Top Flite TOPA0310 - Manual (Page 39)

❏ 17. If you intend to install the Top Flite Full Cockpit
interior (not included with this kit), glue leftover 1/4"
balsa supports to the servo rails to raise the back
seat above the servos (as shown in the instructions
included with the cockpit kit). If you haven’t done so
already, remove the temporary cross bracing
between formers 3 and 4. Test fit the cockpit kit
referring to the instructions included with the kit.
Sheet the bottom of the fuselage
Before you begin, remove the engine, elevators and
rudder to make the fuselage easier to maneuver
around on your workbench.
Refer to this photo for the following two steps.
❏ 1. With the landing gear in place, glue formers
F2B and F3B into position. Glue a leftover 1/8" x 1/4"
basswood stick into the notch in the bottom formers.
Glue an additional leftover 1/8" x 1/4" basswood stick
into the notch in the
top of formers 1 & 2.
❏ 2. Remove the landing gear. Round the corners of
the landing gear plates to match the contour of the
side and bottom formers.
❏ 3. Of the eight 1/8" x 3" x 24" balsa sheets, select
the two softest sheets and set them aside for use
later in step 7.
❏ 4. Glue one of the remaining 1/8" x 3" x 24" balsa
sheets to the fuse side as shown in the photo. The
top edge is flush against the main stringer. If
necessary, wet the sheet with water so it will be
easier to bend around the front of the fuse.
❏ 5. Glue a second 1/8" x 3" x 24" sheet to the fuse
as shown. Before continuing with the sheeting, use a
straightedge and a ballpoint pen to lightly mark the
edges of formers 3 & 4. This will help later when it’s
time to cut out the doors.
❏
6. Glue two additional 1/8" x 3" x 24" balsa sheets
to the other side of the fuse the same way.
❏ 7. Use one of the two softest sheets you set aside
earlier to sheet the corner of the fuse, wrapping the
sides around to the bottom. This should be done in
three sections as shown in the photo. Wet the
sheeting if necessary—this bend may appear to be
extreme, but with soft balsa you should encounter no
problems. After gluing the sheeting down, trim the
front sheet parallel with the inner edge of the 1/4" ply
landing gear plate as shown.
❏ 8. Glue the other side of the sheeting into position
the same way.
❏ 9. Sheet the bottom of the fuse using two 1/8" x
3" x 30" balsa sheets. Save leftover 1/8" balsa for
sheeting the top of the fuse.
❏ 10. Blend the aft edge of the sheeting to the
longerons by gluing pieces of leftover 1/8" x 3/4"
balsa to both bottom longerons. Taper the balsa
pieces by sanding them to make a seamless
transition from the sheeting to the longerons.
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