Vmar Cessna l-19 bird dog Supplement

Model airplanes, model engines, model engine fuel, propellers

and related accessories, tools and equipment can be haz-

ardous if improperly used. Be cautious and follow all safety

recommendations when using your VMAR model airplane.

Keep hands, tools, clothing and all foreign objects well clear of

engines when they are operating. Take particular care to safe-

guard and protect your eyes and fingers and the eyes and fin-

gers of other persons who may be nearby. Use only a good

quality propeller that has no cracks or flaws. Stay clear of the

propeller and stay clear of the plane of rotation defined by the

propeller. The Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and/or other

suppliers of this product expressly disclaim any warranties or

representations, either expressed or implied, including but not

limited to implied warranties of fitness for the purposes of

achieving and sustaining remotely controlled flight. In no event

will the Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and/or other suppli-

ers of this product have any obligation arising from contract or

tort, or for loss of revenue or profit, or for indirect, special, inci-

dental, consequential or other damages arising from the use of

this product. In purchasing and/or using this product, the user

accepts all responsibility for its use and accepts all liability

associated with such use.

A Remote Control Model Aircraft is not a toy. It is a flying

model that functions much like a full size airplane. If you

do not assemble and operate this product properly you

can cause injury to yourself and others and damage prop-

erty. DO NOT FLY this model if you are not qualified.

You are entirely responsible for the mechanical,

aeronautical and electrical integrity of this model and it's

structure, control surfaces, hinges, linkages, covering,

engine, radio, wiring, battery and all other components.

Check all components before and after each flight.

Don't fly until it's right!

The Graphics and Detailing are inside the POLYCOTE ECS!

Proceeding with assembly and use of this product indicates

Agreement With & Acceptance of the following Liability Disclaimer.

CAUTION

ASSEMBLY & OPERATIONS MANUAL

Please review this manual thoroughly before assembling or operating this model.

ARF SEMI SCALE MODEL AIRPLANE

116

Notes

VMAR, POLYCOTE and VMAX are Trademarks of VMAR Manufacturing Inc. and appointed VMAR agents worldwide.

28B- Battery compartment as seen from bottom of fuse-

lage

28D- Battery hatch installed. Fuse security tab in place

28C- Battery hatch installed. Fuse security tab unlocked

Once the CG is correct, the battery should be secured in

position with Velcro (supplied) or lightweight foam so that

the battery cannot move.

After installing your battery and securing it into place, re-

install the battery hatch as shown in 28C.

When you are ready to power up your motor, MAKE SURE

YOUR TRANSMITTER IS TURNED ON WITH THE

THROTTLE REDUCED TO ZERO & STAY CLEAR OF

THE PROP BEFORE INSTALLING THE FUSE.

After installing the fuse, STAY CLEAR OF THE PROP and

retain the fuse in place with the security tab.

Battery

Fuse

Servo

Step 1.3 Apply plenty of 30 minute Epoxy to one end of the

wing joiner using a stir stick or epoxy brush as illustrated in

1D. Carefully insert the epoxy coated half of the wing join-

er into one wing panel as illustrated in 1E.

See 1F and use a cloth or tissue to wipe away any excess

epoxy that squeezes out of the joint. Repeat this process

several times to ensure the wing joiner and cavity are well

coated with 30 minute epoxy.

When the wing joiner & cavity are well coated with 30

minute epoxy, insert the joiner to the center line, wipe away

any excess epoxy and let dry. (Note: Do not use 5 minute

epoxy or CA to join the wings).

WING ASSEMBLY - JOINING THE WING HALVES

Step 1.1 Locate the wing joiner (also called Dihedral

brace). Using the ruler, determine the center of the wing

joiner and mark it with a pencil as illustrated in 1B.

Step 1.2 Trial fit the wing joiner into the wing panels. It

should insert smoothly up to the center line as illustrated in

1C. Now slide the other wing panel onto the wing joiner

until the wing panels meet. If the fit is overly tight, sand the

wing joiner slightly and try again. Mark the joiner to indicate

which way is UP as illustrated in 1B.

1A- Left and right wing panels 1B- Preparation of wing joiner

27A- Dummy pilot

27B- Glue the rails to the right side of the fuselage 27C- Glue the rails to the left side of the fuselage

27D- Install the dummy pilot onto the rails and secure

into place with two 2x10 [mm] screws 27E- Dummy pilot after installation

28A- Battery hatch shown in position

1C- Trial fit the wing joiner 1D- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy to the wing joiner

Parts needed

- Roll of wing joiner tape

- Right and left wing panels

- Wing joiner (also called dihedral brace)

Tools and Adhesives needed

- 30 minute epoxy

- Epoxy brush or stir sticks

- Disposable mixing dish for the epoxy

- Sandpaper (Coarse 240 grit recommended)

- Low tack masking tape

- Pencil, knife, ruler

- Paper towels

SSTTAAGGEE

11INSTALLING THE DUMMY PILOT

Your Bird Dog comes with a dummy pilot and two long rails

approximately 1/4x1/4x2 in. (6x6x50 mm) and two short

rails approximately 1/4x1/4x5/8 in. (6x6x15 mm). See 27A

Step 27.1 Review 27B. Use CA glue to attach the rails to

the right side of the cockpit as shown. Note the slot

between the upper (short) and lower (long) rail.

Step 27.2 Review 27C. Use CA glue to attach the rails to

the left side of the cockpit as shown. Note the slot between

the upper (short) and lower (long) rail.

Step 27.3 Review 27D. Insert the pilot into the aft end of

the cockpit and slide forward along the lower rails as far as

possible. Secure into place with two 2x10 [mm] screws.

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BATTERY LOCATION

The battery location is behind the firewall. To install the bat-

tery, you must remove the battery hatch first then connect

the battery to your ESC.

Battery packs vary widely in size, shape and type. We rec-

ommend using a Lithium Polymer (LIPO) battery.

The battery can be moved fore or aft to adjust the CG to

the correct location. See 28B

Once the CG is correct, the battery should be secured in

position with Velcro (supplied) or lightweight foam so that

the battery cannot move.

DO NOT FLY WITH A LOOSE BATTERY. If the battery

moves it will shift the CG location and/or possibly unplug

itself causing loss of control.

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1E- Carefully insert the joiner all the way to the center line 1F - Wipe off the excess epoxy then allow to cure

Center line pointing up

2-3/4 in.

(70 mm)

Short rail

Long rail

Short rail

Long rail

2x10 sheet metal screws

Fuse

Battery hatch

Gap between 2 rails

1/16 in. (2.5mm)

2-3/4 in.

(70 mm)

gap between 2 rails

1/16 in. (2.5mm)

Step 2.1 When the epoxy has cured in Stage 1, trial fit the

second wing panel onto the wing joiner first to ensure that

the two panels fit without an excessive gap.

Step 2.2 Now apply plenty of epoxy to the wing joiner and

wing root ribs of both wing panels. Use only 30 minute

epoxy to ensure a strong bond and give yourself plenty of

working time. As described in the Step 1.3, repeatedly

apply epoxy and insert into the wing joiner cavity, the epoxy

should ooze from the joint and the excess should be

cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures.

Step 2.3 Use low tack masking tape to align the wing sur-

faces and hold the two panels together until the epoxy

cures.

Wing struts are very important. They must be correctly

installed and remain securely attached at all times during

flight. The wing will fail if flown without the struts.

