THUNDER TIGER Super Decathlon 40 User manual

Assembly Manual
1
Thunder Tiger Super Decathlon 40 ARF Airplane (TTR4570)
Distributed in North America by Ace Hobby Distributors, Inc. ¥ 2055 Main Street, Irvine, CA 92614
Telephone: [phone] ¥ www.acehobby.com ¥ E-mail: [e-mail]
Specifications:
Wingspan: 64"(1626mm)
Length: 45"(1145mm)
Wing Area: 694 sq. in.(44.7dm2)
Weight: 6 lbs.(2800~3000g)
Engine: .40-.46 two cycle /.54-.70 four cycle
Radio: 4CH 5 servos
Warranty
This kit is guaranteed to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the date of purchase. It does
not cover any damage caused by use or modification. The warranty does not extend beyond the product itself
and is limited only to the original cost of the kit. By the act of building this user-assembled kit, the user accepts
all resulting in liability for damage caused by the final product. If the buyer is not prepared to accept this
liability, it can be returned new and unused to the place of purchase for a refund.
Notice: Adult Supervision Required
This is not a toy. Assembly and flying of this product requires adult supervision.
Read through this book completely and become familiar with the assembly and flight of this airplane.
Inspect all parts for completeness and damage. If you encounter any problems, call us for help.
JE6496

2
INTRODUCTION
PRE-ASSEMBLY NOTES
Congratulations on the purchase of one of our finest ARFs to date. This plane is improved from TT exist
Decathlon, we add a lot of valuable new features; Oracover/Ultracote covered, factory painted fiberglass
cowl and wheel pants, laser cut wood parts, unique aluminum wing struts are extruded in airfoil
profile...etc. All these features will make you stand out the flying line. This plane will only takes you a few
hours in assembly then enjoy Super Decathlon ultra flying characteristic.
Before beginning the assembly read the instructions thoroughly to give an understanding of the
sequence of steps and a general awareness of the recommended assembly procedures.
By following these instructions carefully and referring to the corresponding pictures, the assembly
of your model will be both enjoyable and rewarding. The result will be a well built, easy to assemble
A.R .F. model, which you will be proud to display.
This Super Decathlon 40 is designed for intermediate to advanced pilots, and this manual assumes
a basic knowledge of R/C model construction.
Before you begin, check the entire contents of your kit against the parts list and photos to make
sure that no parts are missing or damaged. This will also help you to become familiar with each
component of your plane. If you find that any of the parts are either missing or damaged, please
contact Ace Hobby Distributors, Inc., Customer Service immediately for replacements.
Please read the entire manual before beginning construction.
Neither your dealer nor Ace Hobby Distributors, Inc., can accept kits for return if
construction has begun.
Trial fit each part before gluing it in place. Make sure you are using the correct part and that it fits
well before assembling. No amount of glue can make up for a poor-fitting part.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction................................................. 2
Recommended tools & materials............. 3
Parts Drawings............................................ 4-5
Parts Check List........................................... 6
Wing Assembly............................................ 7-8
Tail Assembly............................................... 9
Pull-Pull System Installation..................... 10
Engine Installation...................................... 11
Cowl Attachment......................................... 12
Landing Gear Installation.......................... 13
Wind Shield Installation............................. 14
Other Assembly........................................... 15
Wing Strut Installation............................... 16
Blanace ........................................................ 17
Accessories.................................................. 18
Other Planes................................................ 19-20

3
RECOMMENDED TOOLS & MATERIALS
Adhesives:
Instant setting Cyanoacrylate adhesive (thin CA)
Slow setting Cyanoacrylate adhesive (thick CA)
10 Minute Epoxy (fast)
20-30 Minute Epoxy (slow)
Tools:
Model knife, T-Pins, 1/2 MASK tape
Small screwdrivers, medium screwdrivers
Scissors
Steel straight edge
Long nose pliers and diagonal cutting pliers
Drill and drill bits (1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 3/8")
Sanding block
Fine felt tip pen and soft lead pencil
Straight building board
R/C System:
4 Channel radio with 5 servos
Two 6 long extension wires plus a  Y  extension
Engine:
2 cycle: .40~.46
4 cycle: .52~.70
Radio -
A 4-channel radio with 5 STD servos and are required.
Propeller (appropriate for engine type and
preferred performance)
Adhesives - You will need two types of adhesives for
the Super Decathlon 40 - Epoxy and Instant
(cyanoacrylate) adhesives. We recommend that you
purchase both 5-minute and 30-minute epoxy to cut
down on assembly time, but you can get by with only
30-minute epoxy if time is not important. You will also
need a small bottle of both Thick and Thin instant
CA adhesive.
Tools - Model assembly can be much easier if the
proper tools are used. Therefore, we have included
in our checklist to the left, a complete listing of all the
tools we used to assemble our prototype models. As
you will notice, many household tools can be utilized
during construction.
Engine - The Thunder Tiger PRO-40/46 and F-54S
are the ideal engines for this airplane. These quiet-
running engines are easy to start, require no special
break-in periods, are very easy to maintain and will
last for years.

