GREAT PLANES TWINSTAR EP User manual

Champaign, Illinois
[phone], Ext 5
airsuppor[email protected]
GPMA1609 v1.1
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 modication. 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 nal assembly or
material used for nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the nal 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.
© 2015 Great Planes Model Mfg. A subsidiary of Hobbico,
®Inc.
SPECIFICATIONS
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Wingspan: 47.5 in [1205 mm ]
Wing Area: 392 in2 [25.3 dm2]
Weight: 4-4.25 lb
[1810-1930 g ]
Wing
Loading:
24-25 oz/ft2
[73-76 g/dm2]
Radio: 4-channel minimum with 4 servos
and standard size receiver
Motor: RimFire .10 (35-30-1250) x 2
Length: 42.5 in [1080 mm]

2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Twinstar EP! Now
you can experience dual motor ight in a smaller package.
It's perfect for practicing up for scale twin engine models
or just to have some fun throwing it around in the air. The
Twinstar EP is plenty thrusty and capable of aerobatics and
is also extremely easy to y. This would be a good 2nd or
3rd plane after a trainer has been mastered and you have
some low wing experience. Best of all, this model can be
tossed in the backseat of a car fully assembled to get a
quick ight over lunch.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Twinstar EP visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com.
Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Twinstar EP. 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
We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing body of model
aviation and membership is required to y at AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benets, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to ying at contests or on the club eld. It even applies
to ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to
comply with the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of
the manual) may endanger insurance coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over
2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country. 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
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can
do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to
avoid ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid ying near or
over groups of people.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others...
Follow These Important Safety Precautions
1. Always disconnect the power on the model before
switching off the transmitter. Without a signal to the
receiver, the ESC may command the motor to rotate
which could cause injury to yourself or surrounding
property. Always turn the transmitter on before plugging
the ight battery into the ESC.
2. Your Twinstar EP 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,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
AMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Brushless Motor Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Adhesives and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Building Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Check the Pre-Installed Hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Build the Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Assemble the Fuselage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Set the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Charge the Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Radio Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

3
the Twinstar EP, if not assembled and operated correctly,
could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and
damage to property.
3. 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 unyable model. In a few
cases the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.
In those instances the written instructions should be
considered as correct.
4. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
5. You must use an R/C radio system that is in rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized motor and components
(battery, servos, etc.) throughout the building process.
6. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.
7. You must check the operation of the model before every
ight to ensure 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.
8. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not own
this type of model before, we recommend that you get
the assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your rst ights. 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.
9. While this kit has been ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress ying, or if
a motor 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.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and yability of your nished 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 nish the Twinstar EP
that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Radio Equipment
The Twinstar EP requires a minimum 4-channel radio
system with four 39 oz.-in. [2.8 kg-cm] minimum torque
micro sized servos.
Because the motors are mounted on the wings, rudder
authority is important. We recommend the Futaba S3150
mini servo as an optional higher torque servo for the rudder
and it is shown in the building section of this manual.
In addition, two 12" [305mm] servo extensions are required
for the aileron servos. Two Y-harnesses will also be required
for the ailerons and the ESCs.
Recommended part numbers for the radio components are
provided below:
❍Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servo (FUTM0415)
❍Futaba S3150 Slim Digital Servo (FUTM0303)
❍Hobbico 12" Extension Futaba J (HCAM2100)
❍Futaba Dual Servo Extension 6" J (FUTM4130)
Brushless Motor Recommendations
We recommend two RimFire .10 brushless motors and two
25A ESCs. Other motors may work ne. However, the motor
mount holes are spaced for the RimFire .10 and this motor
has been extensively ight tested and performs well in the
Twinstar EP. Two 8x8E electric propellers are recommended
with the RimFire .10. Many batteries will work as a ight
battery. We suggest the 11.1V 3800mAh FP30 FlightPower
pack. Part numbers are provided below:
❍Great Planes RimFire .10 35-30-1250 Outrunner
Brushless (GPMG4595)
❍Great Planes Silver Series 25A Brushless ESC 5V/2A
BEC (GPMM1820)
❍APC 8x8 Thin Electric Propeller (APCQ4116)
❍FlightPower LiPo FP30 3S 11.1V 3800mAh 30C
(FPWP3383)
If you need a charger for your ight battery, we suggest either
the Triton EQ or Triton 2 EQ. Both are very versatile chargers
that can charge virtually any hobby battery currently available.
❍Great Planes ElectriFly Triton EQ AC/DC Charger
(GPMM3155)
❍Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 EQ AC/DC Charger
(GPMM3156)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Adhesives and Building Supplies
This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to nish the Twinstar EP:
❍1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍Pro 6-minute or 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6045 or
GPMR6047)
❍Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
❍Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm]
❍Rotary tool with cutting bit
❍Revell Premium Soft Handle Knife w/Blades (5)
(RMXR6900)
❍Top Flite MonoKote sealing iron (TOPR2100)
❍Top Flite Hot Sock iron cover (TOPR2175)
❍Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❍Small clamps
❍Masking tape
❍Household oil