To install the wign struts you need the struts themselves &

the four 2x10 [mm] screws supplied. Review the general

configuration of the struts shown in 26G.

Step 26.1 Locate the strut attachment point on the under-

side of each wing near the aileron servo. The locations

have been pre-marked at the factory. See 26A & 26B

Step 26.2 Locate the strut attachment points on the fuse-

lage near the main gear. The locations have been pre-

marked at the factory. See 26C and 26D

Step 26.3 Mount the wing to fuselage.

Step 26.4 Attach the struts to the left and right wing so that

the thicker edge of the strut faces forward. See 26E

Step 26.5 Attach the struts to the fuselage. See 26F

Step 2.4 Once the epoxy has cured completely (allow sev-

eral hours at least), the tape can be carefully removed from

the wing panels. Peel the tape back on itself… do not pull

upright away from the wing. To seal and finish the joint in

the wings, a roll of wing joiner tape has been

supplied.Starting on the bottom side of the wing, stick the

tape centrally over the joint ensuring that it is pressed down

firmly as you work around the wing. Wrap the tape all the

way around the wing joint in one piece, starting and finish-

ing on the bottom.

2F- Continue back around to the bottom

of the wing & overlap the tape where you

started. Trim off excess tape

2E-Continue applying the tape over

the top of the wing, pressing down

firmly as you go

2D- Apply tape over the joint starting

here on the bottom as shown

Wing joiner

Wing root

Strut attachment point

WING ASSEMBLY - JOINING THE WING HALVES (Cont.)

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INSTALLING THE WING STRUTS

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2C- Use low tack masking tape to hold

tightly together

2B- Align the two wing panels and

slowly close the gap until the

wing root ends are firmly in

contact with each other

2A- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy

glue to all surfaces

26A- Strut attachment point on the

underside of the right wing

Wing struts

26B- Strut attachement point on the

underside of the left wing 26C- Strut attachment point on the left

side of the fuselage

26D- Strut attachement point on the

right side of the fuselage

26G- Left & right struts installed to model

26E- Strut attached to the wing 26F- Strut attached to the fuselage

INSTALLING THE AILERON SERVO INTO THE WING

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Aileron servo cavity

3B- Aileron servo location

3A- Prepare the servos by fitting the

rubber grommets & ferrules supplied

with your servos

To install the aileron servos into the wing you will need the following items:

- 2 micro servos

- Servo mounting screws and grommets as supplied with the servos

- Servo control arms as supplied with the servos

- Two aileron control rod assemblies supplied with the kit. The assemblies con-

sist of a rod with a clevis screwed onto both ends

- Low tack masking tape

- 2 aileron control horn assemblies

Step 3.1 Turn the wing upside down.

Step 3.2 Trial fit the aileron servo into the servo mounting cavity. You may have

to modify the cavity slightly to provide clearance for the servo and servo wires.

Step 3.3 Use a hobby knife to modify the cavity as required. Most servos have

their output shaft closer to one end than the other. Mount the servo so that the

output shaft is closer to the leading edge of the wing.

Step 3.4 Screw the servo into place with the screws and grommets supplied. It

is important to install the grommets and screws correctly. See the manual that

came with your radio for instructions about your particular servo grommets.

Step 3.5 Fasten the screws down according to the servo manufacturers recom-

mended tightness.

Step 3.6 Repeat step 3.2 to 3.5 for the other wing panel.

Aileron

Strut attachment point

FITTING THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL STABILIZERS

4A- Aileron control rod assembly 4B- Aileron control horn after installa-

tion. 4C- Connect the aileron control rod

between the servo arm and the con-

trol horn

Step 4.1 Consult your radio instruction manual and center

the aileron servos using either a Y connector or a comput-

er radio that accomodates the use of two aileron servos.

Turn on the transmitter and then the receiver. Center the

aileron trim lever on the transmitter. Remove the servo arm

mounting screws and servo arms.

Step 4.2 Mount the servo arms back on the servos so that

the servo arms are parallel with the back edge of the wing.

Screw the arms into place using the servo arm mounting

screws supplied with the servos.

Step 4.3 Locate the two aileron control rods in the hard-

ware bag (see 4A). Ensure the clevises are screwed well

onto the threaded portion of the rod. Rotate and tug

aggressively on the clevises and ensure that they are not

loose on the rods.

Step 4.4 Tape the ailerons into their neutral position so that

they are even with the trailing edge of the wing and not

pointing either up or down.

Step 4.5 Install the aileron control horns as illustrated in 4B

and ensure they align with the servo arms.

Step 4.6 Connect the aileron servo control rods between

the aileron control horns and the aileron servo arms as

shown in 4C.

Step 4.7 Carefully remove the masking tape holding the

ailerons.

Step 4.8 Turn on your radio and activate the ailerons, using

the aileron stick and ensure that a smooth full motion can

be achieved.

Step 4.9 With the wing top side up and viewed from the

back, ensure that moving the transmitter aileron stick to the

left raises the left aileron and lowers the right aileron.

Movement of the stick to the left will roll the aircraft to the

left. (Counterclockwise roll of the wing when viewed from

the back).

Step 4.10 With the wing top side up and viewed from the

back, ensure that moving the transmitter aileron stick to the

right raises the right aileron and lowers the left aileron.

Movement of the stick to the right will roll the aircraft to the

right. (Clockwise roll of the wing when viewed from the

back).

INSTALLING THE AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM

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To install the stabilizers into the fuselage you will need.

- Fuselage

- Vertical stabilizer with pre-installed rudder

- Horizontal stabilizer with pre-installed elevator

5A- The fuselage slots for the vertical

& horizontal stabilizers

Horizontal slot

Vertical slot

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5B- Horizontal stabilizer with pre-

installed elevator 5C- Vertical stabilizer with pre-

installed rudder

50 ~ 55 mm

2 ~ 2 in.

CONFIRM RADIO OPERATION

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BALANCING THE AIRCRAFT

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CONFIRM MECHANICAL INTEGRITY

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Carefully review how your Electronic Speed Control (ESC)

works. Most ESC's will not power up the motor until the

throttle has been reduced to zero. Avoid the prop in case

the motor suddenly starts to turn.

Step 23.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about

testing and operating your radio system.

Step 23.2 Pay particular attention to charging your batter-

ies and range testing your system before and after each

flight.

Step 23.3 Check that all controls are working correctly

before and after each flight.

FOR ELECTRIC POWER, YOU WILL NEED TO INSTALL

THE FUSE AND YOUR BATTERY TO TEST YOUR ESC

& MOTOR OPERATION

Step 24.1 The CG for your BIRDDOG is located at 2“ to 2-

1/8" (50 - 55 mm) back from the leading edge of the wing

when the wing has been attached to the fuselage as per

illustration 25A.

Step 24.2 For the initial flight, the CG should be located at

2” (50mm) back from the leading edge of the wing when the

wing has been attached to the fuselage.

Step 24.3 The CG is measured with the motor, battery and

all other components installed.

Step 24.4 Set up the CG as it will be when you fly it.

Step 24.5 It is very important to have the CG correct. Flying

your model with the CG too far back will likely lead to loss

of control and a crash. If you discover that after you have

assembled your model and installed your radio, motor and

battery that the CG of your model is incorrect you must

bring the CG to the correct location by doing the following

BEFORE FLYING :

- Move the battery pack fore or aft

- Do not add weight to correct the CG. Move components &

especially your battery pack rather than add weight. Only

add weight as a measure of last resort.

