THUNDER TIGER Tiger Bipe 40 User manual

WARRANTY
Thunder Tiger Model Company guarantees this model kit to be free from defects in both material and
workmanship at date of manufacture.This warranty does not cover any components damaged by use or
modification and in no case shall Thunder Tiger’s liability exceed the original purchase price of the kit.
Thunder Tiger also reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
Since Thunder Tiger Model Co. has no control over possible shipping damages or construction tech-
niques and materials used for construction by the modeler, no liability can be assumed nor accepted for
damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using this
user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.If the buyer is not prepared to accept this
liability, he should return this kit in new and unused condition to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Assembly Instructions
Tiger
Bipe 40
Item No. 4557
JE6351.V1

2
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
All of us at Thunder Tiger want to thank you for choosing the best looking, easiest building and best
flying ARF biplane available, the Tiger Bipe 40. This kit features state-of-the-art engineering that pro-
vides quick and easy assembly of a strong, yet lightweight airplane that will give you an enjoyable and
thrilling experience.The Tiger Bipe will allow you to enjoy model airplanes the way they were meant to
be: with two wings!
To gain the most from this airplane kit, it is important that you read the instructions thoroughly and then
follow them exactly.We strongly suggest that you read through the instructions completely before begin-
ning construction.This will give you a good idea of the construction sequence and eliminate many ques-
tions you might have if you did not read the manual prior to starting the actual construction. Due to the
nature of this design, this airplane is not intended for a beginner’s first model and the instructions are
written with this in mind. We assume you have a working knowledge of airplane and radio terminology.
The first thing you should do before beginning assembly is to check the contents of your kit against the
parts list on pages 4 and 5. If any parts are missing, contact your dealer immediately for replacement.
Customers in the United States and Canada may contact Ace Hobby Distributors at 116 W. 19th
Street, Higginsville, MO 64037 [phone] for replacement parts. Under no circumstances can a
kit be returned if assembly has already been started.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Other Items Required . . . . . . . . . 2
Items Need Check List . . . . . . . . . 3
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Pre-Assembly Notes . . . . . . . . . . 6
Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Tail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Engine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Install the Radio. . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Cowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A checklist is also provided on the next page
which willmake shopping for these items easier.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OTHER ITEMS REQUIRED
FOR ASSEMBLY
Radio - A 4-channel radio with four standard
servos is required.

3
ITEMS NEEDED
Adhesives - You will need two types of adhe-
sives for the Tiger Bipe - 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 adhesive.
Tools - Model assembly can be much easier if
the proper tools are used. Therefore, we have
included in our checklist to the right, 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 -TheThunder Tiger PRO-36 is the ideal
engine for this airplane. It is a quiet running
engine that is easy to start and require no spe-
cial break- in period, is very easy to maintain,
and will last for years.
Flight Equipment - There are several “support”
items that you will need to purchase in order to
get your engine running and your plane in the
air.These are listed at the bottom of the page.
Comprehensive Items Needed
Check List
❏4-Channel Radio with 4 Standard Servos
❏5-Minute Epoxy (4 ounces or so)
❏30-Minute Epoxy (4 ounces or so)
❏“Thin” Instant Adhesive (1/2 ounce)
❏
“ Thick” Instant Adhesive (1/2 ounce)
❏Hobby Knife and Blades
❏Epoxy Mixing Sticks and/or Brushes
❏Sandpaper (150 grit)
❏Masking Tape
❏Rubbing Alcohol
❏Paper Towels
❏Ruler
❏90 Degree Triangle
❏Waxed Paper
❏Fine-Point, Felt-Tip Pen
❏Misc. Household Tools
❏Drill and Bits (1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 5/32", 3/16")
Flight Equipment
❏Foam Rubber Padding for the radio
❏Stick on Lead Strip for balancing the plane
❏3 or 4 Props (see engine instructions)
❏10%-15% Glow Fuel
❏Fuel Pump or Bulb
❏Electric Starter or “Chicken Stick”
❏Glow Plug Clip and Battery
❏Extra Glow Plug(s)

