GREAT PLANES Ultimate Biplane EP ARF User manual

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.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
Champaign, Illinois
[phone], Ext 5
airsuppor[email protected]
WARRANTY
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Entire Contents © Copyright 2007 GPMZ1546 for GPMA1546 V1.0
Wingspan: 33.5" [850mm]
Fuselage Length: 37" [935mm]
Wing Area: 383 sq in [24.7dm2]
Weight Range: 27.5-31oz [780-880g]
Wing Loading: 10.3-11.6 oz/sq ft [32-36 g/dm2]
Motor: 35-30-950kV RimFire Outrunner Motor
Radio: 4-Channel Minimum with Micro Receiver and Four Micro Servos

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................................. 3
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE ................ 3
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .................................... 4
Radio Equipment ....................................................... 4
Motor and Propeller Recommendations .................... 4
Electronic Speed Control ........................................... 4
Battery Pack and Charger.......................................... 4
Adhesive and Building Supplies................................. 4
Optional Supplies and Tools....................................... 4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ...................................... 5
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS .............................. 5
KIT CONTENTS................................................................ 6
BEFORE YOU BEGIN ....................................................... 7
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS.................................................. 7
Install the Ailerons...................................................... 7
Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods.................... 8
Attach the Wings ........................................................ 9
BUILD THE FUSELAGE ................................................. 11
Assemble the Tail Section ........................................ 11
Install the Tail Servos and Pushrods........................ 13
Install the Top Wing.................................................. 14
FINISH THE MODEL ....................................................... 16
Install the Landing Gear........................................... 16
Install the Out-Runner Motor.................................... 17
Install the Electronics ............................................... 18
Install the Cowl......................................................... 19
Final Assembly......................................................... 20
Apply the Decals ...................................................... 21
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................. 22
Check the Control Directions ................................... 22
Set the Control Throws ............................................ 22
Balance the Model (C.G.)......................................... 23
Balance the Model Laterally..................................... 23
PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 24
Identify Your Model................................................... 24
Charge the Batteries ................................................ 24
Balance Propellers................................................... 24
Range Check ........................................................... 24
MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................. 24
AMA SAFETY CODE...................................................... 24
CHECK LIST................................................................... 25
FLYING............................................................................ 25
Takeoff ..................................................................... 26
Flight ........................................................................ 26
Landing .................................................................... 26
3D FLYING ...................................................................... 27
INTRODUCTION
The Ultimate Biplane EP ARF is the third release in a line of
electric built-up, all-out performance 3D planes. The Ultimate
is a fantastic flyer and can perform virtually any aerobatic
maneuver with authority. High-capacity LiPo battery packs
will allow you the convenience of electric flying, combined
with the same “ultimate” flight characteristics of planes much
larger in size, like the Great Planes Ultimate Bipe 1.60 ARF. In
addition to offering the flight performance of a large 3D plane
in a small package, the exciting trim scheme from the Ultimate
Biplane 1.60 ARF has been carried down to the Ultimate EP.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Ultimate Biplane EP visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the
Ultimate Biplane EP 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
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 fly at AMA clubs.
Though joining the AMA provides many benefits, one of the
primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to flying at contests or on the club field. It even applies
to flying 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
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.
Scale Competition
Though the Great Planes Ultimate Biplane EP is an ARF and
may not have the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch-
built competition model, it is a scale model nonetheless
and is therefore eligible to compete in the Fun Scale class
in AMA competition (we receive many favorable reports of
Great Planes ARF’s in scale competition!). In Fun Scale, the

