Lanier R/C EXPLORER 40 User manual

EXPLORER 40
WARNING! THIS IS NOT A TOY!
THIS IS NOT A BEGINNERS AIRPLANE
This R/C kit and the model you will build from it is not a toy! It is capable of
serious bodily harm and property damage. It is your responsibility, and yours
alone - to build this kit correctly, properly install all R/C. components and flying gear
(engine, tank, radio, pushrods, etc. and to test the model and fly it only with
experienced, competent help, using common sense and in accordance with all safety
standards as set forth in the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. It is
suggested that you join the AMA and become properly insured before attempting to
fly this model. If you are just starting R/C modeling, consult your local hobby dealer
or write to the Academy of Model Aeronautics to find an experienced instructor in
your area.
Write to : Academy of Model Aeronautics, 5151 Memorial Dr, Muncie, IN 47302
LIMITED WARRANTY
Lanier R/C is proud of the care and attention that goes into the manufacture of parts for its
model kits.The company warrants that for a period of 30 days, it will replace, at the buyers
request, any parts or material shown to the company's satisfaction to have been defective in
workmanship or material at the time of purchase.
No other warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made with respect to the
merchandise sold by the company. The buyer acknowledges and understands that he is
purchasing only a component kit from which the buyer will himself construct a finished flying
model airplane. The company is neither the manufacturer of such a flying model airplane,
nor a seller of it. The buyer hereby assumes the risk and all liability for personal or property
damage or injury arising out of the buyers use of the components or the finished flying model
airplane, whenever any such damage or injury shall occur.

LANIER R/C
EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Wingspan………64-1/4”
Wing area………….695-1/2 sq. in.
Weight………….4-1/2 – 5 lbs
Fuselage Length……..49”
Engine Required….. 2 – Stroke .40 to .50
4 – Stroke .52 to .70
Radio ……… 4 - Channel

LANIER R/C
EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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INTRODUCTION
If your passion is learning to fly R/C, then
the Explorer 40 is for you. An easy to fly
airplane that is bound to have you flying in
a short time. The added importance of
having ailerons allows the beginner to fly
the Explorer 40 a longer time instead of
having to step up to another model. Here
is an airplane you will be proud to set
down on the flight line and ask that
seasoned R/C’er to teach you to fly.
Before assembling the Explorer 40, read
over the instruction manual and familiarize
yourself with what is required. Then when
it becomes time to do a particular
assembly step you will have a better idea
what its all about. We know you will
enjoy flying the Explorer 40; giving you
many hours of enjoyment.
PARTS NEEDED (NOT INCLUDED)
Four channel radio with four servos
.40 size engine
Suitable propeller
Fuel line (medium size)
Foam cushioning for fuel tank and
Radio receiver
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED
(NOT INCLUDED IN KIT)
ADHESIVES
Thin CA (cynoacrylate) glue
Thick CA
CA remover and debonder
30-min Epoxy
TOOLS
Drill
Drill bit – 1/16”,3/32”, 3/16”, 5/32” 1/4”,
#33, #43
Medium Phillips Screwdriver
Hobby Knife with #11 blade
Mixing Sticks
Epoxy Brush (es)
Measuring Device (e.g., Tape measure
Combination Square
Paper towels
Wax paper
Rubbing Alcohol
Felt tip pen
Straight pins
Razor Saw
Dremel cut off wheel
ASSEMBING THE WING
The control surfaces, ailerons, elevator,
and rudder, come with the hinges installed,
but the hinges are not glued in place.
It’s imperative that you use a high quality
thin CA glue to properly adhere the hinges
and control surfaces in place.
1. Carefully, remove the wing panels from
the protective plastic. Remove the aileron
from the wing panel. Note the position of