4
Optional Supplies and Tools
Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Twinstar EP:
❍1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)
❍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)
❍Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)
❍Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❍Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❍T.A. Emerald Performance Duster Compressed Air
(TAEC1060)
❍Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❍Hobby Heat micro torch II (HCAR0755)
❍Dead Center™ Engine Mount Hole Locator
(GPMR8130)
❍DuraTrax Ultimate Body Reamer (DTXR1157)
❍Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)
❍AccuThrow Deection 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)
❍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)
❍Great Planes Precision Prop Reamer Standard
(GPMQ5006)
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 in this manual.
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
●When you see the term test t in the instructions, it means
that you should rst position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom
t the part as necessary for the best t.
●Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When
a specic type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.
●Whenever just epoxy is specied you may use either
30-minute epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When 30-minute
epoxy is specied it is highly recommended that you use
only 30-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 motor thrust angles
have been factory-built into this model.
●The Twinstar EP is factory-covered with Top Flite MonoKote
lm. Should repairs ever be required, MonoKote can be
patched with additional MonoKote purchased separately.
Following are the colors used on this model and order
numbers for six foot rolls.
Royal Blue TOPQ0221 Black TOPQ0208
Jet White TOPQ0204 Missile Red TOPQ0201
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. When reporting defective or
missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written
in the Kit Contents list.
Great Planes Product Support
3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes Twinstar EP 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.

5
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.
hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu
on the left side of the page. 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 Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: 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
WING SET TWINSTAR EP ARF
FUSELAGE TWINSTAR EP ARF
TAIL SET TWINSTAR EP ARF
SPINNER TWINSTAR EP ARF
NACELLE FRAME L/R TWINSTAR EP
NACELLE COVER (2) TWINSTAR EP
LANDING GEAR TWINSTAR EP ARF
NOSE CONE TWINSTAR EP ARF
DECAL SET TWINSTAR ARF
BATTERY HATCH TWINSTAR EP ARF
ESC Y-HARNESS TWINSTAR EP ARF
GPMA4390
GPMA4391
GPMA4392
GPMA4393
GPMA4394
GPMA4395
GPMA4396
GPMA4397
GPMA4398
GPMA4399
GPMA4400
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
KIT CONTENTS
Kit Contents 1 Nose Cone
2 Battery Hatch
3 Fuselage
4 Horizontal Stabilizer and Elevator
5 Vertical Fin and Rudder
6 Wing Joiner
7 Right Wing Panel with Aileron
8 Nacelle Covers
9 Nacelle Frames
10 Left Wing Panel with Aileron
11 Nylon Spinner
12 Wheels
13 Nose Gear
14 Main Gear
1
3
4
10
5
11
12
13
14
2
7
8
9
6