3
“builder of the model” rule does not apply. Contact the AMA
for a rule book with full details.
If you would like photos of the full-size Ultimate Biplane for
scale documentation, or if you would like to study the photos
to add more scale details, photo packs are available from:
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
www.bobsairdoc.com
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.Your Ultimate Biplane EP 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 Ultimate Biplane, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.
2.Youmustassemblethe model accordingtothe instructions.
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 motor and components
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 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.
9.WARNING:The cowl included in this kit is 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.
LITHIUM BATTERY
HANDLING & USAGE
WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with
the battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!
• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger. NEVER use a NiCd/
NiMH peak charger!
• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.
• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.
• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.
• ALWAYS set charger’s output volts to match battery volts.
• ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.
• NEVER trickle charge.
• NEVER allow battery temperature to exceed 150° F (65° C).
• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.
• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.
• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave unattended
during charge or discharge.
• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
This is a partial list of items required to finish the Ultimate Biplane
EP ARF that may require planning or decision-making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Radio Equipment
A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and a micro
receiver are required for this plane. The servos and receiver
shown in the manual are Futaba®S3110 micro servos and
the Futaba R114F micro receiver. The S3110 servo model is
currently being replaced with the S3114 which is suitable for
use in the Ultimate.Two 6" [150mm] servo extensions, two 16”
[406mm] servo extensions, and a Y-harness are also required.
Order numbers for these items are provided below.
❏Four Futaba S3114 Micro HT Servo (FUTM0414)
❏Futaba R114F FM Micro Receiver (Low Band – FUTL0442,
High Band – FUTL0443)
❏Futaba FM Single Conversion Short Crystal
(Low Band – FUTL62**, High Band – FUTL63**)
❏Two Futaba C-25 Extension Slim Wire 150mm (FUTM4506)
❏Two Futaba 16" Servo Extension J (FUTM3955)
❏Futaba 6" Dual Servo Extension J (FUTM4130)
Motor & Propeller Recommendation
The Ultimate Biplane EP ARF requires a C35-30-950kV
brushless out-runner motor.The order numbers for this motor
and accompanying propeller are provided below.
❏Great Planes RimFire™35-30-950 Brushless Out-Runner
Motor (GPMG4590)
❏APC 11x3.8SF Slo-Flyer Propeller (APCQ5017)
Note: Motors from other manufacturers may work with the
Ultimate Biplane EP ARF. However, the included firewall
pieces are designed to work specifically with the Great
Planes motor listed.
Electronic Speed Control
A brushless electronic speed control is required for this
plane. We recommend using the Great Planes Silver Series
25A Brushless ESC 5V/2A BEC (GPMM1820).
Battery Pack & Charger
The Ultimate Biplane EP ARF has been tested with 11.1V
LiPo packs ranging from 1250mAh to 2100mAh. Order
numbers are provided for packs of this size. The lighter
1250mAh pack is suggested for maximum performance.
❏Great Planes LiPo 1250mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge
w/Balance (GPMP0609)
❏Great Planes LiPo 1500mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge
w/Balance (GPMP0613)
❏Great Planes LiPo 2100mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge
w/Balance (GPMP0617)
Do not use Great Planes LiPo 1500mAh 11.1V 3S 8C Discharge
(GPMP0831). This battery pack is not capable of supporting
the current draw of the recommended power systems.
A LiPo-compatible charger is required for these batteries,
along with a cell balancer:
❏Great Planes PolyCharge4™DC LiPo Charger (GPMM3015)
❏Great Planes Equinox™LiPo Cell Balancer (GPMM3160)
Adhesives and Building Supplies
This is the list of adhesive and building supplies required
to finish the Ultimate Biplane EP ARF. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.
❏1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)
❏Pro 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏Denatured Alcohol
❏Drill Bits: 3/64" [1.2mm], 1/8" [3mm]
❏#1 Hobby Knife (HCAR0105)
❏#11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏Hobbico®Steel T-Pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)
❏Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❏Small Spring Clamps
❏220 Grit Sandpaper
Optional Supplies and Tools
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Ultimate Biplane EP ARF.
❏21st Century®Sealing Iron (COVR2700)
❏21st Century Iron Cover (COVR2702)
❏2 oz. [57g] Spray CA Activator (GPMR6035)
❏4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA Activator (GPMR634)
❏CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏Epoxy Brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏Hobbico Duster™Compressed Air (HCAR5500)
❏Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏Rotary Tool such as Dremel®with Cutoff Wheel
❏Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)
4

