Top Flite TOPA0140 - Manual (Page 2)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
AND BUILDING SEQUENCE
INTRODUCTION .................................................3
PRECAUTIONS...................................................3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE .........................3
Engine selection ................................................3
Exhaust system .................................................4
Retractable landing gear....................................4
Flaps ..................................................................4
TOP FLITE SCALE ACCESSORIES ..................4
Scale cockpit interior..........................................4
Scale propeller and spinner ...............................5
COMPETITION-MINDED MODELERS ...............5
OTHER ITEMS REQUIRED ................................5
Building supplies ................................................6
Tools ..................................................................6
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES........................6
COMMON ABBREVIATIONS .............................7
TYPES OF WOOD ..............................................7
GET READY TO BUILD ......................................7
DIE-CUT PATTERNS .....................................8&9
BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES ..........................10
Build the stab ....................................................10
Build the elevators ............................................12
Build the fin .......................................................14
Build the rudder ................................................15
BUILD THE WING .............................................16
Preparations .....................................................16
Build the outer wing panels...............................17
Build the center section ....................................19
Join the outer panels to the center section .......21
Fit the landing gear ...........................................22
Prepare the outer panels for sheeting ..............23
Make the wing skins .........................................23
Sheet the bottom of the wing ............................24
Prepare the top of the wing for sheeting ...........25
Sheet the top of the wing ..................................27
Build the flaps ...................................................27
Build the ailerons ..............................................30
Finish the wing ..................................................31
BUILD THE FUSELAGE ...................................32
Frame the fuselage top .....................................32
Sheet the top of the fuselage ............................35
Mount the fin and stab ......................................36
Finish framing the fuselage...............................37
Mount the tail wheel assembly..........................38
Prepare the fuse for sheeting ...........................39
Sheet the bottom of the fuse.............................40
FINAL CONSTRUCTION ..................................41
Mount the wing to the fuselage .........................41
Build the wing fillet ............................................42
Build the bottom wing fairing.............................43
Mount the engine and cowl ...............................43
Hookup the controls ..........................................45
Install the radio .................................................47
Install the cockpit and canopy...........................48
FINISHING.........................................................49
Fuelproofing ......................................................49
Prepare the model for covering ........................49
Balance the airplane laterally............................49
Cover the model with MonoKote.......................50
Painting .............................................................51
Join the control surfaces ...................................52
Scale details ....................................................52
GET YOUR MODEL READY TO FLY...............56
Balance your model ..........................................56
Final hookups and checks ................................57
PREFLIGHT ......................................................58
Identify your model ...........................................58
Charge your batteries .......................................58
Balance your propellers ....................................58
Find a safe place to fly ......................................58
Ground check your model.................................58
Range check your radio ....................................58
Check list ..........................................................58
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...................59
AMA SAFETY CODE ........................................60
FLYING..............................................................60
Takeoff ..............................................................60
Flight .................................................................60
Landing .............................................................61
Flaps .................................................................61
TWO VIEW DRAWING .......................back cover
Your Spitfire is not a toy, but a sophisticated
working model that functions very much like an
actual airplane.
Because of its realistic performance, if you do not
assemble and operate your Spitfire correctly, you
could possibly injure yourself or spectators and
damage property.
To make your R/C modeling experience totally
enjoyable, get assistance with assembly and
your first flights from an experienced,
knowledgeable modeler. You’ll learn faster and
avoid risking your model before you’re truly ready
to solo. Your local hobby shop has information
about flying clubs in your area whose membership
includes qualified instructors.
You can also contact the Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500
chartered clubs across the country. We
recommend you join the AMA which will insure you
at AMA club sites and events. AMA membership is
required at chartered club fields where qualified
flight instructors are available.
Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
or via the internet at : http://www.modelaircraft.org
PROTECT YOUR MODEL,
YOURSELF & OTHERS
FOLLOW THIS IMPORTANT
SAFETY PRECAUTION
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