4
PARTS SKETCHES
IMPORTANT
Please check the contents of your kit box with these part sketches before beginning
construction.This will not only familiarize you with the parts and their names, but it will
also give you a head start in the unlikely event that you are missing a part.
Parts are not necessarily drawn actual size!
Screw3x15mm(4)
AS6119 Fuselage Set
CA Hinge(8)
Top Wing Joiner(2)
Beams(L/1 R/1)
3102 Adjustable Engine Mount
Engine Mount Plate(1)
Screw 6/32 x 18mm(4)
Aileron Pushrod(2)
Clevis(5)
Plastic Guide Tube(1)
Rudder Pushrod(1)
Rubber Stopper(1)
H. Stab./ Elevator(1)
AS6121 Tail Feather
Stab Pushrod(1)
0.05" Metal Pushrod(1)
3261 Fuel Tank Set
Straight Nipple(1)
Silicone Tube(1)
Cap(1)
Clunk(1)
PE0009 Hardware Set
90-degree Nipple(1)
2mm Hex Nut(1)
Allen Wrench(1)
3x3mmSet Screw(1)
Push Rod
Connector(1)
AS6122 Pushrod Set
180cc (6oz)
180cc Fuel Tank(1)
AS6120 Main Wing Set
Bottom Left Wing(1)
CA Hinge(6)
Top Left Wing(1)
Front Wing Dowel
Doubler(2)
Wing Dowel(1)
Aileron Servo Tray(2)
Bottom Wing Joiner(2)
Aileron Horn
Torgue(2)
Fuselage(1)
Wing Bolt
6/32 x 24mm(2)
Washer(2)
2x8mm Self-Tapping(4)
Rear Wing Dowel
Doubler(2)
Trim Tape(2)
V. Fin/ Rudder(1)
Top Right Wing(1)
Bottom Right Wing(1)
Servo Tray(1)

5
PARTS SKETCHES
Parts are not necessarily drawn actual size!
Replacement parts must be ordered by Set Number
Landing Gear(2)
3x3mm Set
Scrent(1)
AS6007 Tail Gear Set
Collar (1)
Tail gear (1)
Tail Wheel (1)
Wheel (2)
AS6123 Main Landing Gear
2.6 x 8mm Self-
Tapping Screw(4)
3x3mm Set Screw(2)
Steering Horn(2) 3x5mm Screw(4)
4mm Collar(4)
Mounting Strap(2)
2" Spinner(1)
Back plate(1)
3x12mm Self-Tapping Screw
Cowl(1)
Wheel Pant(R/2) Wheel Pant(L/2)
Canopy(1)
Cabane Strut(R/1) Cabane Strut(L/1)
3282R Spinner
AS6125 Cabane Strut
AS6126 Wheel Pant / Canopy
AS6127 Decals
3x12mm Self-
Tapping Screw(4)
3x10mm Self-
Tapping Screw(2)
Allex Wrench (1)
AS6124 Cowl AS6049 Control Horn Set
2x12mm Screw(6)
Control Horn(3) Nut Plate(3)
Tiger Bipe
Mounting STRAP(4)
2.6 x 8mm Self-
Tapping Screw(8)
THUNDER TIGER CORP. JE6352
THUNDER TIGER CORP. JE6353

6
PRE-ASSEMBLY
❏ Note: the bottom wing is shorter than the top
wing and has ailerons. Before gluing the two
wing halves together, trial-fit the bottom wing
joiner into both wing panels. If it is not easy to
slide into the wing, sand it until it will. Note: this
joiner is the shorter of the two and has more
angle in it. To fit properly, note that the wing has
an upward “bend” in it, called dihedral. While fit-
ting, also have the front and rear wing dowel
doublers temporarily in place.
WING ASSEMBLY
❏ Locate the following pairs of plywood parts:
top and bottom wing joiners, front and rear wing
dowel doublers, and aileron servo tray. Using
epoxy or thick CyA, glue and clamp these pairs
of pieces together to form 6mm thick parts.
Keep the edges of the pieces lined up and wipe
off any excess glue.
PRE-ASSEMBLY NOTES
1. Please assemble your model according to
these instructions. Do not attempt to modify or
change in any way as doing so may adversely
change its flying characteristics.
2. Before you begin, please check the entire
contents of this kit against the parts list and
photo 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 your dealer immedi-
ately for replacement.
3. Each step of these instructions is preceded by
a box which can be checked off as you complete
the step. This will allow you to follow your
progress and quickly find your starting place
after any interruptions or breaks.
Note: Your dealer cannot accept kits for
return if construction has begun.
❏ With 30 minute epoxy, liberally coat all sides
and edges of the wing joiner and slip it into one
wing half. Now coat the inside edge of the center
wing rib where it will join to the other wing half.
This is called the “root” of the wing.
Put the front and rear wing dowel doublers in
place WITH THE WING DOWEL PLACED IN
ITS SLOT.
Now coat the root edge of the other wing
panel with epoxy.

7
WING ASSEMBLY
❏ Join the two wing halves and firmly press
wing panels together. Wipe off any excess
epoxy with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.
Make sure the two panels are accurately
aligned with each other and hold together with
several strips of masking tape.
To make sure you have the correct amount
of dihedral, place the wing on a flat surface;
keep one wing half flat on the surface and prop
up the other panel so there is 2” under the rear
part of the tip rib. Loosen the tape if necessary.
❏ Repeat for the top wing with two differ-
ences...there are no wing dowel doublers and
the total amount of dihedral is 3/4”.
❏ Place the servo tray in the middle of the top
surface of the bottom wing. Line it up with the
rear INNER edge aligned on the rear dowel
doubler. Mark around the inside and outside of
the servo tray with a felt tip pen.
❏ Remove the tray, and use a sharp knife to cut
through and remove the covering material and
balsa where you marked the INSIDE of the
servo tray.
❏ Use a sharp knife to score the covering mate-
rial where marked around the OUTSIDE of the
tray. Remove the covering material to expose
the wood underneath. Use thick CA or epoxy to
glue the servo tray securely in place.
❏ Strips of covering film are provided to trim out
the center joint. You will need to use a covering
iron or a household iron to secure the film.

