
The clunks must be able to move freely inside the tank when
assembled. Adjust the length of the fuel tubing accordingly.
When satisfied, tighten the 3x25mm screw in the stopper to
secure it in place (do not over-tighten). Mark the side of the
tank that must face up when installed in the plane, and we
also suggest marking the tubes in the stopper.
❏3. Make a 12" [305mm] strap from the included hook
and loop material by overlapping the mating ends by
approximately 1" [25mm].

16
❏4. Insert the hook and loop through the slots in the fuel
tank tray. Fit the tank neck through the hole in the firewall
(with the correct side of the tank facing up) and use the strap
to tightly secure the tank to the tray.
❏5. Cut the included 6x6mm stick to fit snugly between
the fuse sides right behind the fuel tank. Glue the stick
into place.
❏6. If you plan to install the O.S. 81FS-a engine, you will
need to cut away the nose gear bearing from the engine
mount as shown. A rotary tool with a sanding or cutting bit
works well for this. A hobby knife can also be used.
❏7. Using four 6-32 x 3/4" [19mm] SHCS, four #6 flat
washers, four #6 lock washers, and thread locking compound,
attach the engine mount side-mounted to the firewall so that
the engine head will be on the right side. Leave the screws
slightly loose. Test fit your engine between the mount halves.
Slide the mount halves against the sides of the engine and
finish tightening the mount screws.
❏8. Attach a 6"-7" [152mm-178mm] piece of fuel tubing
onto each line coming from the tank.
❏9. Position the front of the engine drive washer 4-7/8"
[124mm] from the firewall. Mark the location of the engine
mount holes onto the mount rails using a Dead Center Hole
Locator. Remove the engine from the mount and use a 6-32
tap and drill set to create threads in the four mounting holes.

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❏10.Attach the engine to the mount using four 6-32 x 1" [25mm]
SHCS, four #6 flat washers, and four #6 lock washers.
❏11. Install your muffler onto the engine. We are using a
pitts-style muffler for a clean and easy installation. The stock
muffler will also work, but a lot of the cowl will have to be
trimmed away.
❏12. Cut the fuel tubing coming from the tank to the proper
length and connect the pressure and carb lines to the engine.
The fill line (if installed) should be plugged with the included
aluminum fuel line plug and can be routed through a hole in
the cowl which will be done later in the assembly (remember to
replace the fuel line plug after filling or draining the fuel tank).
❏13. Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm included
with your throttle servo. Install a screw-lock pushrod
connector into the outer hole in the remaining arm and
secure it in place with a nylon pushrod connector retainer.
Loosely install a 4-40 x 1/8" [3mm] SHCS into the screw-lock
pushrod connector.
❏14. Center the throttle servo with your radio system
and install the arm perpendicular to the servo case. Install
the throttle servo onto the throttle servo tray using the
hardware supplied with the servo. Most engine models will
require the throttle servo to be oriented on the tray in the
direction shown.
❏15. Drill a hole through the firewall using a 3/16" [4.8mm]
drill bit (an extra long bit works well for this step) inline with
the location of the throttle arm on the engine carburetor. Take
care not to drill through the fuel tank!

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❏16. Roughen the ends of the 7-1/2" [191mm] outer
pushrod tube using 220-grit sandpaper. Slide the outer
pushrod tube through the hole in the firewall leaving 1/4"
[6.4mm] protruding from the front of the firewall. Glue the
outer pushrod tube to the firewall.
❏17. Cut part of the threads away leaving 1/2" [13mm] of
thread length from the remaining 17-1/2" [445mm] pushrod.
Thread a clevis and silicone clevis retainer onto the pushrod
and test fit into the outer pushrod tube. Make the necessary
bends to the pushrod in order to clear the muffler. When
satisfied, connect the clevis to the throttle arm on the engine
and insert the aft end of the pushrod through the screw-
lock pushrod connector. Make any necessary adjustments
to the brass screw-lock connector so that the throttle opens
and closes with the servo. Tighten the SHCS in the pushrod
connector, cut away the excess pushrod 1/4" [6.4mm] behind
the pushrod connector, and glue a plywood outer pushrod
clip to the outer pushrod tube and fuel tank brace. Use the
radio system to test the operation of the throttle, making sure
it properly opens and closes.
Brushless Motor Installation
The Shoestring .46 ARF is designed to be flown with a .46-
.55 two-stroke glow engine, .70-.81 four-stroke glow engine,
or a brushless outrunner motor. If you plan to install a glow
engine, skip this section as it only contains information
relevant to installing a brushless motor.
Be sure to read and understand the instructions that
come with the ESC and motor before attempting to
operate the system.
❏1.Attach the outrunner motor to the brushless motor mount
using the included 3 x 8mm machine screws and thread
locking compound. If you haven’t done so yet, install the prop
adapter to the motor case with the hardware included with
the motor and thread locking compound.

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❏2. Temporarily attach the motor mount to the firewall with
two 6-32 x 3/4" [19mm] SHCS or hold the motor mount in
position while you mark the location for cooling holes in the
location shown. There should be an elliptical-shaped hole on
both sides of the mount. Use a rotary tool to cut out the holes
before attaching the mount. When satisfied with the size and
shape of the holes, attach the motor mount to the firewall
using four 6-32 x 3/4" [19mm] SHCS, four #6 flat washers,
four #6 lock washers, and thread locking compound.
❏3. Loosen the screws that hold the aluminum motor mount
halves together and slide them apart as necessary so that the
front of the prop adapter is 4-7/8" [124mm] from the firewall.
When adjusting the mount, do not inadvertently create an up
or down motor thrust angle. Use thread locking compound
on the screws that join the motor mount halves.
❏4. Assemble the ESC tray as shown. Use pieces from the
included 6x6mm triangle stock to reinforce the tray sides.
❏5. Attach the ESC to the tray using three 3x12mm self-
tapping screws. Be sure to harden the screw holes with thin
CA. Other brand ESCs may need to be attached to the tray
with tie straps (not included) or a hook and loop strap.

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❏6. If you are using the recommended Great Planes SS-80
ESC, you will need to attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension.
Secure the extension with tape, heat shrink tubing, or a
special clip designed for that purpose. Attach the ESC tray
to the brushless motor mount using four 3x12mm machine
screws, four 3mm flat washers, and four 3mm nylon lock
nuts. The battery and ESC receiver leads should be routed
through the center hole in the firewall. Secure the excess
motor leads out of the way of the motor. We used a tie strap
(not included).
❏7. Apply a thin coat of epoxy down the center of the
battery tray. This will improve the adhesion of the hook and
loop material. When the epoxy has completely cured, attach
a piece of the hook side from the included hook and loop
strap to the battery tray. The loop side should be attached to
your battery pack (use additional pieces to join LiPo packs
together for a series configuration).
❏8. Make a strap from the included non-adhesive hook and
loop material long enough to fit your battery packs. Feed the
strap through the slots in the battery.
❏9. Test fit your batteries onto the tray. The exact position
of the batteries will be determined when you will check the
balance of the plane after the assembly has been completed.
When you confirm the needed position of the batteries on
the tray, mark that position somewhere on the tray. Now
would also be a good time to confirm the correct rotation of
the motor (before you install the propeller) using your radio
system. The motor should rotate counter-clockwise when
looking at the airplane from the front. If the motor rotates in
the wrong direction, simply disconnect any two of the three
motor leads and swap their positions.
❏10. A cool air exit hole needs to be cut into the underside
of the fuse behind the wing. A rotary tool with a cutting bit
works well for this. Be sure your hole is made between the
formers, not through them.