4
PARTS DRAWINGS
AS6247 Main Wing (#4570-Y)
AS6253 Main Wing (#4570-R)
AS6246 Fuselage (#4570-Y)
AS6252 Fuselage (#4570-R)
AS6257 Fiberglass Wheel Pant (#4570-Y)
AS6258 Fiberglass Wheel Pant (#4570-R) AS6251 Wind Shield Set
AS6250 Fiberglass Cowl (#4570-Y)
AS6255 Fiberglass Cowl (#4570-R)
AS6248 Horizontal Tail (#4570-Y)
AS6254 Horizontal Tail (#4570-R)
AS6249 Wing Strut
AS6263 Vertical Tail
(#4570-Y)
AS6264 Vertical Tail (#4570-R)
Fairing(4) M3 x20 Wood Screw(1)
Scoop(1)
Fuselage(1)
Wing Dowel(2)
M2.3 x12 Wood Screw(16) M3x35 Wood Screw(2)
Wing Joiner(1)
CA Hinge (8)
Left Wing(1) Right Wing(1)
CA Hinge(6)
H.Tail(1) V. Tail(1)
CA Hinge(3)
M3x12 Wood Screw(2)
Wheel Pant(L/1, R/1)
Plywood(2)
M2.3 x 12mm
Wood Screw(4)
Cowl(1)
Left Wing Strut(1)
M3x12 Wood Screw(6)
M2x8 Screw(8)
Right Wing Strut(1)
Sun Roof(1)
M2x6mm Wood Screw(4)
M2.3x12 Wood Screw(6)
Rear Window (L/1, R/1)Front Window(L/1, R/1)
Wing Shield(1) Wing Root Spacer(L/1, R/1)
AS6261 Decal (#4570-Y)
AS6262 Decal (#4570-R)
Servo Mount(2)
Decal A(1) Decal B(1)

5
PARTS DRAWINGS
AS6268 Pull-Pull System
AS6260 Pushrod Set
PE0009 Hardware Set
AS6266 Tail Strut
AS6265 Throttle Pushrod
No.3256 Tire No.3283W Spinner (#4570-Y)
No.3284R Spinner (#4570-R)
No. 3102 Adjustable Engine Mount
Back Plate(1)
M3x12
Self-Tapping Screw(2)
Spinner(1)
6/32 x 18mm Screw(4)
M3 x 15mm
Self-Tapping Screw(4)
Backplate(1)
Beam(Left/1, Right/1)
M3x3mm Set Screw(1)
M3x12
Wood Screw(1)
Tail Gear(1) Tail Wheel(1)
Strap(1) Collar(1)
PE0583 Tail Gear No.3263 Fuel Tank
300cc (10oz)
Crank Weight(1)
Fuel Stopper(1)
Fuel Cap(1)
90-degree Nipple(1) Tank(1)
Silicone Tube(1) Straight Nipple(1)
Guide Tube(1)
Piano Wire(1)
EZ Connector (2)
M2 Nut (4) 3x3mm
Set Screw (2)
Hex Wrench (1)
M2 Washer(2)
Wire Link(8) Brass Tube(3)
M2 Nut(8)
M3x14 Screw(3)M3 Lock Nut(3)
M3x12 Wood Screw(1)
Treaded Wire(2, S)
Treaded Wire(2, L)
Aileron Pushrod(2)
Elevator Pushrod(1)
Clevis(4)
M4 Nut (4)
Landing Gear(1)
M4 Washer(4)
Hex Wrench(1)
M4x40
Socket Head Screw(2)
M4 Lock Nut(2)
M3x12 Wood Screw(4)
Tire(2)
Control Horn(6)
M2x15 Screw(10) Backplate(6)
M2 Nut(2)
Brass Tube(4)
Z-Bend End(2)
Clevis(2)
Cable(2) Threaded End(2)
AS6259 Main Landing Gear
AS6267 Control Horn Set