Step 25.1 Once you have confirmed that the CG is correct,

you should do a thorough review of the entire model before

your first flight. Check everything twice! Every hook up,

every coupling, everything! Do it twice!!

Step 25.2 Before your first flight, have an experienced flyer

review your work. Do not fly your model until it has been

checked out by a third party who knows how to fly and how

to set up a model aircraft. Do not fly alone. Seek experi-

enced help.

Step 25.3 Once you have completed your first flight, get in the

habit of checking your model over before and after each flight!

Don’t fly if you find something that is not right! 25A- CG location

CONTROL SURFACE THROW SPECIFICATIONS:

The throws are measured at the widest part of the control

surface. Adjust the position of the pushrods at the control

and/or servo horns to control the amount of throw. You may

also use ATV's if you radio has them but the mechanical

linkages should still be set so that theATV's are near 100%

for best servo resolution.

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/3" - 2/5"

8mm - 10mm

1/3" - 2/5"

8mm - 10mm

Elevator Aileron Rudder

Low rate High rate

ELEVATOR 1/6 “ (4mm) up 1/4” (6 mm) up

1/6 “ (4mm) down 1/4” (6 mm) down

AILERON 1/6” (4 mm) up 1/4” (6 mm) up

1/6” (4 mm) down 1/4” (6 mm) down

RUDDER 1/3 “ (8 mm) right 2/5” (10 mm) right

1/3 “ (8 mm) left 2/5” (10 mm) left

Check the fit of the horizontal stabilizer in its slot. Make sure the hori-

zontal stabilizer is square and centered to the fuselage by taking

measurements as shown in pictures 6A, 6B and 6C.

Do not glue anything yet.

90o

6A- Trial fit the horizontal stabilizer in

its slot

6B- Alignment of horizontal stabilizer top view 6C- Alignment back view

ALIGNMENT OF HORIZONTAL STABILIZER

SSTTAAGGEE

Equal

distance

Equal

distance

Step 7.1 With the horizontal stabilizer-

aligned correctly, mark the shape of

the fuselage on the top & bottom of the

horizontal stabilizer using a water solu-

ble non-permanent felt-tip pen as

shown here.

Step 7.2 Now remove the horizontal

stabilizer & using a sharp knife & a

ruler CAREFULLY cut 1/8" (3 mm)

inside the marked lines & remove the

covering on the top & bottom of the

horizontal stabilizer as illustrated.

Make sure you only cut the film & not

the wood, otherwise the horizontal

stabilizer will be severely weakened &

fail. USA CA TO FILL AND REPAIR

ANY CUT MARKS IN THE WOOD.

7A- Mark the top of the horizontal sta-

bilizer... 7B- ...and the bottom

7C- Marked lines on horizontal stab

7E- Remove the covering from top

surface

7D- Cutting inside the lines. Do NOT

cut the wood

7F- Exactly the same underneath 7G- Clean off the pen lines

INSTALLING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER

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Step 7.3 Now apply sufficient epoxy to the top and bottom of the horizontal stabilizer and horizontal slot. Use 30 minute

epoxy to ensure a strong bond and give yourself plenty of working time. See 7H & 7I

Step 7.4 Insert the horizontal stabilizer in its slot in the fuselage and re-check the alignment as in Stage 6. See 7J & 6B

Step 7.5 Excess epoxy should be cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures. See 7K

FINAL RC SET-UP

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Before starting the final set-up of the model, switch

on the radio and ensure that all trims are in their

neutral positions. Check that the ailerons, elevator

and rudder are centered. If any adjustments are

needed, do these by uncoupling the relevant clevis

and turning it clockwise to shorten the linkage or

counter - clockwise to lengthen it. Only when each

control surface has been centered mechanically in

this way should you begin adjusting the surface

movement (or throw)

Now confirm that the control surfaces are moving in

the correct direction. Use the servo reversing

switches on your transmitter to reverse the direc-

tion of a servo if necessary. The most popular

transmitter mode (with the throttle on the left, with

ailerons and elevator on the right) is shown here.

We have assumed throughout most of these instructions

that your Bird Dog is being powered by an electric motor

and Electronic Speed Control with BEC. Stage 21 applies

only if you are using glow power.

Step 21.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about

hooking up your receiver battery, receiver and switch har-

ness.

Step 21.2 Wrap the battery pack securely in foam suitable

for RC equipment and wrap the foam insulated pack in a

plastic bag or cling wrap. Position the battery pack under

the fuel tank or nearby.

Step 21.3 Thread the battery pack connector back through

from beneath the fuel tank to the radio compartment by

passing the battery connector through an opening beside

or beneath the fuel tank.

Step 21.4 Connect the battery connector to your radio sys-

tem according to the radio manual.

INSTALLING THE RECEIVER BATTERY

(Glow Engine Only)

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INSTALLING THE RECEIVER

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Step 22.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about

hooking up your receiver.

Step 22.2 Plan where you are going to put the receiver with

consideration for routing the antenna safely.

Step 22.3 Wrap the receiver securely in foam suitable for

RC equipment and wrap the foam insulated receiver in a

plastic bag or cling wrap.

Step 22.4 Generally in the absence of specific instructions

from the radio manufacturer, it is recommended that the

receiver should be placed where it is least likely to have

impact during a crash. Keep the battery pack and other

heavy loose items ahead of the receiver.

8E- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy

7H- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy into the horizontal

slot 7I- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy to the horizontal sta-

bilizer

7K- Wipe off excess 30 minute epoxy7J- Slide the horizontal stabilizer into place

Step 8.1 Check the fit of the vertical stabilizer in its slot. Make sure that it is

square to the horizontal stabilizer and fuselage. See 8A

Step 8.2 Mark the shape of the fuselage on the left & right sides of the vertical

stabilizer using a felt-tip pen. See 8B

Step 8.3 Now remove the vertical stabilizer. Using a sharp knife & ruler CARE-

FULLY cut just 1/8" (3mm) inside the marked lines (see 8C) and remove the cov-

ering on both sides of the fin (see 8D), just as you did with the horizontal stabi-

lizer, making sure you only press hard enough to cut the covering, not the verti-

cal stabilizer. USA CA TO FILL AND REPAIR ANY CUT MARKS IN THE

WOOD.

8A- Trial fit the vertical stabilizer into

the fuselage slot

Step 8.4 Now apply sufficient epoxy to both sides & the

bottom of the vertical stabilizer as illustrated in 8E. Use 30

minute epoxy to ensure a strong bond and give yourself

plenty of working time.

Step 8.5 Insert the vertical stabilizer in its slot in the fuse-

lage and re-check the alignment. Excess adhesive should

be cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures.

FITTING THE VERTICAL STABILIZER

SSTTAAGGEE

8B- Mark both sides of the vertical sta-

bilizer 8C- Carefully cut through the cover-

ing. Do NOT cut the wood 8D- Remove covering from both sides

8F- Slide the stab into place

& remove excess epoxy 8G- 90 degree angle between the hor-

izontal and vertical stabs.

90o

Connect the elevator servo to the receiver and turn on your

transmitter & then your receiver. Center the transmitter stick and trim. Adjust the servo arm and clevises to center

(not up, not down) the elevator as shown in 17A and 17B.

