Top Flite TOPA0155 - Manual (Page 32)

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3. Test fit a wing joiner in each panel. Make
adjustments to the joiners as necessary so the
panels fit together well.
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4. Lay the center section on your flat workbench and
place weights on top of it to hold it down. Temporarily
join the outer panels to the center section with the
joiners. The outer panels have a dihedral angle of 5
degrees, which means both tips should be propped-up
1-1/2" [38mm] (plus or minus 1/16" [1.6mm]–as long as
both panels are equal) under rib W12 to get the correct
angle. If necessary, trim the wing joiners to achieve the
correct dihedral angle.
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5. Gather everything you will need to join the wing
panels. Lay two or three paper towels on top of each
other and cut them into 2" to 3" [50 to 75mm] squares
(you’ll find that these small squares are handy–not to
mention a cost saver instead of wasting whole paper
towels just to wipe up a small drop of glue). Also gather
denatured alcohol, a few epoxy mixing cups,
microballoons, a roll of masking tape, an epoxy brush
and wax paper or plan protector to cover the workbench.
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6. To provide adequate working time before the
epoxy hardens, it is recommended to join one outer
panel at a time to the center section. Separate the
outer panels from the center section.
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7. Mix at least 1/2 oz. of 30-minute epoxy with an
equal amount of microballoons. Prepare a separate
batch of 1/2 oz. of just 30-minute epoxy. Proceed
immediately to the next step.
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8. Thoroughly coat one half of one of the joiners and
the inside of both joining panels with the
epoxy/microballoons mixture. Insert the joiner into the
respective wing panel, then coat the exposed end of the
joiner with the rest of the epoxy and microballoons. Use
an epoxy brush to coat the ribs on the ends of both
joining panels with the 30-minute epoxy. Join the outer
panel to the center panel and the joiner. Use the paper
towel squares moistened with alcohol to wipe away
excess epoxy. Tightly hold both wing panels together
with as much masking tape as required. Lay the wing
on the flat workbench and place weights on top of the
center section. Prop up the tip 1-1/2" [38mm] to set the
correct dihedral. Do not disturb the wing until the epoxy
has fully hardened.
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9. Join the other panel to the center section the
same way.
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10. Trim the bottom of the center TE spar even
with the bottom sheeting.
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11. If not building working flaps, sheet the bottom
of the flap area with leftover 3/32" [2.4mm] balsa.
Proceed to “BUILD THE FUSELAGE” on page 35.
Build the outer flaps
Build the right flap first so your progress will
match the photos.
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1. Remove the aileron from the wing. Trim the
bottoms of the ribs W6, W7 & W8 along the lines
marked earlier. Use leftover 3/32" [2.4mm] balsa to
make the remaining two half-ribs and glue them into
position. Sand all the ribs even with each other.
Using the ribs as a guide, sand inside the TE of the
top wing sheeting to a thickness of 1/32" [.8mm].
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