Top Flite TOPA0400 - Manual (Page 40)

INSTALL THE DORSAL FIN
NOTE: A few early P-51Ds did hot have a dorsal
fin. If you have a particular plane/trim scheme in
mind, check to see if it has a dorsal fin.
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1. Because of the limitations of die-cutting,
finish cutting the die-cut 1/16" plywood dorsal fin
(DF) as shown.
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2. Cut a 3/8" x 3" x 24" balsa sheet in half and
edge glue the two pieces together. Trace the die-cut
1/16" plywood dorsal fin (DF) twice onto on to the
3/8" x 6" x 12" sheet. Draw a line 1/4" back from the
aft edge of the ply dorsal fin and cut out the parts.
Save the leftover balsa sheet for use on the cowl.
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3. Draw a centerline on the aft deck to aid in
centering the dorsal fin.
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4. Glue the 1/16" plywood dorsal fin (DF) to the
fin and aft deck. It must line up exactly with the fin
and fuse centerline.
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5. Fit the balsa dorsal fin side pieces to the
plywood dorsal fin. Start by shaping the aft edge of
the side pieces so they overlap the fin slightly. Fit
and shape the side pieces as well as you can
before gluing them on. The LE needs to be sanded
to 3/8" wide to match the fin. Glue the side pieces
to both sides of the plywood dorsal fin.
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6. Fill the area just behind the dorsal fin with
leftover balsa and filler to obtain a smooth transition.
MAKE THE TOP COWL
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1. Sand the fuse sides, forward deck and chin
block flush with the firewall and reinstall your engine.
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2. Draw a line 1/4" above the bottom edge of the
die-cut 1/16" plywood spinner ring. Use these lines
to center the spinner ring on the back of the spinner.
❏
3. Glue leftover 1/16" (or 3/32" for soft mounted
engines) balsa to the spinner ring to act as a spacer
between the spinner and plywood spinner ring.
❏
4. Tack glue the spacers on the spinner ring to
the backplate of the spinner. Make sure the
spinner ring is centered on the backplate. Mount
the spinner backplate to the engine.
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