Top Flite TOPA0101 - Manual (Page 15)

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6. If you are installing functioning flaps, install
the hinge reinforcement blocks shown on the wing
plan. These are cut from a 3/8" x 1/2" balsa stick
supplied. The flap reinforcement blocks (for Hinge
Points) rest against the
bottom wing skin.
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7. If you wish to use the “scale” type of aileron
hinging (see plan for a typical cross section), using
Hinge Points, install reinforcement blocks now. The
aileron reinforcement blocks are centered on the
TE.
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8. Mark the hinge locations on the outside of the
TE so you can find them after the wing is sheeted.
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9. In preparation for wing skinning, sand any
parts that protrude higher than the surrounding
parts. Any high spots will cause you to sand
through the wing skins after they are applied. It is
important to have a consistent structure if you want
a smooth skin.
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10. Final sand the center section LE and TE to
blend them with the outer panel. The transition from
the LE to all the ribs may be
slightly blended to
provide a smooth curve for the sheeting to bend over.
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11. Do any final fitting of retracts at this time. If
you have chosen retracts that require external
actuation, rig them at this time.
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12. Make the aileron pushrods from the 12" long
threaded end rods. Make a Z-bend in one end and
screw a nylon clevis on the other.
WING SHEETING
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1. Sort through the 1/16" x 3" x 24" balsa wing
sheeting , separating the best wood with the most
uniform grain for the top wing skins. Use the other
wood for the bottom skins.
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2. True the edges of the wing sheeting by
placing a metal straightedge lengthwise on the
sheet. Position the straightedge about 1/32" from
the sheet edge. With a sharp knife, cut carefully
along the straightedge.
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3. Place waxed paper on a flat smooth table.
You will join the wing skins on this surface.
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4. Edge glue four wing sheets together with thin
CA for each of the four outer panel surfaces.
LIGHTLY sand both sides of the skin over the work
surface with a block and sharp 220-grit sandpaper.
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5. Hold a skin over the bottom of the outer
wing panel. Mark the shape of the wing on the
skin, allowing about 3/16" extra on all sides. On the
wing
bottom , the section between T-6 and T-7 is
sheeted separately from the section between T-1
and T-6.
Cut off the tip of the skin and save it.
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6. Connect the aileron pushrod to the
bellcrank. Make a small cut in the bottom skin to act
as a pushrod exit. Refer to the plan for its location.
NOTE: Before gluing the bottom wing skin, jig
the wing as before with the 5/8" block under
the center and the tips weighted on the table
.
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