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 REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes Ultimate Biplane 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.
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site
at www.greatplanes.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 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 telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [email protected].
Replacement Parts List
Order Number Description How to Purchase
Missing pieces ............... Contact Product Support
Instruction manual.......... Contact Product Support
Full-size plans ................................... Not available
GPMA2970........... Fuselage ........................ Contact Product Support
GPMA2971........... Top Wing ........................ Contact Product Support
GPMA2972 ........... Bottom Wing................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2973 ........... Tail Surfaces................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2974........... Cowl ............................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2975 ........... Interplane Set................. Contact Product Support
GPMA2976........... Cabane Set .................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2977........... Wheelpants .................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2978........... Landing Gear ................. Contact Product Support
GPMA2979........... Canopy........................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2980........... Decal Sheet ................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2981........... Spinner........................... Contact Product Support
GPMA2982........... Hardware Set ................. Contact Product Support
5

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. 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
Champaign, IL 61822
Telephone: [phone], ext. 5
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: airsuppor[email protected]
KIT CONTENTS
1 2
43
6
7
5
10
11
12
13 14
89
15 16
17
1. Left Bottom Wing Panel w/Aileron
2. Right Bottom Wing Panel w/Aileron
3. Left Top Wing Panel w/Aileron
4. Right Top Wing Panel w/Aileron
5. Interplane Struts (2)
6. Horizontal Stabilizer
7. Elevator Halves (L&R)
8. Vertical Fin
9. Rudder
10. Spinner
11. Landing Gear
12. Wheels
13. Wheel Pants
14. Tail Skid
15. Cowl
16. Fuselage
17. Canopy
6

7
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before you begin assembly, closely inspect all of the covered
components. Carefully remove the control surfaces that are
taped in place. Use a covering iron with a covering iron sock
on low/medium heat to tighten the covering in any areas that
are loose, disconnected, or wrinkled.
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS
Install the Ailerons
❏1. Test fit a CA hinge halfway into each hinge slot in the
top and bottom wing panels and ailerons. If the hinges are
difficult to insert or the covering needs to be cut open over
the slots, use a sharp hobby knife to slightly enlarge the slot
or slit open the covering. To improve the adhesion of the
CA hinges, we recommend trimming the covering from just
above and below the hinge slots.
❏2. Push a small T-pin through the center of each CA hinge.
The pins will keep the hinges centered during assembly.
Insert the hinges into the hinge slots in the wing panels. Fit
the ailerons onto the other ends of the hinges and align the
outside tips of the ailerons with the wing tips.
❏3. Remove the pins from the hinges and push the ailerons
against the trailing edges of the wing panels. Deflect the
ailerons down to their maximum throw (beveled leading
edge of aileron is against the trailing edge of the wing) and
apply 7-8 drops of thin CA glue to each hinge. Do not use
CA accelerator on the hinges. Flip the wing panels over and
apply the same amount of CA to the other side of each hinge.
Allow the CA a minute or two to harden and then tug on each
aileron to confirm they are well secured to the wings.

8
Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods
❏1. Trim the covering from the aileron servo bays on the
underside of the bottom wing panels as shown.
❏2. Glue two aileron servo shims together, being sure to
keep the edges flush. Make two sets of these.
❏3. Trim approximately 1/16" [1.6mm] of covering from the
perimeter of the aileron servo bays. Glue the aileron servo
shims to the wing panels centered over the servo bays.
❏4. Feed the servo leads through the servo bays and out
the cutouts in the wing root ribs. Position the servos in the
servo bays with the splines toward the LE. Glue the aileron
servos to the servo shims with medium or thick CA. Attach a
6" [150mm] servo extension to each aileron servo. Use tape
to secure the extension to the servo lead.
❏5. Use your radio system to center the aileron servos. Servo
arms are provided to fit the splines of most micro servo models.
Locate two double-sided servo arms that fit the model servos
you are using. Test fit a double-sided servo arm onto each
aileron servo. Determine which way the arm fits closest to being
parallel with the aileron hinge line. Cut off the unused sides of
the arms, leaving the sides that point to the wing tips.
❏6. Locate four adjustable clevises from the hardware
package. Slide a clevis onto one end of each 2x215mm