17A- Elevator control horn shown in

position 17B- Hold the elevator at neutral (not up, not down). Rotate the clevis to adjust

the overall length. Then use the clevis screw to attach the clevis to the control

horn. The clevis screw requires a 5/64 in. (2mm) hole. Secure the screw with

thread lock

CONNECTING THE PUSHROD TO THE ELEVATOR

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CONNECTING THE PUSHROD TO THE RUDDER

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Connect the rudder servo to the receiver and turn on

your transmitter & then your receiver. Center the trans-

mitter stick and trim. Adjust the servo arm and clevises

to center (not left, not right) secure the rudder as shown

in 18A.

18A-Hold the rudder at neutral (not left, not right). Rotate

the clevis to adjust the overall length. Then use the clevis

screw to attach the clevis to the control horn. The clevis

screw requires a 5/64 in. (2mm) hole. Secure the screw

with thread lock

Adjust the deflection of the control surfaces to match the

specifications on page 12. You can reduce the amount of

throw by doing either or both of the following:

- From the servo end, move the clevis to a hole in the servo

arm that is closer to the servo output shaft.

- From the control horn end, move the control rod/clevis fur-

ther out on the horn (away from the control surface).

Always confirm that the clevis is firmly attached after mak-

ing any adjustment.

ADJUST CONTROL SURFACE THROW LIMITS

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CONNECTING THE PUSHRODS

TO THE RUDDER AND ELEVATOR SERVOS

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Consult illustration 16A & carefully connect the control rods to the servos using

the clevises as shown.

16A- Center the servo control surface

and then connect the control rods to

the servos using the clevises as

shown

NOSE

TAIL

INSTALLING THE LANDING GEAR

SSTTAAGGEE

The L19 Birddog has a tail

dragger gear configuration

using a tail wheel and main

landing gear.

10B- Pre-drilled holes for the main

landing gear installation 10C- Use three 3x8 [mm] bolts to

secure the main landing gear to the

fuselage

10D- Use washers and firmly tighten

the nuts to secure the landing gear

Identify the main landing gear components shown below

- 2 pre-assembled main landing gear

- Pre-assembled tail wheel

- Three 3x8 [mm] bolts with nuts and washer

10A- Main landing gear components

Pre-bent main landing gear wires

Main Wheels

FITTING THE MAIN LANDING GEAR

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INSTALLING THE TAIL WHEEL

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Identify the tail wheel components per illustration 11A:

- 1 tail wheel assembly

11B- Insert the anchor flange into the

slot in the bottom of the fuselage

11A- Tail wheel assembly

pre-cut slot in bottom

of fuselage

Anchor Flange

Rudder Flange

11C- Attach the Rudder Flange to the

rudder using a 3x8 bolt as shown 11D- Apply 30 Minute Epoxy into the

slot to secure the anchor flange

15A- Servo tray

The control horns (see 14A) are

installed with two screws that pass

through the horn and the control sur-

face and engage with a retaining

plate(s) on the opposite side.

Pierce the covering over the pre-drilled

holes and install the control horns as

shown in 14B, 14C and 14D. 14A- Typical control horn assembly 14B- Typical control horn after instal-

lation

FITTING THE ELEVATOR AND RUDDER CONTROL HORN

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14C- Elevator control horn location 14D- Rudder control horn location

INSTALLING THE SERVOS

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Install the rubber servo grommets & brass ferrules supplied with your radio

equipment. The two servos that control the elevator and rudder are to be

installed in the servo tray mounted in the fuselage. Remove the servo tray from

the fuselage, mounting the servos to the servo tray as shown in 15A and 15B.

And then install the servo tray back into the fuselage as shown in 15C. Hook up

the control rods as shown in 15D.

15B- Note the orientation and posi-

tions of the two servos in the servo

tray

15C- Note the orientation and posi-

tions of the two servos in the servo

tray

15D- Connect the elevator and rudder

control rods to the servo arms

NOSE

rudder

elevator

rudder

elevator

rudder

elevator

NOSE

13E- Do not move the cowl. Drill

through the dot, the cowl and all four

mounting tabs

cowl

fuselage

strip

13F- Secure the cowl into place with

four 2x10 [mm] screws 13G- With the BATTERY & FUSE

REMOVED securely install the pro-

peller

Electric motors vary in size, styles and mounting method.

Always refer to the mounting instructions applicable to your

motor.

We illustrate the general installation procedure here utiliz-

ing the recommended standard VMAX 7.4V Brushless

Motor (#VMM-074B18VM) and VMAX 15 Amp Speed

Control with BEC (#VMC-120B15VC).

If you have purchased a pre-assembled VMAX power mod-

ule assembly consisting of firewall, motor and speed control

you may skip 12A through 12E.

12B- A special pre-drilled firewall is

included for mounting the recom-

mended VMAX motor. A blank firewall

is also provided for other motor instal-

lations

12A- VMAX 7.4 Volt Brushless Motor

(#VMM-074B18VM) recommended

12D- Insert the rear motor bushing

into the aluminum backing plate &

secure into place with the set screws

as shown. Tighten snugly but do not

strip. Apply thread locker such as

Pacer Z-42 (Blue)

12E- Mount the Speed Control to the

back of the firewall so that the metal

heat sink faces the ventilation hole

(forward). Secure in place with a tie-

wrap

12C- Securely mount the aluminum

motor backing plate to the firewall

using 3 nut, bolt & washer sets pro-

vided. Tighten the nuts securely and

apply thread locker such as Pacer Z-

42 (Blue)

12F- Assembled Power Module com-

plete with firewall, motor & speed con-

trol

12K- Thread four 3 mm nuts onto the

bolts as shown. The nuts should be all

be evenly spaced at .875 in. (22 mm)

from the firewall

12L- Place four 3 mm washers on the

bolts & then position the assembled

power module. Secure in place with

four more 3 mm washers & nuts.

Tighten snugly

12G- Fuselage front former 12H- Mount the pre-assembled fuse

holder/switch to the fuselage front

former

12J- Install four 3x50 [mm] bolt sets

(supplied). Bolt-washer-former-wash-

er-nut (front). Tighten the nuts secure-

ly & apply thread locker

12I- Test fit a 20 Amp automotive

spade fuse into the fuse holder/switch

and then REMOVE THE FUSE

INSTALLING THE ELECTRIC MOTOR AND ESC

SSTTAAGGEE

1122

.875 in. (22 mm)

Electronic Speed Controler

(ESC)

Connect to receiver

Brushless motor

Fuse holder/Switch. The fuse is to

be inserted only when flying or

testing. ALWAYS REMOVE THE

FUSE WHEN NOT FLYING OR

TESTING

LIPO battery

Install and align the cowl using the four cowl mounting

screws provided. The screws pass through the sides of the

cowl and into the tabs on the front of the fuselage.

Step 13.1 Cut card stock strips about 1/2 x 5" (12x120 mm).

Use low tack masking tape to position the strips as shown

in 13A & 13B.

Note that the tape is applied towards the rear of the strips

and that the front of the strips overlap the cowl mounting

tabs at the front of the fuselage.

Step 13.2 Mark each strip with a dot in the center of each

cowl mounting tab as shown in 13C.

Step 13.3 Slide the cowl into place to completely cover the

mounting tabs on the fuselage & such that the strips are

outboard of the cowl as shown in 13D. Align the cowl so

that the motor shaft is centered.

Secure the cowl in position with low tack masking tape.