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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the hinges. There are four high quality
hinges in each panel. Remove each hinge
and fold it in the center. Insert a pin in
the crease line on either side of the slot.
2. Insert the hinges back in the wing with
the pins resting up against the trailing
edge. Now insert the aileron. The hinge is
now centered in the wing panel and
aileron.
3. Remove the pins and snug the aileron
against the wing panel. This will ensure
that the hinges are centered.
4. Deflect the aileron and apply a couple
drops of thin CA at the center of the hinge
in the slot. Do not overdo it. Have a paper
towel handy to absorb any excess CA.
Ideally, when the hinge is glued in place, a
1/32” gap or less will be maintained
throughout the length of the aileron. The
hinge is made of a special material that
allows the CA to wick, or penetrate, and
distribute throughout the hinge, securely
bonding it in place.
5. Trial fit the wing joiner in the wing to
check for proper insertion.
6. Remove the wing joiner and find the
center. Draw a line to indicate the center
with a felt tip pen.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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7. Mix up some 30 min epoxy and
apply liberally to wing joiner, and ends of
wing. Do not use 5 min epoxy. It will
harden before you get things together.
8. Slide the wing panels on the wing
joiner aligning the leading and trailing
edge. Wipe off excess epoxy with alcohol
and a paper towel. Apply masking tape to
joint to hold together until cured. Place
wax paper under joint to keep it from
sticking to the surface underneath.
9. Allow to cure over night.
10. Locate the clevis connectors, install
them on the aileron horns until about half
the thread is showing.
11. Trial fit a servo in the wing servo well.
Be sure that it fits and the connector has
room to come out beside it.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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12. Find the two pieces of wood, 1/8” x
5/16” x 1”. Lay one flush with the servo
well end and draw a line around it. Now
remove the covering within the lines. Do
the other end as well. Using thick CA, glue
the pieces in place, flush with the ends of
the servo well. When the servo is
mounted, the plywood pieces will add
material for the screws to anchor.
13. Locate the two aileron pushrods and
screw a clevis on each approx. half of the
exposed thread. Attach the clevis on one
to the control horn laying the end over the
servo output arm. Tape the ailerons in
neutral position.
14. Mark the length of the pushrod at the
hole in the servo output arm. Once
determined, bend the wire 90 degrees.
Trim off leaving a ¼” length after the
bend.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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15. Hook up the clevises on the aileron
control horns. Install the pushrods on the
servo arm with the black snap-on
connectors. Once the servo is power
centered, it may be necessary to remove
the servo arm and center it on the spline.
Adjustment can be made in the clevis on
the threaded rod to neutralize the ailerons
if necessary.
16. The holes for the wing hold down
bolts are pre-drilled however; you must
remove the covering over them, top and
bottom side. Cut them open with a sharp
Exacto knife or better yet, use a micro tip
soldering iron to burn them open. This is
by far the easiest way with the best
results.
17. Locate the wing hold down plate,
turn it over striking a centerline. Partially
cut through the plate with a knife or Zona
razor saw. Now “crack” it slightly to match
the dihedral of the wing.
18. Position the plate on the wing and
draw a line around it with a felt tip pen.
Using a sharp Exacto knife, carefully
remove the covering 3/32” in from the line
all the way around.
19. Glue the plate on with thick CA glue.
Turn the wing over and match drill the
holes through the plate with a 3/16” drill
bit. Use the soldering iron micro-tip to
clean up the holes on the plate.
20. Install the wing on the fuselage using
the long bolts and plastic washers. Check
to see that it fits properly.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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21. This completes assembling the
wing. Set it aside until needed for final
assembly.
ASSEMBLING THE TAIL
1. Locate the fuselage and clean out
the pushrod exit slots on both sides using
the micro soldering iron tip. This does a
neat job. Do it carefully.
2. Find the horizontal stab and remove
the elevators. Locate the center of the
stab. Using a square on the trailing edge
extending the line from front to back.
Place the stab in the fuselage slot and
sight down through the fin slot. Adjust to
centrally locate the centerline in the slot
and pin in place. With a felt tip pen draw
lines next to the fuselage, sides, top and
bottom.
3. Remove the stab from the fuselage.
Remove the covering between the lines.
Use a straightedge and a new sharp #11
Exacto blade. Cut 1/16” inside of the lines
being careful not to cut too deep.
4. Locate the vertical fin/rudder and
remove the rudder. Mount it in the slot on
the fuselage with the stab in place. Center