9
carbon fiber pushrod. Loosely thread a 2x4mm self-tapping
screw into each clevis. The screw head should be in the
recessed end of the hole in the clevis. Hook the clevis to the
outer holes in the servo arms.
❏❏7. Cut the bottom from a control horn tab leaving
approximately 5/32" [4mm] remaining on the control horn.
Using the pushrod as a guide, position a control horn on
the aileron in line with the outer hole of the servo arm and
the holes in the control horn over the hinge line. Press the
control horn tab into the aileron making an indentation. Cut
a 1/16" [1.6mm] slot at the indentation 4-5mm deep using a
sharp hobby knife. Be careful not to cut through the top of
the wing.
❏❏8. Glue the control horn in place with medium or thick
CA glue.
❏❏9.Attach a clevis to the outer hole of the control horn and
slide the pushrod through the clevis connecting the aileron
to the servo. Position the aileron in the neutral position and
tighten the screws in the adjustable clevises (be sure that
the pushrod is positioned so the excess pushrod can be cut
off from one end and re-used). Cut off the excess pushrod
beyond the control horn clevis. Save the excess pushrod. It
will be used to join the top and bottom ailerons together. If
you haven’t done so, secure the servo arm to the servo using
the screw included with the servo.
❏10. Repeat steps 7-9 for the other bottom wing panel.
Do not use the excess 2x215mm pushrod for the other
aileron pushrod! Use another 2x215mm pushrod to make
the second aileron pushrod.
Attach the Wings
❏1. A fuselage stand is included to simplify gluing the wings
to the fuselage. Glue the stand and wing supports together
as shown. The arrows on the long side pieces should point
toward the front (tall end).
❏2. Trim away the covering that overlaps onto the wing
root ribs.

10
❏3. Test fit the wing panels into the wing pockets in the
fuselage. The wing spars that extend beyond the root rib are
designed to interlock with each other when the wings are fit in
place. Confirm that the wing root ribs fully seat into the pockets.
If not, sand the ends of the spars as necessary until they do.
The fuselage stand is designed to fit into the fuselage hatch
cutout and support the fuse just behind the firewall as shown.
❏4. Before you begin this step, prepare a weighted object to
hold the fuselage and wings in place while the epoxy cures.
We used a sock filled with sand as shown in the picture. Coat
the root ribs of the bottom wing panels with 30-minute epoxy
(Do not put epoxy on the spars until instructed to do so in the
next step). Put a coating of epoxy in the wing pockets as well.
Insert the wing panels into the fuselage and place the plane
onto the fuselage stand. Place your weight onto the top of the
fuselage to hold it down. Slide the wing supports underneath
the second outer wing ribs. The front edge of the supports
should line up with the LE of the wing panels. Confirm that
the wing panels are fully seated in the pockets and the wing
is sitting flat on the supports. Wipe away any excess epoxy
with denatured alcohol and let the epoxy cure undisturbed.
❏5. Apply a coat of epoxy to the plywood spar doubler
on the side with the thin balsa laminate. Coat the aft side of
the wing spars with epoxy. Use small clamps to hold the spar
doubler to the aft side of the spars while the epoxy cures.

11
BUILD THE FUSELAGE
Assemble the Tail Section
❏1. Trim the covering from the horizontal stabilizer slot in
the fuselage.
❏2. Place the horizontal stabilizer on your work surface
and align the elevator halves behind it. Separate the elevator
halves 1" [25mm] apart as shown. Center the elevator joiner
wire over the elevator halves. Mark the position of the joiner
wire ends at the LE of each elevator half.
❏3. Using a 3/64" [1.2mm] drill bit, make a 3/4" [19mm]
deep hole into each elevator half at the marks you made.
Be sure you are drilling through the center of the elevators,
perpendicular to the LE. Trim away approximately 1/16"
[1.6mm] of the LE between the holes you made and the
inside edge of the elevators.
❏4. Test fit the elevator joiner wire into the holes. Lay the
elevators down on a flat work surface and confirm that they
lay flat. If not, remove the joiner wire and “tweak”, or twist it
until they do. Do not attempt to bend the joiner wire while it is
inside the elevator halves.
❏5. Position the horizontal stab in the stab slot, being sure
that it is as far forward in the slot as it will go. Center the stab
left and right in the fuse, and square its position by measuring
the distance between the tips of the stab and the wing tips
and making them equal. When satisfied, use a fine, felt-tip
pen to trace the outline of the fuselage onto the stab.