Step 13.4 Without moving the cowl,

carefully hold each strip flat against the

cowl and working around the cowl one

strip at a time, drill a 5/64 in. (2 mm)

hole through the dot, the cowl and the

mounting tab. See 13E.

Step 13.5 Hold the cowl in place using

four 2x10 [mm] screws. Carefully

remove the strips and all masking

tape.

Step 13.6 With the BATTERY &

FUSE REMOVED securely install the

propeller. Double check your work and

ensure that the propeller is securely

attached and will not come off.

13A- Card stock strips overlying the

cowl mounting tabs on the right side

of the fuselage

13C- Mark the strip with a dot at the

center of each cowl mounting tab 13D- Position the cowl over the

mounting tabs. Note the strips are

outboard. Align & center with respect

to the motor shaft

13B- Card stock strips overlying the

cowl mounting tabs on the left side of

the fuselage

12M- Typical wiring diagram of brushless motor system

INSTALL THE COWL AND PROPELLER

SSTTAAGGEE1133

8 9

Electric motors vary in size, styles and mounting method.

Always refer to the mounting instructions applicable to your

motor.

We illustrate the general installation procedure here utiliz-

ing the recommended standard VMAX 7.4V Brushless

Motor (#VMM-074B18VM) and VMAX 15 Amp Speed

Control with BEC (#VMC-120B15VC).

If you have purchased a pre-assembled VMAX power mod-

ule assembly consisting of firewall, motor and speed control

you may skip 12A through 12E.

12B- A special pre-drilled firewall is

included for mounting the recom-

mended VMAX motor. A blank firewall

is also provided for other motor instal-

lations

12A- VMAX 7.4 Volt Brushless Motor

(#VMM-074B18VM) recommended

12D- Insert the rear motor bushing

into the aluminum backing plate &

secure into place with the set screws

as shown. Tighten snugly but do not

strip. Apply thread locker such as

Pacer Z-42 (Blue)

12E- Mount the Speed Control to the

back of the firewall so that the metal

heat sink faces the ventilation hole

(forward). Secure in place with a tie-

wrap

12C- Securely mount the aluminum

motor backing plate to the firewall

using 3 nut, bolt & washer sets pro-

vided. Tighten the nuts securely and

apply thread locker such as Pacer Z-

42 (Blue)

12F- Assembled Power Module com-

plete with firewall, motor & speed con-

trol

12K- Thread four 3 mm nuts onto the

bolts as shown. The nuts should be all

be evenly spaced at .875 in. (22 mm)

from the firewall

12L- Place four 3 mm washers on the

bolts & then position the assembled

power module. Secure in place with

four more 3 mm washers & nuts.

Tighten snugly

12G- Fuselage front former 12H- Mount the pre-assembled fuse

holder/switch to the fuselage front

former

12J- Install four 3x50 [mm] bolt sets

(supplied). Bolt-washer-former-wash-

er-nut (front). Tighten the nuts secure-

ly & apply thread locker

12I- Test fit a 20 Amp automotive

spade fuse into the fuse holder/switch

and then REMOVE THE FUSE

INSTALLING THE ELECTRIC MOTOR AND ESC

SSTTAAGGEE

1122

.875 in. (22 mm)

Electronic Speed Controler

(ESC)

Connect to receiver

Brushless motor

Fuse holder/Switch. The fuse is to

be inserted only when flying or

testing. ALWAYS REMOVE THE

FUSE WHEN NOT FLYING OR

TESTING

LIPO battery

Install and align the cowl using the four cowl mounting

screws provided. The screws pass through the sides of the

cowl and into the tabs on the front of the fuselage.

Step 13.1 Cut card stock strips about 1/2 x 5" (12x120 mm).

Use low tack masking tape to position the strips as shown

in 13A & 13B.

Note that the tape is applied towards the rear of the strips

and that the front of the strips overlap the cowl mounting

tabs at the front of the fuselage.

Step 13.2 Mark each strip with a dot in the center of each

cowl mounting tab as shown in 13C.

Step 13.3 Slide the cowl into place to completely cover the

mounting tabs on the fuselage & such that the strips are

outboard of the cowl as shown in 13D. Align the cowl so

that the motor shaft is centered.

Secure the cowl in position with low tack masking tape.

Step 13.4 Without moving the cowl,

carefully hold each strip flat against the

cowl and working around the cowl one

strip at a time, drill a 5/64 in. (2 mm)

hole through the dot, the cowl and the

mounting tab. See 13E.

Step 13.5 Hold the cowl in place using

four 2x10 [mm] screws. Carefully

remove the strips and all masking

tape.

Step 13.6 With the BATTERY &

FUSE REMOVED securely install the

propeller. Double check your work and

ensure that the propeller is securely

attached and will not come off.

13A- Card stock strips overlying the

cowl mounting tabs on the right side

of the fuselage

13C- Mark the strip with a dot at the

center of each cowl mounting tab 13D- Position the cowl over the

mounting tabs. Note the strips are

outboard. Align & center with respect

to the motor shaft

13B- Card stock strips overlying the

cowl mounting tabs on the left side of

the fuselage

12M- Typical wiring diagram of brushless motor system

INSTALL THE COWL AND PROPELLER

SSTTAAGGEE1133

8 9

INSTALLING THE LANDING GEAR

SSTTAAGGEE

The L19 Birddog has a tail

dragger gear configuration

using a tail wheel and main

landing gear.

10B- Pre-drilled holes for the main

landing gear installation 10C- Use three 3x8 [mm] bolts to

secure the main landing gear to the

fuselage

10D- Use washers and firmly tighten

the nuts to secure the landing gear

Identify the main landing gear components shown below

- 2 pre-assembled main landing gear

- Pre-assembled tail wheel

- Three 3x8 [mm] bolts with nuts and washer

10A- Main landing gear components

Pre-bent main landing gear wires

Main Wheels

FITTING THE MAIN LANDING GEAR

SSTTAAGGEE

1100

INSTALLING THE TAIL WHEEL

SSTTAAGGEE

1111

Identify the tail wheel components per illustration 11A:

- 1 tail wheel assembly

11B- Insert the anchor flange into the

slot in the bottom of the fuselage

11A- Tail wheel assembly

pre-cut slot in bottom

of fuselage

Anchor Flange

Rudder Flange

11C- Attach the Rudder Flange to the

rudder using a 3x8 bolt as shown 11D- Apply 30 Minute Epoxy into the

slot to secure the anchor flange

15A- Servo tray

The control horns (see 14A) are

installed with two screws that pass

through the horn and the control sur-

face and engage with a retaining

plate(s) on the opposite side.

Pierce the covering over the pre-drilled

holes and install the control horns as

shown in 14B, 14C and 14D. 14A- Typical control horn assembly 14B- Typical control horn after instal-

lation

FITTING THE ELEVATOR AND RUDDER CONTROL HORN

SSTTAAGGEE

1144

14C- Elevator control horn location 14D- Rudder control horn location

INSTALLING THE SERVOS

SSTTAAGGEE

1155

Install the rubber servo grommets & brass ferrules supplied with your radio

equipment. The two servos that control the elevator and rudder are to be

installed in the servo tray mounted in the fuselage. Remove the servo tray from

the fuselage, mounting the servos to the servo tray as shown in 15A and 15B.

And then install the servo tray back into the fuselage as shown in 15C. Hook up

the control rods as shown in 15D.

