Top Flite TOPQ7903 - Manual (Page 2)

Note: As you will probably be removing at least one cylinder when you
use the Radial as an air baffle, you need not install push rods and an
ignition lead in at least one cylinder. Complete all 9 cylinders if you will
only be using the Radial for static display.
Painting Hint: Some modelers find that it’s easier to paint this type of
structure before final assembly. If this is your preference, skip down to
the section on Painting then return to step 9 when you are ready to
proceed.
❏
9. Insert the push pod tubes into the rocker arm covers and the
crankcase as shown in the photo. They should protrude inside the
Radial about 3/32" at each end of each piece. Don’t worry about gluing
them yet.
❏
10. Insert the ignition leads into the cylinders. NOTE: Bend the
ignition leads over the top of each cylinder so that they touch the
backing. The ignition leads will be installed in the baffle later.
❏
11. Turn the Radial over and apply a drop of CA to both ends of all
pushrods and ignition leads.
❏
12. Glue the Radial to the ply baffle with 6-minute epoxy. Be sure to
align the “removed cylinder” with the opening in the baffle. Hint:
Roughen the back surface of the Radial with coarse sandpaper for a
better bond.
❏
13. Drill a 1/16" hole through the Radial and ply backing at each
ignition lead location. Insert the ignition leads into holes you drilled and
apply a drop of thin CA to secure them in position.
❏
14. Tape the Radial assembly inside the cowl. Make final adjustments
to the fit between the cutouts and the engine. By working from the
inside it’s possible to remove material from the Radial without affecting
the push rods tubes and ignition leads. Pay special attention to
unrestricted throttle movement.
❏
15. When satisfied with the fit, smooth all rough edges with fine
sandpaper then paint the Radial.
❏
16. After the Radial is painted and fuelproofed, glue the assembly in
the cowl with a mixture of 30-minute epoxy and milled fiber glass or
microballoons. Be sure to roughen the inside of the cowl with coarse
sandpaper. Apply a solid bead of this mixture around the entire
perimeter of the baffle for a secure bond.
PAINTING SUGGESTIONS
We painted our prototype Radial with Testors
® Model Enamel paint then
sprayed two very light top-coats of fuelproof Flat Clear over the finished
job.
If you are building a scale replica of a particular aircraft, paint the Radial
in similar colors to the full scale version. The colors we chose represent
typical P&W colors with chrome plated push rod tubes.
PAINTING SEQUENCE AND COLORS USED
2. Crankcase - Gun Ship Gray
3. Cylinders - Euro Gray
4. Background - Flat Black
5. Push Rod Tubes - Silver
6. Ignition Leads - Red
7. Rocker Arm Covers - Black
8. Spark Plug Connectors - Gold or Copper
9. Cylinder Fins and weathering - Silver & black
Random fine lines on the fins
10. Engine I.D. Plate - Black with Silver details
11. Flat Finish Fuelproof Clear Coat - 2 VERY light coats
Questions or comments?
Top Flite Models
3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 398-8970
www.top-flite.com