Top Flite TOPA0970 - Manual (Page 28)

28
IMPORTANT: The P-40 Warhawk ARF has been
extensively fl own and tested to arrive at the throws
at which it fl ies best. Flying your model at these
throws will provide you with the greatest chance
for successful fi rst fl ights. If, after you have become
accustomed to the way the P-40 fl ies, you would like
to change the throws to suit your taste, that is fi ne.
However, too much control throw could make the
model diffi cult to control, so remember, “more is not
always better.”
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, landing gear, and the radio system.
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to
accurately mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on
both sides of the fuselage. The C.G. is located 3-1/4"
[83mm] back from the leading edge of the wing where
it meets the fuse.
This is where your model should balance for the
fi rst fl ights. Later, you may wish to experiment by
shifting the C.G. up to 1/4" [6mm] forward or 1/4"
[6mm] back to change the fl ying characteristics.
Moving the C.G. forward may improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model may then
require more speed for takeoff and make it more
diffi cult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft
makes the model more maneuverable, but could
also cause it to become too diffi cult to control. In
any case,
start at the recommended balance
point and do not at any time balance the model
outside the specifi ed range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts
of the model installed (ready to fl y) and an empty fuel
tank, place the model upside-down on a Great Planes
CG Machine, or lift it upside-down at the balance point
you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the
battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward
or weight must be added to the nose to balance. If
the nose drops, the model is “nose heavy” and the
battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted aft or
weight must be added to the tail to balance. If possible,
relocate the battery pack and receiver to minimize or
eliminate any additional ballast required. If additional
weight is required, nose weight may be easily added
by using a “spinner weight” (GPMQ4645 for the 1 oz.
[28g] weight, or GPMQ4646 for the 2 oz. [57g] weight).
If spinner weight is not practical or is not enough, use
Great Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead. A good
place to add stick-on nose weight is to the fi rewall
(don’t attach weight to the cowl—it is not intended
to support weight). Begin by placing incrementally
increasing amounts of weight on the bottom of the
fuse over the fi rewall until the model balances. Once
you have determined the amount of weight required, it
can be permanently attached. If required, tail weight
may be added by cutting open the bottom of the fuse
and gluing it permanently inside.
Note: Do not rely upon the adhesive on the back of the
lead weight to permanently hold it in place. Over time,
fuel and exhaust residue may soften the adhesive and
cause the weight to fall off. Use #2 sheet metal screws,
RTV silicone or epoxy to permanently hold the weight
in place.
❏
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add
any weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has
been installed.
BALANCE THE MODEL LATERALLY
❏
1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you
lift the model by the engine propeller shaft and the
bottom of the fuse under the TE of the fi n. Do this
several times.
❏
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model,
it means that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by
adding weight to the other wing tip.
An airplane that
has been laterally balanced will track better in
loops and other maneuvers.
PREFLIGHT
IDENTIFY YOUR MODEL
No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club
site or if you fl y somewhere on your own, you should
always have your name, address, telephone number
and AMA number on or inside your model. It is
required at all AMA R/C club fl ying sites and AMA
sanctioned fl ying events. Fill out the identifi cation tag
on page 31 and place it on or inside your model.
CHARGE THE BATTERIES
Follow the battery charging instructions that came with
your radio control system to charge the batteries. You
should always charge your transmitter and receiver
batteries the night before you go fl ying, and at other
times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.