15B- Note the orientation and posi-

tions of the two servos in the servo

tray

15C- Note the orientation and posi-

tions of the two servos in the servo

tray

15D- Connect the elevator and rudder

control rods to the servo arms

NOSE

rudder

elevator

rudder

elevator

rudder

elevator

NOSE

13E- Do not move the cowl. Drill

through the dot, the cowl and all four

mounting tabs

cowl

fuselage

strip

13F- Secure the cowl into place with

four 2x10 [mm] screws 13G- With the BATTERY & FUSE

REMOVED securely install the pro-

peller

8E- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy

7H- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy into the horizontal

slot 7I- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy to the horizontal sta-

bilizer

7K- Wipe off excess 30 minute epoxy7J- Slide the horizontal stabilizer into place

Step 8.1 Check the fit of the vertical stabilizer in its slot. Make sure that it is

square to the horizontal stabilizer and fuselage. See 8A

Step 8.2 Mark the shape of the fuselage on the left & right sides of the vertical

stabilizer using a felt-tip pen. See 8B

Step 8.3 Now remove the vertical stabilizer. Using a sharp knife & ruler CARE-

FULLY cut just 1/8" (3mm) inside the marked lines (see 8C) and remove the cov-

ering on both sides of the fin (see 8D), just as you did with the horizontal stabi-

lizer, making sure you only press hard enough to cut the covering, not the verti-

cal stabilizer. USA CA TO FILL AND REPAIR ANY CUT MARKS IN THE

WOOD.

8A- Trial fit the vertical stabilizer into

the fuselage slot

Step 8.4 Now apply sufficient epoxy to both sides & the

bottom of the vertical stabilizer as illustrated in 8E. Use 30

minute epoxy to ensure a strong bond and give yourself

plenty of working time.

Step 8.5 Insert the vertical stabilizer in its slot in the fuse-

lage and re-check the alignment. Excess adhesive should

be cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures.

FITTING THE VERTICAL STABILIZER

SSTTAAGGEE

8B- Mark both sides of the vertical sta-

bilizer 8C- Carefully cut through the cover-

ing. Do NOT cut the wood 8D- Remove covering from both sides

8F- Slide the stab into place

& remove excess epoxy 8G- 90 degree angle between the hor-

izontal and vertical stabs.

90o

Connect the elevator servo to the receiver and turn on your

transmitter & then your receiver. Center the transmitter stick and trim. Adjust the servo arm and clevises to center

(not up, not down) the elevator as shown in 17A and 17B.

17A- Elevator control horn shown in

position 17B- Hold the elevator at neutral (not up, not down). Rotate the clevis to adjust

the overall length. Then use the clevis screw to attach the clevis to the control

horn. The clevis screw requires a 5/64 in. (2mm) hole. Secure the screw with

thread lock

CONNECTING THE PUSHROD TO THE ELEVATOR

SSTTAAGGEE

1177

CONNECTING THE PUSHROD TO THE RUDDER

SSTTAAGGEE

1188

Connect the rudder servo to the receiver and turn on

your transmitter & then your receiver. Center the trans-

mitter stick and trim. Adjust the servo arm and clevises

to center (not left, not right) secure the rudder as shown

in 18A.

18A-Hold the rudder at neutral (not left, not right). Rotate

the clevis to adjust the overall length. Then use the clevis

screw to attach the clevis to the control horn. The clevis

screw requires a 5/64 in. (2mm) hole. Secure the screw

with thread lock

Adjust the deflection of the control surfaces to match the

specifications on page 12. You can reduce the amount of

throw by doing either or both of the following:

- From the servo end, move the clevis to a hole in the servo

arm that is closer to the servo output shaft.

- From the control horn end, move the control rod/clevis fur-

ther out on the horn (away from the control surface).

Always confirm that the clevis is firmly attached after mak-

ing any adjustment.

ADJUST CONTROL SURFACE THROW LIMITS

SSTTAAGGEE

1199

CONNECTING THE PUSHRODS

TO THE RUDDER AND ELEVATOR SERVOS

SSTTAAGGEE

1166

Consult illustration 16A & carefully connect the control rods to the servos using

the clevises as shown.

16A- Center the servo control surface

and then connect the control rods to

the servos using the clevises as

shown

NOSE

TAIL

Check the fit of the horizontal stabilizer in its slot. Make sure the hori-

zontal stabilizer is square and centered to the fuselage by taking

measurements as shown in pictures 6A, 6B and 6C.

Do not glue anything yet.

90o

6A- Trial fit the horizontal stabilizer in

its slot

6B- Alignment of horizontal stabilizer top view 6C- Alignment back view

ALIGNMENT OF HORIZONTAL STABILIZER

SSTTAAGGEE

Equal

distance

Equal

distance

Step 7.1 With the horizontal stabilizer-

aligned correctly, mark the shape of

the fuselage on the top & bottom of the

horizontal stabilizer using a water solu-

ble non-permanent felt-tip pen as

shown here.

Step 7.2 Now remove the horizontal

stabilizer & using a sharp knife & a

ruler CAREFULLY cut 1/8" (3 mm)

inside the marked lines & remove the

covering on the top & bottom of the

horizontal stabilizer as illustrated.

Make sure you only cut the film & not

the wood, otherwise the horizontal

stabilizer will be severely weakened &

fail. USA CA TO FILL AND REPAIR

ANY CUT MARKS IN THE WOOD.

7A- Mark the top of the horizontal sta-

bilizer... 7B- ...and the bottom

7C- Marked lines on horizontal stab

7E- Remove the covering from top

surface

7D- Cutting inside the lines. Do NOT

cut the wood

7F- Exactly the same underneath 7G- Clean off the pen lines

INSTALLING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER

SSTTAAGGEE

Step 7.3 Now apply sufficient epoxy to the top and bottom of the horizontal stabilizer and horizontal slot. Use 30 minute

epoxy to ensure a strong bond and give yourself plenty of working time. See 7H & 7I

Step 7.4 Insert the horizontal stabilizer in its slot in the fuselage and re-check the alignment as in Stage 6. See 7J & 6B

Step 7.5 Excess epoxy should be cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures. See 7K

FINAL RC SET-UP

SSTTAAGGEE

2200

Before starting the final set-up of the model, switch

on the radio and ensure that all trims are in their

neutral positions. Check that the ailerons, elevator

and rudder are centered. If any adjustments are

needed, do these by uncoupling the relevant clevis

and turning it clockwise to shorten the linkage or

counter - clockwise to lengthen it. Only when each

control surface has been centered mechanically in

this way should you begin adjusting the surface

movement (or throw)

Now confirm that the control surfaces are moving in

the correct direction. Use the servo reversing

switches on your transmitter to reverse the direc-

tion of a servo if necessary. The most popular

transmitter mode (with the throttle on the left, with

ailerons and elevator on the right) is shown here.

We have assumed throughout most of these instructions

that your Bird Dog is being powered by an electric motor

and Electronic Speed Control with BEC. Stage 21 applies

only if you are using glow power.

Step 21.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about

hooking up your receiver battery, receiver and switch har-

ness.

Step 21.2 Wrap the battery pack securely in foam suitable

for RC equipment and wrap the foam insulated pack in a

plastic bag or cling wrap. Position the battery pack under

the fuel tank or nearby.