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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the forward tip of the dorsal fin on the
fuselage and tape in
place. Mark around edges, where it meets
the fuselage, with a felt tip pen. Remove
and cut away covering between the lines
as described in step 3.
5. CA the elevator hinges to the stab and
rudder hinges to the fin as described in
Assembling the Wings, Steps 1,2,3, and 4.
6. Turn the stab assembly over so you are
looking at the bottom of the elevators.
Locate two control horns and thread on the
clevis connectors. They will thread on
much easier if drilled out them with a #43
drill bit. Using thin CA to glue the control
horns in position. The hole in the
connector should fall on the hinge line
when they are located . Also note the
straight edge of the control horn faces the
hinge line
7. Match drill the holes in the control
horn drilling through the elevator. Use a
drill press or hand drill with a #33 drill bit.
8. Locate six #2 x 5/8” screws and two
control horn nut plates. Fasten the control
horns in place. Cut off the excess threads
flush with the nut plate with a Dremel cut-
off wheel.
9. Mount and fasten the rudder control
horn in the same manner. Remove 1/4”

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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from the threaded end of the horn to clear
the elevator control horn.
10. Before gluing on the stab/elevator and
fin/rudder to the fuselage, install the
pushrods through the slots in the fuselage.
The elevator pushrod is split and must
come out the two upper slots on either
side. The rudder pushrod exits through
the lower slot. Tape the forward ends to
the servo tray for now. Here’s a tip. Push
the elevator pushrod out the back of the
fuselage through the stab slot. Spread
them apart and carefully slide them back
into the fuselage. They will pop right
through the slots with ease.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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11. Glue on the stab and vertical fin
with 30 min. epoxy. Construct a centerline
as before. Sight down through the fin slot
to center the stab. Pin stab at tail post to
keep it from moving. Make sure fin is
perpendicular with the stab. Wipe off
excess epoxy with a paper towel and
alcohol. Allow to cure.
12. Locate three black clevis from the
hardware pack. Screw each of them on a
pushrod using about half the thread. Now
connect each to a control horn connector
on the elevators and rudder.
13. Install the servos in the position
shown in the photo. The one in the
foreground is the elevator servo. Tape the
elevators in neutral position. Lay the
pushrod wire on the servo output arm and
mark it even with the hole. Make a 90
degree bend at that point and trim off
leaving a 3/16” leg. Connect it to the arm
with a snap-on connector. Now do the
rudder servo.
Here is a tip. Remove the servo arm from
the servo to snap on the connector. It is
much easier to work on it. Power up the
servo to center it. Replace the servo arm,
making sure the retaining screw is snug,
and make any final adjustments at the tail
clevis to neutralize the control surface.
ASSEMBLING THE FUEL TANK
1. Locate the fuel tank and the hardware
with it. Assemble the parts as shown in
the photo.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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2. Place the straight tube and short bent
tube in the holes in the stopper. The bent
tube will be the vent and must be oriented
toward the top of the tank. Place the large
washer on the front and the small washer
on the backside. Install the screw but do
not tighten. Slip the fuel line on the clunk
pushing the other end on the straight
piece of tubing. Slide the assembly into
the fuel tank pushing the stopper in as far
as it will go. Orient the vent line and the
carburetor line so that they are horizontal.
The nose gear wire must go between
these tubes when the tank is installed.
ASSEMBLING THE NOSE GEAR
1. Locate the hardware bag with the nose
gear parts. The steering tiller arm must
have a wheel collar installed in it. Cut a
slot on the side for the setscrew as shown
in the photo. When installing the tiller,
the open end should be facing down.
2. Slide the tiller arm on the nose gear.
Next, slide the mounting block followed by
a wheel collar. Adjust the tiller arm so
that it is ½” above the spring and tighten
the wheel collar. Now tighten the wheel
collar on the topside. Slide on the top-
mounting block. Lay the assembly aside.