6
PARTS CHECK LIST
Fuel Tank
Silicone Tube(1)
Straight Nipple(1)
Fuel Stopper(1)
Crank Weight(1)
Fuel Cap(1)
90-degree Nipple(1)
Tank(1)
Adjustable Engine Mount
Beam(Left/1, Right/1)
6/32 x 18mm Screw(4)
M3 x 15mm Self-Tapping Screw(4)
Backplate(1)
Fiberglass Cowl
Cowl(1)
M2.3 x 12mm Wood Screw(4)
Wind Shield Set
Wing Shield(1)
Front Window(L/1, R/1)
Rear Window (L/1, R/1)
Sun Roof(1)
Wing Root Spacer(L/1, R/1)
M2x6mm Wood Screw(4)
M2.3x12mm Wood Screw(6)
Decal
Decal A(1)
Decal B(1)
Pull-Pull System
Brass Tube(4)
Clevis(2)
Threaded End(2)
Cable(2)
Z-Bend End(2)
Main Landing Gear
Landing Gear(1)
M4x40 Socket Head Screw(2)
Kit Contents:
Fuselage
Fuselage(1)
Scoop(1)
Servo Mount(2)
Fairing(4)
M3 x20 Wood Screw(1)
Main Wing
Left Wing(1)
Right Wing(1)
Wing Joiner(1)
Wing Dowel(2)
M2.3 x12 Wood Screw(16)
M3x35 Wood Screw(2)
Horizontal Tail
CA Hinge(6)
H.Tail(1)
Vertical Tail
CA Hinge(3)
V. Tail(1)
Tail Str ut
Wire Link(8)
Brass Tube(3)
M3 Lock Nut(3)
M3x14 Screw(3)
M3x12 Wood Screw(1)
M2 Nut(8)
Treaded Wire(2, L)
Treaded Wire(2, S)
WingStr ut
Left Wing Strut(1)
Right Wing Strut(2)
M3x12 Wood Screw(6)
Spinner
M3x12 Self-Tapping Screw(2)
Back Plate(1)
Spinner(1)
M3x12 Wood Screw(4)
Hex Wrench(1)
M4 Nut (4)
M4 Washer(4)
M4 Lock Nut(2)
Fiberglass Wheel Pant
Wheel Pant(L/1, R/1)
Plywood(2)
M3x12 Wood Screw(2)
Tire
Tire(2)
Control Horn Set
Control Horn(6)
Backplate(6)
M2 Nut(2)
M2x12 Screw(10)
Pushrod Set
Elevator Pushrod(1)
Aileron Pushrod(2)
Clevis(4)
Tail Gear
Tail Gear(1)
Strap(1)
Tail Wheel(1)
Collar(1)
M3x3mm Set Screw(1)
M3x12 Wood Screw(2)
Hardware Set
EZ Connector(2)
M2 Nut(4)
M2 Washer(2)
M3x3mm Set Screw(2)
Hex Wrench(1)
Throttle Pushrod
Guide Tube(1)
PianoWire(1)

7
WING ASSEMBLY
❐ Carefully cut 4 slots either at trailing edge and aileron of
each wing half.
❐Insert the hinges and use Pin to position the hinge in the
center.
❐Attach the aileron to the trailing edge, remove all pins
then drop CA to the hinges at both sides.
❐ Remove the Hatch and Servo Tray from the main wing.
❐ Secure the servo in place with the grommets, rubbers and
wood screws come with the servo. Note the orientation of
servo and servo tray.
❐ Connect the servo extension, tape the connector to
prevent from loosing. Thread the servo wire through the
wing panels. It will be easier to use a wire as a lead, thread
from wing root hole then link to the servo wire. Make sure
servo is at neutral position then secure the servo horn.
Secure the servo tray with the M2.3x12 wood screws.

8
WING ASSEMBLY
❐Install the control horn. Drill 5/64"(2mm) holes then
secure the control horn and back plate with M2x15mm
screws.
❐ There are 4 laser cut holes on the hatch. Use these holes
as guide then drill through the covering.
❐ Connect the pushrod and clevis onto the servo horn and
control horn. Adjust the aileron to lever with the wing
root/tip when servo in neutral position. Secure the hatch in
place with four M2.3x12 wood screws. Proceed the same
procedures on the other wing.
❐ Carefully cut away the slots for the stab and fin. Remove
the pre-cut Balsa spacers as shown.
❐ Cut 3 hinge slots for each elevator. Install the CA hinges
as the same procedure in aileron installation.

❐ Place the tail feathers in place then mark them against the
edge of fuselage.
❐ Remove the covering about 1/8" (3mm)inside the line
you drew. Be carefully only cut the covering away or it will
hurt the structure of the stab and fin.
❐ Glue the tails as shown make sure the vertical fin is
perpendicular to the stab.
9
TAIL FEATHERS
❐ Cut hinge slots for rudder. Locate the tail gear , drill 5/64"
(2mm) hole at the rudder for tail gear torque rod to go in.
Carefully cut a slot for the tail gear wire with hobby knife.
When satisfied, apply a drop of oil at the hinge / wire area
then glue the tail gear in place with thick CA or epoxy.
❐ Cut a slot at fuselage tail for tail gear hinge. Trialfitthe
rudder then secure it with CA glue. Carefully cut away the
covering on pushrod exit slots.

❐ Install three servos. Glue servo mount for eleavtor servo
for higher clearance.
❐ Install the rudder control horn. Use two control horn
then sercure with M2x15 screws and M2 nuts. You may
drop CA or use Loctite to keep nut from loose.
❐ Locate the Z-bend end for the pull-pull rudder. There
will be two Z-bend ends and two straight threaded ends.
The threaded ends go to the control horns on the rudder
and the Z-bends go to the servo in the airplane. You will
also have two pieces of pull-pull cable and four small brass
tubes which you will use to crimp on the cable after it is
knotted.
10
PULL-PULL SYSTEM INSTALLATION
❐ Insert the Z-bend end through lower exit slot then tape
the other end of wire from loose.
❐ Install the Z bend end to the rudder servo horn. Note the
wire should cross each other.
❐ Use the same way to install the thread end. Thread the
clevis onto the thread end. Snap the clevis on control horn.
Repeat the same procedure on the other wire. Adjust the
clevis and get good tension on two wires when servo in
neutral positon.