Step 21.3 Thread the battery pack connector back through

from beneath the fuel tank to the radio compartment by

passing the battery connector through an opening beside

or beneath the fuel tank.

Step 21.4 Connect the battery connector to your radio sys-

tem according to the radio manual.

INSTALLING THE RECEIVER BATTERY

(Glow Engine Only)

SSTTAAGGEE

2211

INSTALLING THE RECEIVER

SSTTAAGGEE

2222

Step 22.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about

hooking up your receiver.

Step 22.2 Plan where you are going to put the receiver with

consideration for routing the antenna safely.

Step 22.3 Wrap the receiver securely in foam suitable for

RC equipment and wrap the foam insulated receiver in a

plastic bag or cling wrap.

Step 22.4 Generally in the absence of specific instructions

from the radio manufacturer, it is recommended that the

receiver should be placed where it is least likely to have

impact during a crash. Keep the battery pack and other

heavy loose items ahead of the receiver.

FITTING THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL STABILIZERS

4A- Aileron control rod assembly 4B- Aileron control horn after installa-

tion. 4C- Connect the aileron control rod

between the servo arm and the con-

trol horn

Step 4.1 Consult your radio instruction manual and center

the aileron servos using either a Y connector or a comput-

er radio that accomodates the use of two aileron servos.

Turn on the transmitter and then the receiver. Center the

aileron trim lever on the transmitter. Remove the servo arm

mounting screws and servo arms.

Step 4.2 Mount the servo arms back on the servos so that

the servo arms are parallel with the back edge of the wing.

Screw the arms into place using the servo arm mounting

screws supplied with the servos.

Step 4.3 Locate the two aileron control rods in the hard-

ware bag (see 4A). Ensure the clevises are screwed well

onto the threaded portion of the rod. Rotate and tug

aggressively on the clevises and ensure that they are not

loose on the rods.

Step 4.4 Tape the ailerons into their neutral position so that

they are even with the trailing edge of the wing and not

pointing either up or down.

Step 4.5 Install the aileron control horns as illustrated in 4B

and ensure they align with the servo arms.

Step 4.6 Connect the aileron servo control rods between

the aileron control horns and the aileron servo arms as

shown in 4C.

Step 4.7 Carefully remove the masking tape holding the

ailerons.

Step 4.8 Turn on your radio and activate the ailerons, using

the aileron stick and ensure that a smooth full motion can

be achieved.

Step 4.9 With the wing top side up and viewed from the

back, ensure that moving the transmitter aileron stick to the

left raises the left aileron and lowers the right aileron.

Movement of the stick to the left will roll the aircraft to the

left. (Counterclockwise roll of the wing when viewed from

the back).

Step 4.10 With the wing top side up and viewed from the

back, ensure that moving the transmitter aileron stick to the

right raises the right aileron and lowers the left aileron.

Movement of the stick to the right will roll the aircraft to the

right. (Clockwise roll of the wing when viewed from the

back).

INSTALLING THE AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM

SSTTAAGGEE

To install the stabilizers into the fuselage you will need.

- Fuselage

- Vertical stabilizer with pre-installed rudder

- Horizontal stabilizer with pre-installed elevator

5A- The fuselage slots for the vertical

& horizontal stabilizers

Horizontal slot

Vertical slot

SSTTAAGGEE

5B- Horizontal stabilizer with pre-

installed elevator 5C- Vertical stabilizer with pre-

installed rudder

50 ~ 55 mm

2 ~ 2 in.

CONFIRM RADIO OPERATION

SSTTAAGGEE

2233

BALANCING THE AIRCRAFT

SSTTAAGGEE

2244

CONFIRM MECHANICAL INTEGRITY

SSTTAAGGEE

2255

Carefully review how your Electronic Speed Control (ESC)

works. Most ESC's will not power up the motor until the

throttle has been reduced to zero. Avoid the prop in case

the motor suddenly starts to turn.

Step 23.1 Consult your radio manual for instructions about

testing and operating your radio system.

Step 23.2 Pay particular attention to charging your batter-

ies and range testing your system before and after each

flight.

Step 23.3 Check that all controls are working correctly

before and after each flight.

FOR ELECTRIC POWER, YOU WILL NEED TO INSTALL

THE FUSE AND YOUR BATTERY TO TEST YOUR ESC

& MOTOR OPERATION

Step 24.1 The CG for your BIRDDOG is located at 2“ to 2-

1/8" (50 - 55 mm) back from the leading edge of the wing

when the wing has been attached to the fuselage as per

illustration 25A.

Step 24.2 For the initial flight, the CG should be located at

2” (50mm) back from the leading edge of the wing when the

wing has been attached to the fuselage.

Step 24.3 The CG is measured with the motor, battery and

all other components installed.

Step 24.4 Set up the CG as it will be when you fly it.

Step 24.5 It is very important to have the CG correct. Flying

your model with the CG too far back will likely lead to loss

of control and a crash. If you discover that after you have

assembled your model and installed your radio, motor and

battery that the CG of your model is incorrect you must

bring the CG to the correct location by doing the following

BEFORE FLYING :

- Move the battery pack fore or aft

- Do not add weight to correct the CG. Move components &

especially your battery pack rather than add weight. Only

add weight as a measure of last resort.

Step 25.1 Once you have confirmed that the CG is correct,

you should do a thorough review of the entire model before

your first flight. Check everything twice! Every hook up,

every coupling, everything! Do it twice!!

Step 25.2 Before your first flight, have an experienced flyer

review your work. Do not fly your model until it has been

checked out by a third party who knows how to fly and how

to set up a model aircraft. Do not fly alone. Seek experi-

enced help.

Step 25.3 Once you have completed your first flight, get in the

habit of checking your model over before and after each flight!

Don’t fly if you find something that is not right! 25A- CG location

CONTROL SURFACE THROW SPECIFICATIONS:

The throws are measured at the widest part of the control

surface. Adjust the position of the pushrods at the control

and/or servo horns to control the amount of throw. You may

also use ATV's if you radio has them but the mechanical

linkages should still be set so that theATV's are near 100%

for best servo resolution.

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/6" - 1/4"

4mm - 6mm

1/3" - 2/5"

8mm - 10mm

1/3" - 2/5"

8mm - 10mm

Elevator Aileron Rudder

Low rate High rate

ELEVATOR 1/6 “ (4mm) up 1/4” (6 mm) up

1/6 “ (4mm) down 1/4” (6 mm) down

AILERON 1/6” (4 mm) up 1/4” (6 mm) up

1/6” (4 mm) down 1/4” (6 mm) down

RUDDER 1/3 “ (8 mm) right 2/5” (10 mm) right

1/3 “ (8 mm) left 2/5” (10 mm) left

Step 2.1 When the epoxy has cured in Stage 1, trial fit the

second wing panel onto the wing joiner first to ensure that

the two panels fit without an excessive gap.

Step 2.2 Now apply plenty of epoxy to the wing joiner and

wing root ribs of both wing panels. Use only 30 minute

epoxy to ensure a strong bond and give yourself plenty of

working time. As described in the Step 1.3, repeatedly

apply epoxy and insert into the wing joiner cavity, the epoxy

should ooze from the joint and the excess should be

cleaned off with a rag or tissue before it cures.

Step 2.3 Use low tack masking tape to align the wing sur-

faces and hold the two panels together until the epoxy

cures.

Wing struts are very important. They must be correctly

installed and remain securely attached at all times during

flight. The wing will fail if flown without the struts.