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3. Find the center of the firewall. Using a
square, construct a centerline using a felt
tip pen.
4. Mount the nose gear assy. Place the
first mounting block ½” up from the
fuselage bottom. Locate the next one just
above the fuel tank access hole, both on
the center line. Drill a 1/16” pilot hole and
secure the mounting blocks with #4 x
7/16” sheet metal screws.
MOUNTING THE MAIN GEAR
1. Turn the fuselage up side down and
locate the main gear mounting holes under
the covering. Cut the covering away to
expose them.
2. Note the holes are not inline with each
other. Ream out the holes with a 5/32” drill
bit. Relieve inside edge of holes to
accommodate the bend radii in wire. Place
the main gear side by side in the holes.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
12
3. Locate the two plastic straps. Mount
them as shown with four #4 x 7/16” sheet
metal screws. Drill 1/16” pilot holes to
start screws.
MOUNTING THE ENGINE
Find the plastic engine mounts mark them
½” from the end of the mount. A small
piece of masking tape edge is easy to see.
You will need a small “C” clamp to hold the
mount to the engine.
1. Clamp the engine to the mount
locating the front edge of engine mount
on the edge of the tape. Mark the engine
mounting holes. Note: the engine mounts
are not symmetrical, keep the short leg to
thebottom.
3. Mark both engine mounts. Drill them
using a drill press to keep the holes
straight. Use a 5/32” drill bit. It you don’t
have a drill press; use a hand drill as a
last resort. We highly recommend using
the drill press. If you have a friend that
has one, try to use his to keep your
frustration level under control.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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4. Mount the engine in the mounts using
the 1-3/8” machine screws, flat washer,
lock washer and nut.
5. Stand the fuselage on end and center
the engine on the firewall with the bottom
edge of the mount ½” from the fuselage
bottom. Now mark the upper left engine
mount hole only. Remove the engine and
drill a 1/8” pilot hole on the mark.
Enlarge it to a ¼” hole.
6. Locate the four blind nuts. Using a
piece of wire install a wheel collar on one
end. Alternatively, bend a short 90-
degree leg on the end. String a blind nut
on it with the prongs facing up. Insert
the wire into the backside and pull it to
the hole. Reach into the forward fuselage
cavity and hold the nut in place with your
fingers. With the other hand screw the
black socket head bolt, with flat washer,
into the blind nut and pull it into the hole.
Remove the bolt.
7. Mount the engine with the one bolt
and mark the other three holes, drill the
fire wall and install the blind nuts as
described above. Note: If the balsa
reinforcement tri-stock interferes with the
blind nut not seating properly, use a long
flat blade screwdriver to dig it away for
some clearance
THROTTLE PUSHROD
1. Locate the pushrod connector and

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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install it on the servo arm. A very small
amount of thin CA will hold the nut in
place.
2. Locate and drill a 5/32” hole, 9/16” on
center and up from the upper engine
mount bolt.
3. Cut off a 11” length of white plastic
sleeving. Push it through the hole
allowing 1/8” to protrude from the firewall
surface. Use thin CA to secure it.
4. Find the length of .050 wire, cutoff
a 17” piece. On one end form a “L” bend
to hook into the throttle arm. Bend a 90
degree leg on the end of the wire. Place
leg in vise with the excess wire parallel
with the vise jaws, allowing a little more
than servo arm thickness between vise
surface and bottom surface of wire. Bend
wire over, with hammer, toward front of
vise. Trim off extending leg to 3/16”.
5. Slide the pushrod in the sleeving and
through the hole in the connector on the
servo arm. Insert the “L” bend into the
throttle arm hole and twist until securely
in place. Throttle adjustment can be
made by powering up the servo, moving
the pushrod back and forth by hand, then
securing it at the servo arm. Temporarily
tighten the set screw on the servo arm
connector until ready for final adjustment.
6. The throttle pushrod sleeve must be
supported near the servo. Epoxy in the
balsa support piece as shown in the
photo.
NOSE GEAR PUSHROD
1. The nose gear tiller arm pushrod hook
up is very much like the throttle hook up
using the same materials. Mount the
nose gear assy. Cut off one hole from
the tiller arm, using the second hole.
Move the tiller arm into the firewall and
mark the location for a 5/32” hole.

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2. Drill the hole for the sleeving. Now
drill a hole in the second sub-former, inside
below the fuel tank as shown. This can
done from the front with a long drill or a
hole or slot can be made in the former
reaching through the wing opening.
3. Cut off a piece of white sleeving 12”
long. Cut off a length of .050 wire 14-
1/2” long. Follow the same instructions
as stated in the throttle pushrod hookup.
CA the white sleeving in place.
4. Locate and glue in the sleeving
supports near the servos as shown in the
photo. Loosen the setscrew in the servo
arm connector, power up the servo to
center it, adjust the rudder and nose gear
to neutral. Tighten the setscrew. Final
adjustments can be made in the rudder
by turning the clevis in or out.
MOUNTING THE RECEIVER
SWITCH
1. Locate the small hole on the left side of
the fuselage in the cabin area. Remove
the covering over it.