12
❏6. Trim the covering from the stab just inside the lines you
drew. Wipe away the lines with denatured alcohol.
HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA
Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the stab. The tip
of the soldering iron doesn’t have to be sharp, but a fine tip
does work best. Allow the iron to hear fully.
Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that
will just melt the covering and not burn into the wood. The
hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must travel to melt a
fine cut. Peel off the covering.
❏7. Insert the elevator joiner wire into the aft end of the stab
slot. Slide the stab into the fuselage and center its position.
Stand back several feet and view the model from behind.
Ensure that the stab is level in the fuselage by confirming it
is parallel with the bottom wing. If not, use tape or a weight to
level the stab. When satisfied, glue the stab into the fuselage.
❏8. As you did with the ailerons, join the elevator halves to the
stabilizer using the elevator joiner rod and CA hinges. Before
gluing the hinges, be sure that the elevator halves move freely
up and down. Glue joiner wire in place using thin CA.
❏9.Trim the covering from the vertical fin slot in the fuselage.
Fit the vertical fin into the fuselage and trace the fuse shape
onto the fin. Remove the fin, cut the covering below the lines
you drew, and glue the fin into position. Do not remove the
covering from the trailing edge of the fin.
❏10. Attach the rudder with CA hinges.

13
Install the Tail Servos & Pushrods
❏1. Trim the covering from the elevator and rudder servo bays.
❏2. Connect a 16" [406mm] servo extension to the rudder
and elevator servos. Feed the servo extensions into the servo
bays and through the length of the fuselage. To improve the
adhesion of the servos to the servo bays, trim away the
covering just beneath the servo mounting tabs. Glue the
servos into the servo bays with the splines facing forward.
❏3. With the elevator servo centered, attach a double-sided
servo arm vertically. Determine which way the arm fits best.
Cut the unused side from the servo arm, leaving the bottom
side as shown. As you did with the ailerons, loosely thread a
2x4mm self-tapping screw into an adjustable clevis and slide
it on a 2x135mm carbon pushrod. Attach the clevis to the
outer hole of the elevator servo arm.
❏4. Using the pushrod as a guide for the location of the
control horn, cut a slot in the left elevator half for the horn.
Install the control horn onto the underside of the left elevator
half and glue it into place (do not cut the control horn tab
shorter before installation). Clip a control horn backplate onto
the control horn tab and glue it into place. The control horn tab
extending beyond the backplate can now be cut off. Connect
the pushrod to the control horn with another adjustable clevis.
Center the elevator, carefully tighten the screws into the
adjustable clevises onto the pushrod, and cut off the excess
pushrod beyond the clevises. Be sure to secure the servo arm
to the servo with the arm screw.

14
❏5. Install the 2x135mm rudder pushrod in the same manner.
Install the Top Wing
❏1. Trim the covering that overlaps onto the root ribs of the
top wing panels. Leave the covering at the tops of the cabane
strut slots intact. Glue the 6x21mm wing joiner dowel
halfway into one of the top wing panels.
❏2. Coat both root ribs of the top wing panels and the
protruding end of the wing joiner dowel with 30-minute epoxy.
Be careful not to get epoxy into the cabane strut slots!
Join the wing panels and use tape to hold them together
tightly while the epoxy cures. Use denatured alcohol to wipe
away any excess epoxy. A toothpick or something similar can
be used to scrape any epoxy that may have squeezed into
the cabane slots when the wing panels were joined.
❏3. Trim the covering from interplane strut slots in the
bottom wing as well as the cabane slots in the fuselage.
❏4. Test fit the interplane struts into the slots in the bottom
wing. The wider end of the strut is the bottom end. Mark the
forward and aft end of the struts onto the wing. Trim away a
narrow strip of covering from between the marks you made
(approximately 5/64" [2mm] wide).

