Top Flite TOPA0405 - Manual (Page 52)

❏
12. For the ultimate finish, lightly wet-sand the
checkers only with 600-grit sandpaper (do not
sand the aluminum), then coat the entire cowl with
a coat of Crystal Clear LustreKote.
❏
13. No warbird is complete without panel lines.
Panel lines set your model apart from others along
the flight line and “bring it to life.” If you decide to
make your panel lines from MonoKote film, use the
Top Flite Smart Stripe tool to cut your panel lines
from black or charcoal MonoKote film, then iron
them in place after you finish covering the rest of
the model. You may also apply panel lines with a
Top Flite Panel Line Pen (see step 4, APPLY THE
DECALS, on this page for details).
EXHAUST STACKS
❏
1. Trim the exhaust stacks as closely to the cut
lines as you can.
❏
2. Paint the exhaust stacks. We used aluminum
LustreKote on the prototypes.
❏
3. Mark the perimeter of the stacks on the fuse.
Use a T-pin to perforate the covering underneath
the stacks.
❏
4. Roughen the underside of the plastic stacks
with sandpaper.
❏
5. Glue the stacks to the fuse with medium CA.
PAINTING
After the model is covered, use fuelproof model
paint, 30-minute epoxy thinned with alcohol or
finishing resin to coat areas that may be exposed to
raw fuel or exhaust residue such as the firewall, wing
saddle and openings in the wing for the retracts.
We recommended Top Flite LustreKote fuelproof
paint for painting all ABS plastic parts. At least one
coat of LustreKote primer is highly recommended
to fill in small scratches left from sanding as well
as small pin holes in the filler. Wet sand between
coats with 400-grit sandpaper and apply a second
coat of primer if necessary.
For painting the pilot, we have discovered that
acrylic water base paints such as the types found
at craft stores work great. The acrylic paints look
realistic on the pilots because they are flat. Best of
all, they clean up with water.
We covered the cockpit floor (if a cockpit kit will not
be installed), sides and backrest with 600-grit
sandpaper glued in place with aliphatic resin glue.
APPLY DECALS
❏
1. Study the plan and the photos on the box to
decide where to place the decals.
❏
2. Thoroughly clean your airplane before
applying decals.
❏
3. Cut out the individual decals and apply them
in the locations shown on the plan.
HINT: To apply decals accurately, use a marker to
put small reference marks on the aircraft outside
the edge of the decal. Peel the decal backing off.
For larger decals, spray the aircraft and the glue
side of the decal with a mixture of soap and water.
Carefully “float” the decal into position. Use a
damp paper towel to squeegee the liquid out from
under the decal, working from the middle outward.
Remove the marks with isopropyl alcohol.
❏
4. If you decide to add panel lines with a Top
Flite Panel Line Pen, use a straightedge to guide
your pen along the straight lines, and make a
template from plastic sheet for the tricky parts with
compound curves. HINT: Apply a few layers of
vinyl tape to underside of your templates and
straight edges. This will raise your guide off the surface
so the ink does not “bleed” onto your model.
FINAL HOOKUPS AND CHECKS
INSTALL THE HINGES
❏
1. Starting with the elevators and stab, cut the
covering from the hinge holes.
❏
2. Roughen the elevator torque rod wires with
sandpaper. Clean the torque rod wires with alcohol
and a paper towel to remove any oil residue.
- 52 -