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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2. Align the switch mounting plate over
the hole and match drill the two hole
through the fuselage wall.
3. Mount the switch using the two screws
that came with it. Note which position of
the switch is “on” and “off”. Generally,
“on” is in the back position.
MOUNTING THE FUEL TANK
1. The fuel tank has been assembled
so now is the time to mount it. Before
doing so, wrap the airborne battery pack
with foam and place it next to the firewall
between the two formers under the tank.
It will need to be there to properly balance
the model. Make sure the battery lead is
accessible to the radio comartment.
2. Place the fuel tank into position in the
fuselage with the outlet on the tank near
the top so that the tank rests level. Push
it forward into the hole in the firewall.
Pack foam around it to support it in place.
A piece of Styrofoam wedged behind it will
help hold it in place. A spot of white glue
will hold the Styrofoam there.
3. Apply a bead of Silicone Sealer around
the periphery of the cap sticking through.
Allow it to cure over night. This will hold it
in place and seal it against fuel coming in.
4. Cut off two pieces of medium fuel line
(not supplies) approx. 6” each. Connect
them to the vent and carburetor lines on
the tank.
5. Mount the engine with the socket head
cap screws supplied and connect the lines
to the carburetor and muffler tap.

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17
INSTALLING THE RECEIVER
1. Wrap the receiver with foam to
protect it in case you have a bad crash.
Use some Velcro (not supplied) to hold it in
place on the bottom of the fuselage in the
radio compartment.
2. Route the antenna through the side of
the fuselage and back to the top of the
fin.
3. A short extension plugged into the
aileron channel will help in connecting the
aileron servo when installing the wing on
the fuselage.
4. Power up the radio to make sure all
servos are working.
Final hookups and checks
1. Take the servo arms off the servos,
turn on the transmitter and center all the
trims. Reinstall all the servo arms and
secure them with the screws.
2. Double-check all the servos and make
sure the servo arms are secure and all the
clevises have a retainer.
4. Adjust the pushrod hookups and set up
your radio to provide the control surface
movements as follows. Use a ruler to
measure them.
AILRONS PLUS/MINUS 1/4”
ELEVATORS PLUS/MINUS 3/8”
RUDDER PLUE/MINUS 1”
(measure rudder at widest point)

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EXPLORER 40 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
18
The balance point and control surface
throws listed in this manual are the ones at
which the Explorer flies best. Set up your
aircraft to those specifications. If, after a
few flights you would like to adjust the
throws or C.G. to suit your tastes that is
fine.
Too much control surface throw can make
your model difficult to control or force it
into a stall, so remember... more is not
better. PREFLIGHT
Identify your model
Regardless if you fly at an AMA sanctioned
R/C club site or if you fly somewhere on
your own, you should always have your
name, address, telephone number and
AMA number on or inside your model. It is
required at all AMA R/C club flying sites
and AMA sanctioned flying events.
Charge the batteries
Follow the battery charging procedures in
the radio instruction manual. Always
charge your transmitter and receiver
batteries the night before you go flying
and at other times as recommended by the
radio manufacturer.
Balance the propeller
Carefully balance your propeller before you
fly. An unbalanced prop is the single most
significant cause of vibration that can
damage your model. Not only will engine
mounting screws and bolts loosen, possibly
with disastrous effect, but vibration may
also damage your radio receiver and
battery. Vibration can also cause the fuel
to foam, which will cause the engine to run
hot orquit.
Ground check your model
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the
operation of R/C models, ask an
experienced modeler to inspect your radio
installation and control surface set-up.
Follow the engine manufacturer's
instructions to break-in your engine. After
you run the engine on your model, inspect
your model closely to make sure all screws
remain tight and your pushrods and
Range check your radio
Ground check the range of your radio
before the first flight of the day. With the
transmitter antenna collapsed and the
receiver and transmitter on, you should be
able to walk at least 100 feet away from
the model and still have control. Have an
assistant stand by your model and, while
you work the controls, tell you what the
control surfaces are doing. Repeat this test
with the engine running at various speeds
with an assistant holding the model, using
hand signals to show you what is
happening. If the control surfaces do not
respond correctly, do not fly! Find and
correct the problem first. Look for loose
servo connections or broken wires,
corroded wires on old servo connectors,
poor solder joints in your battery pack or a