15
❏5. Trim the covering from the interplane strut slots on
the underside of the top wing. Repeat step #4 for the top
interplane strut slots.
Read all of steps 6-9. Test fit all parts together (without glue)
before proceeding.
❏6. Test fit everything first, then glue the interplane struts
perpendicular to the bottom wing using medium or thick CA.
❏7. Assemble the cabane struts using four 2x5mm machine
screws, four 2mm nuts, and thread locking compound. Be
sure to make a left and right strut.
❏8. Test fit the cabane struts into the underside of the top
wing. The strut ends should slide into the slots all the way
to the top surface of the wing. If they cannot, epoxy has
probably gathered in the slots. Use a hobby knife to clean
out the slots until the struts can fit properly.
❏9. It is recommended to use 30-minute epoxy for this
step (the extra working time is beneficial). Coat the top and
bottom ends of the cabane struts with epoxy and insert them
into the slots in the top wing. Put a bead of thick CA glue onto
the top edges of the interplane struts and onto the sides of
the interplane strut tabs. Fit one of the interplane struts into
the underside of the top wing. Fit the bottoms of the cabane
struts into the slots in the fuselage. Fit the other interplane
strut to the top wing. Use denatured alcohol to wipe away
any excess epoxy from around the cabane struts. A plywood
wing alignment guide is included to correctly set the height
of the center of the top wing above the fuselage when gluing
the cabanes. Fit it in place as shown and use tape to hold
the top wing tightly in place against the interplane struts and
against the alignment guide while the glue hardens.

16
❏10.Cut four sides from servo arms left over in the hardware bag.
Cut them off close to the center so they are as long as possible.
❏11. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut a slot in each aileron
9/16" [14.3mm] long and 5/64" [2mm] wide centered in the
triangle block, inline with the aileron ribs as shown. Roughen
the sides of the servo arm pieces with sandpaper and glue
them into the slots using thick CA. Do not get any glue in
the outer holes of the servo arm pieces! The outer holes
of the servo arm pieces should protrude beyond the trailing
edge of the ailerons. These will be used to join the top and
bottom ailerons together.
❏12. Center the ailerons and join the top and bottom together
using adjustable clevises and the remainder of the 2x215mm
aileron pushrods.Tighten the adjustable clevises with 2x4mm
self-tapping screws and cut away the excess pushrod.
FINISH THE MODEL
Install the Landing Gear
❏1. Measure and mark 1-11/16" [42mm] from the front and
5/32" [4mm] from the bottom of the wheel pants. Drill a 1/8"
[3mm] hole at your marks on one side of each wheel pant
(be sure to make a left and right pant). Accuracy during this
step will ensure that your wheels are centered in the pants.
When drilling the hole, make a pilot hole with a smaller bit
first, then enlarge the hole to the correct diameter.

17
❏2. Fit a 3x20mm machine screw (axle) through the hole in
the landing gear and through the hole in the wheel pant (the
angled side of the landing gear faces the rear of the plane).
Thread a 3mm nut onto the screw followed by a wheel.
Apply a drop of thread locking compound near the base of
the screw and tighten the nut against the inside of the pant.
Apply a drop of thread locking compound near the end of
the screw. Thread another 3mm nut onto the screw against
the wheel, but left slightly loose to allow the wheel to freely
rotate on the axle. Oil the axle if necessary. Repeat this step
for the other side of the gear.
❏3. Trim the covering from the three landing gear mounting
holes on the underside of the fuselage. Mount the landing
gear to the fuse with three 3x12mm machine screws and
thread locking compound. Rotate the wheel pants on the
axles so that they align with the fuselage.
❏4. Use a hobby knife to cut the covering over the slot in the
bottom of the tail skid. Glue the tail skid washer into the slot
as shown. The washer will help to prevent wear to the skid
when flying from a paved runway.
❏5. Position the tail skid approximately 1/4" [6mm] from the
aft end of fuselage and mark its position.Trim a 3/32" [2.4mm]
strip of covering down the center of the fuselage between
the marks you made. Trim the covering that overlaps onto
the longest side of the tail skid and glue the skid in place.
Install the Out-Runner Motor
❏1. Install four 3mm blind nuts into the back of the motor
mounting box.Use a 3x10mm machine screw, 3mm flat washer,
and a plywood motor adapter to draw the blind nuts tight (the
motor adapter is necessary for this step because the blind nuts
will protrude slightly beyond the front of the mounting box).

