Top Flite TOPA0951 - Manual (Page 27)

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4. Test-fi t the cockpit fl oor to the sides under the
pushrods. Use fl exible glue (R/C-56 canopy glue or
RTV silicone) to glue the fl oor into position.
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5. Decide whether or not you will be installing a pilot
and how to glue him in. A Top Flite 1/7-scale WWII
pilot (GPMQ9117) was used for this model. He was
securely glued to a balsa sheet that was painted fl at
black. The sheet was glued into position to the cockpit
sides with R/C-56.
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7. Attach the canopy—it may be permanently glued
to the fuselage with CA or R/C 56 canopy glue, or held
in place with screws. Screws are usually preferred
because this allows future access to the cockpit if ever
necessary. To glue the canopy into position, simply hold
it in place with tape until the glue dries. If screwing
the canopy down, tape it into position and drill 1/16"
[1.6mm] holes through the canopy and fuselage where
desired. Remove the canopy and enlarge the holes
in
the canopy only with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill. Temporarily
screw #2 screws into the fuselage, remove, and add
a drop of thin CA to each hole. Allow to harden and
mount the canopy.
APPLY THE DECALS
Use window cleaner to apply the decals wet as
described below. This will allow precise positioning
and remove air bubbles from under the decals, making
for a perfect application.
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1. Make sure the surfaces where the decals are to
be applied are clean and free of any residual glue or
oily fi ngerprints. Also make sure your hands are clean.
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2. Peel the decal from the sheet and immediately
spray the back with window cleaner. Apply the decal
and position it precisely where desired—the window
cleaner will make it easy to slide the decal around,
getting it exactly where you want it.
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3. Once the decal is in position, use a paper towel
to lightly squeegee out most of the window cleaner
from underneath the decal.
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4. Once the decal seems to be partially stuck, use
a piece of soft balsa to squeegee out the rest of the
window cleaner and air bubbles from under the decal.
Allow the decal to sit for a few hours before fl ying.
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5. If there are any edges around any of the decals
that won’t seem to lay down all the way, you may lightly
go over those areas with a covering iron with a cover
sock on low heat (around 150°F [65°C]).
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY
BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.)
More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point)
can have the greatest effect on how a model fl ies,
and may determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight
will be successful. If you value this model and wish
to enjoy it for many fl ights,
DO NOT OVERLOOK
THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE. A model that is
not properly balanced will be unstable and possibly
unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y
condition with all of the systems in place including
the engine with propeller and propeller hub, landing
gear/retracts, the complete radio system and decals.