8
WING ASSEMBLY
❏ To hinge the ailerons, remove the clear tape
that hold the ailerons in place, if necessary. Pull
the aileron off the wing, revealing the hinges.
Center these hinges in their slots in the
AILERON and secure them with THIN CA,
letting it wick into the joint. Glue both surfaces
of the hinge.
❏ When the glue has set, re-install the aileron
onto the wing. Hint: if you trim a little bit off
each corner of the hinges, they will insert in the
slots easier. While flexing the aileron one way
or the other and while holding the wing up on
it’s front edge, carefully wick CA into the slot
where the hinge goes into the wing. Do so on
both sides of the hinge. After the glue has set,
tug on the aileron at each hinge location to
make sure the hinges are securely glued in
place. Also, make sure the aileron is free to
move up and down.
Repeat for the other aileron.
Set your wings aside, for now.
❏ Locate the tailwheel assembly. Observe that
is secured to the bottom of the fuselage with two
barbed posts. Mark the locations for these
posts on the rear of the fuselage so that the tiller
arm of the tail wheel assembly will be flush with
the rear edge of the fuselage. Drill 1/8” holes at
these locations and push the tailwheel assem-
bly’s barbed posts into these holes. Your
assemble should be secure. If you want, you
can add some screws in the holes provided in
the assembly (not furnished.) The tailwheel is
secured with a wheel collar and set screw.
❏ Cut away the covering material that covers
the slot for the main gear. Insert the vertical
arm of one mail gear strut in the hole provided.
Repeat for the other. Secure them in place with
two landing gear straps and 3x10mm screws.
(Drill 3/32” pilot holes first.)
The wheels and wheel pants will be added
later.
Now that the plane is “up on its feet”, it will
be easier to work on.
INSTALL LANDING GEAR

9
TAIL GROUP
INSTALL TAIL GROUP
INSTALL PUSHRODS
❏ CA the hinges into the rudder and stabilizer
control surfaces using the same technique out-
lined for the ailerons.
❏Trim the material away that covers a notch in
the front of the stabilizer. On the top of the
stab, use a straightedge and a pencil to extend
the lines formed by the notch back to the rear
of the stab. This marks the center of the stab.
❏ Position the stablilizer on top of the fuselage
and line up the mark you just drew on top of the
stab with the center of the fuselage; the rear
edge of the fuselage should line up with the
hinge line. Use a pencil to draw a line on the
bottom of the stab along the fuselage sides.
❏ Locate the elevator pushrod. It is the one with
the two rods on one end.
Use a pliers and spread the two rods apart
so they are about 2” apart at the end.
❏ Now, use some tape to hold the two rods
together so they are only about 1/2” apart.
❏ Insert this pushrod into the fuselage. Note: It
is easiest to start at the opening in the tail, work-
ing from the tail end forward until the non-
threaded end is in the radio compartment.
❏ Cut the tape loose so the rods can spread
and let them come out the two uppermost slots
in the fuse sides.
❏ In the same fashion, insert the rudder
pushrod so the threaded end comes out the
lower slot in the right side of the fuse.
❏ Cut away the covering material over the two
uppermost slots that are on the right and left
sides of the fuselage at the rear.
Cut away the covering from the lowermost
slot on the RIGHT side of the fuselage.

10
TAIL GROUP
❏ Move the rud-
der/fin into position
and mark the loca-
tion of the tail wheel
assembly’s tiller
arm. Drill a 1/16”
hole in the rudder to
accommodate the
arm. Making sure the tiller arm slips into the
hole you just drilled, epoxy the fin to the stabi-
lizer. Make sure the fin remains perpendicular
to the stab as the glue cures.
90°

❏ Score and remove the covering material
between the lines you drew on the top of the
stab.The vertical fin will glue here.
❏ Next, apply a sec-
ond, liberal coat of
epoxy to the joint
where the fin joins the
stabilizer. Form a filet
with the tip of your fin-
ger dipped in alcohol.
❏Repeat this
process for the stabilizer/fuselage joint.
Epoxy Filet

❏ Glue the stab to the fuselage with epoxy,
keeping the stab parallel with the work surface
as the glue cures.
❏ Remove the stab from the fuselage and use
a straight edge to carefully score the covering
material where marked.Make the score approx-
imately 1/16" inside the lines you drew. It is very
important that you do not press hard enough to
cut into the wood itself or the stabilizer may fail
in flight. Just score the covering and it will peel
away nicely.