18
❏2. Attach the prop adapter to the front of the motor case
using the screws included with the motor. Harden the motor
mounting holes in the plywood motor adapter with thin CA
glue.Use the flat head screws included with motor and thread
locking compound to attach the plywood motor adapter to
the back of the motor.
❏3. Use four 3x10mm machine screws, four 3mm flat
washers, and thread locking compound to attach the motor
to the mounting box.
Install the Electronics
❏1. Brush a thin coat of epoxy onto the bottom of one side
of the motor mounting box and down the center of the battery
mounting tray. The smooth surface of the epoxy will improve the
adhesion of the double-sided tape and hook & loop material.
❏2.Connect the ESC to the motor leads and feed the receiver
lead through the front of the fuselage. The excess length of
motor leads can be wrapped through the side of the motor
mounting box to keep them out of the way as shown. Use a
piece of the included double-sided foam tape to secure the
ESC to the side of the motor mounting box. Position the ESC
on the aft end of the mounting box so that the ESC receiver
lead will reach the receiver.
❏3. Attach the hook side of the included hook & loop
material to the battery mounting tray.
❏4. Brush a thin coat of epoxy onto the aft side of the wing
spar. Connect the servos and ESC to the receiver. If you are
using a 4-channel receiver, aY-harness or dual servo extension
is needed to join the aileron servos into one channel. When
the epoxy has hardened, use a piece of double-sided foam
tape to secure the receiver to the wing spar.

19
❏5. Make a battery strap out of the supplied hook and loop
material 8" [200mm] long by overlapping two pieces and
cutting it to length. Feed it through the battery tray in the
location shown.The battery strap can be glued to the battery
tray with medium CA to keep it in place.
❏6. Use your radio system to confirm that the motor rotates
in the correct direction (do not install the propeller). If the
motor rotates backwards, unplug two of the three motor
leads and swap their positions.
Install the Cowl
❏1. Lightly sand the magnet first, then put a light coating of
medium CA glue into the magnet holes in the firewall and install
a magnet into each hole. Do not use excess CA as it will pool
in the bottom of the holes and prevent the magnets from being
glued in flush with the firewall. Be sure the magnets are fully
seated before the glue hardens.A plastic or wooden tool handle
is useful for lightly tapping the magnets in place. Apply a skin
coating of thin CA glue onto the face of the magnets overlapping
onto the wood around them to help secure them in place. Allow
the thin CA glue to harden without using accelerator.
❏2. Glue the magnet back pieces over the holes in the
cowl ring. Glue a magnet into each hole in the cowl ring with
medium CA glue. Be sure that the magnets are glued into
the cowl ring in the correct orientation so that the cowl
ring will be magnetically drawn to the magnets in the
firewall. As you did with the firewall, apply a skin coating of
thin CA over the magnets in the cowl ring.
❏3.Prepare the inside of the cowl by lightly scuffing it with 220-
grit sandpaper. When satisfied, clean the inside with alcohol.
❏4. Magnetically attach the cowl ring onto the firewall.

20
❏5. Slide the cowl over the cowl ring and onto the fuselage.
Confirm that the spinner backplate properly fits your motor
shaft. If not, ream or drill it to the correct diameter.Temporarily
install the spinner backplate onto the prop shaft. Adjust the
position of the cowl on the fuselage so that the colors line
up with the stripes on the fuselage. The spinner backplate
should be centered over the front cowl, and the backplate
should be approximately 5/64" [2mm] beyond the front of the
cowl. When satisfied, tack glue the cowl to the cowl ring in
the corners with medium CA by reaching through the front
openings in the cowl. A CA applicator tip is very useful in
this step. Do not allow CA glue to adhere the cowl ring
to the firewall! Apply the CA sparingly in this step, using
accelerator if desired.
❏6. Carefully remove the cowl (and cowl ring) from the
fuselage and apply a fillet of medium or thick CA glue along
the front only of the cowl ring where it touches the cowl.
❏7. Use a rotary tool such as a Dremel with a cutoff wheel
installed to open up the cowl for battery installation as
shown. The cutout should be as wide as the battery tray and
2" [51mm] long. Also, open up a cool air inlet for the battery
just below the prop opening in the cowl.
Final Assembly
❏1. Use a hobby knife to cut a small notch at the edge of the
battery hatch opening for the receiver antenna wire. Tape the
receiver antenna to the underside of the fuselage. Be sure
that it does not interfere with the elevators or rudder.