Great Planes Spirit 100 Sailplane Kit - GPMA0550 - Manual (Page 6)

GET READY TO BUILD
NOTE: It will be helpful to build on a piece of "Celotex" or other
semi-soft (and flat) surface, into which you may easily stick pins
to firmly hold down the parts while building, and to avoid warps.
Tips (SPT1S02) to make the Rudder and Fin Framework.
Notice that the fin leading edge extends down into the fuse so cut
it long enough to extend past the fuse bottom. It will be trimmed
off flush with the fuse b o t t o m later Pin these pieces in place on
the plan and glue the parts together using thin CA glue.
CAUTION: Do not glue the fin to the rudder! Cut the notch
near the back of the fin bottom so it will fit over the stab.
D 1. Unroll the plan sheet. Re-roll the plan inside out and let
it uncurl while you read through this instruction book. This will
help the plan lay flat and you to get acquainted with the building
process. NOTE,: Because there are several options to con-
sider when building the SPIRIT 100, you should read the
instruction book through before building and then go back
and cross off the steps you won't use to build your model.
D 2. Remove all parts from the box. As you do, figure out the
name of each part by comparing it with the plans and the parts list
at the back of this book. Write the part name or size on each piece
to avoid confusion later. Use the die-cut patterns shown on page
5 to identify the die-cut parts and mark them. If any of the die-cut
parts arc d i f f i c u l t to punch out during construction, do not force
them! Instead, first cut around the parts with a hobby knife. After
punching out the die-cut parts, use your T-Bar or sanding block
to lightly sand the edges to remove any die-cutting irregularities.
D 3. From the 1/8" x 1/4" x 30" Balsa Tail Rib Sticks (SPT1S04),
cut the "ribs" to fit inside the rudder and fin framework, and glue
them in place. Cut the gussets from the 1/4" x 3/4" x 24" Balsa
Tail Tips Stick (SPT1S02) and glue them in place.
"TAIL FEATHERS"
BUILD THE FIN AND RUDDER
You'll need the following pans:
SPT1S01 1/4" x 1/2" x 30" Balsa Tail Frame
SPT1S02 1/4" x 3/4" x 24" Balsa Tail Tips
SPT1S04 1/8" x 1/4" x 30" Balsa Tail Ribs
D 1. Tape or pin the plan down to your flat work surface. Tape
a piece of waxed paper over the fin and rudder portion of the plan
(so you don't glue the parts to the plan).
D 4. Remove the fin and rudder assemblies from the plan and
examine them for any open or bad joints. Fill any gaps with
medium or thick CA, then use your sanding block with medium
grit sandpaper to sand both sides of the framework smooth.
D 2. Using the plan as a guide, cut pieces of 1/4" x 1/2" x 30"
Balsa Tail Frame (SPT1S01) and 1/4" x 3/4" x 24" Balsa Tail
D 5. Carefully draw a centerline all around the edges of the
rudder. This will help to maintain symmetry when sanding.
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