To install the wign struts you need the struts themselves &

the four 2x10 [mm] screws supplied. Review the general

configuration of the struts shown in 26G.

Step 26.1 Locate the strut attachment point on the under-

side of each wing near the aileron servo. The locations

have been pre-marked at the factory. See 26A & 26B

Step 26.2 Locate the strut attachment points on the fuse-

lage near the main gear. The locations have been pre-

marked at the factory. See 26C and 26D

Step 26.3 Mount the wing to fuselage.

Step 26.4 Attach the struts to the left and right wing so that

the thicker edge of the strut faces forward. See 26E

Step 26.5 Attach the struts to the fuselage. See 26F

Step 2.4 Once the epoxy has cured completely (allow sev-

eral hours at least), the tape can be carefully removed from

the wing panels. Peel the tape back on itself… do not pull

upright away from the wing. To seal and finish the joint in

the wings, a roll of wing joiner tape has been

supplied.Starting on the bottom side of the wing, stick the

tape centrally over the joint ensuring that it is pressed down

firmly as you work around the wing. Wrap the tape all the

way around the wing joint in one piece, starting and finish-

ing on the bottom.

2F- Continue back around to the bottom

of the wing & overlap the tape where you

started. Trim off excess tape

2E-Continue applying the tape over

the top of the wing, pressing down

firmly as you go

2D- Apply tape over the joint starting

here on the bottom as shown

Wing joiner

Wing root

Strut attachment point

WING ASSEMBLY - JOINING THE WING HALVES (Cont.)

SSTTAAGGEE

INSTALLING THE WING STRUTS

SSTTAAGGEE

2266

2C- Use low tack masking tape to hold

tightly together

2B- Align the two wing panels and

slowly close the gap until the

wing root ends are firmly in

contact with each other

2A- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy

glue to all surfaces

26A- Strut attachment point on the

underside of the right wing

Wing struts

26B- Strut attachement point on the

underside of the left wing 26C- Strut attachment point on the left

side of the fuselage

26D- Strut attachement point on the

right side of the fuselage

26G- Left & right struts installed to model

26E- Strut attached to the wing 26F- Strut attached to the fuselage

INSTALLING THE AILERON SERVO INTO THE WING

SSTTAAGGEE

Aileron servo cavity

3B- Aileron servo location

3A- Prepare the servos by fitting the

rubber grommets & ferrules supplied

with your servos

To install the aileron servos into the wing you will need the following items:

- 2 micro servos

- Servo mounting screws and grommets as supplied with the servos

- Servo control arms as supplied with the servos

- Two aileron control rod assemblies supplied with the kit. The assemblies con-

sist of a rod with a clevis screwed onto both ends

- Low tack masking tape

- 2 aileron control horn assemblies

Step 3.1 Turn the wing upside down.

Step 3.2 Trial fit the aileron servo into the servo mounting cavity. You may have

to modify the cavity slightly to provide clearance for the servo and servo wires.

Step 3.3 Use a hobby knife to modify the cavity as required. Most servos have

their output shaft closer to one end than the other. Mount the servo so that the

output shaft is closer to the leading edge of the wing.

Step 3.4 Screw the servo into place with the screws and grommets supplied. It

is important to install the grommets and screws correctly. See the manual that

came with your radio for instructions about your particular servo grommets.

Step 3.5 Fasten the screws down according to the servo manufacturers recom-

mended tightness.

Step 3.6 Repeat step 3.2 to 3.5 for the other wing panel.

Aileron

Strut attachment point

Step 1.3 Apply plenty of 30 minute Epoxy to one end of the

wing joiner using a stir stick or epoxy brush as illustrated in

1D. Carefully insert the epoxy coated half of the wing join-

er into one wing panel as illustrated in 1E.

See 1F and use a cloth or tissue to wipe away any excess

epoxy that squeezes out of the joint. Repeat this process

several times to ensure the wing joiner and cavity are well

coated with 30 minute epoxy.

When the wing joiner & cavity are well coated with 30

minute epoxy, insert the joiner to the center line, wipe away

any excess epoxy and let dry. (Note: Do not use 5 minute

epoxy or CA to join the wings).

WING ASSEMBLY - JOINING THE WING HALVES

Step 1.1 Locate the wing joiner (also called Dihedral

brace). Using the ruler, determine the center of the wing

joiner and mark it with a pencil as illustrated in 1B.

Step 1.2 Trial fit the wing joiner into the wing panels. It

should insert smoothly up to the center line as illustrated in

1C. Now slide the other wing panel onto the wing joiner

until the wing panels meet. If the fit is overly tight, sand the

wing joiner slightly and try again. Mark the joiner to indicate

which way is UP as illustrated in 1B.

1A- Left and right wing panels 1B- Preparation of wing joiner

27A- Dummy pilot

27B- Glue the rails to the right side of the fuselage 27C- Glue the rails to the left side of the fuselage

27D- Install the dummy pilot onto the rails and secure

into place with two 2x10 [mm] screws 27E- Dummy pilot after installation

28A- Battery hatch shown in position

1C- Trial fit the wing joiner 1D- Apply plenty of 30 minute epoxy to the wing joiner

Parts needed

- Roll of wing joiner tape

- Right and left wing panels

- Wing joiner (also called dihedral brace)

Tools and Adhesives needed

- 30 minute epoxy

- Epoxy brush or stir sticks

- Disposable mixing dish for the epoxy

- Sandpaper (Coarse 240 grit recommended)

- Low tack masking tape

- Pencil, knife, ruler

- Paper towels

SSTTAAGGEE

11INSTALLING THE DUMMY PILOT

Your Bird Dog comes with a dummy pilot and two long rails

approximately 1/4x1/4x2 in. (6x6x50 mm) and two short

rails approximately 1/4x1/4x5/8 in. (6x6x15 mm). See 27A

Step 27.1 Review 27B. Use CA glue to attach the rails to

the right side of the cockpit as shown. Note the slot

between the upper (short) and lower (long) rail.

Step 27.2 Review 27C. Use CA glue to attach the rails to

the left side of the cockpit as shown. Note the slot between

the upper (short) and lower (long) rail.

Step 27.3 Review 27D. Insert the pilot into the aft end of

the cockpit and slide forward along the lower rails as far as

possible. Secure into place with two 2x10 [mm] screws.

SSTTAAGGEE

2277

BATTERY LOCATION

The battery location is behind the firewall. To install the bat-

tery, you must remove the battery hatch first then connect

the battery to your ESC.

Battery packs vary widely in size, shape and type. We rec-

ommend using a Lithium Polymer (LIPO) battery.

The battery can be moved fore or aft to adjust the CG to

the correct location. See 28B

Once the CG is correct, the battery should be secured in

position with Velcro (supplied) or lightweight foam so that

the battery cannot move.

DO NOT FLY WITH A LOOSE BATTERY. If the battery

moves it will shift the CG location and/or possibly unplug

itself causing loss of control.

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2288

1E- Carefully insert the joiner all the way to the center line 1F - Wipe off the excess epoxy then allow to cure

Center line pointing up

2-3/4 in.

(70 mm)

Short rail

Long rail

Short rail

Long rail

2x10 sheet metal screws

Fuse

Battery hatch

Gap between 2 rails

1/16 in. (2.5mm)

2-3/4 in.

(70 mm)

gap between 2 rails

1/16 in. (2.5mm)