Top Flite Antares - Manual (Page 2)

the left (rudder) and right (ailerons) sticks It is important
to remember that the ANTARES, like all "flat wing" con-
figurations employs the use of coupled ailerons and
rudder to eliminate unwanted adverse yaw during turns
It is important to realize this now and make provisions for
it such as outlined above It should be noted that if you
choose option #2 above (mechanical inter connect of the
ailerons and rudder), the need for a separate rudder servo
is obviated and the airplane can then be flown using a
three channel system All of the above is certainly not
meant to scare you off but simply to inform you ahead of
time, what your options and limitations are in order for
you to plan ahead now instead of halfway into the project
We have launched this design using all a v a i l a b l e
methods, hi-starts, normal winches and super strong
winches The results have been quite uniform, with the
use of flaps at about 15 degrees down, the tows are
arrow straight, highly controllable and always high
Dropping the flaps a little on launch certainly helps the lift
situation and it also imparts a fully washed out condition
to the wings, drastically lowering the possibility of the
dreaded "tip stall at launch" Over the developmental
period of the design, we have come up with a very good
launch sequence, be sure to read the FLYING SECTION of
this manual
As good as we feel the ANTARES is, there are still some
fundamental requirements to get you from this stage to
the winner's circle This design, as well as all others,
requires careful, accurate attention to details during con
struction This is almost surely the single largest factor in
success or failure We have earnestly tried to give you all
of the tools with this kit to provide success What remains
isyourcraftsmanship and attention to detail to guarantee
it The other ingredient required is a pilot A flat wing
four-channel aileron and flap equipped sailplane is a
different kind of flying — we think superior — when
compared to polyhedral types Learn to fly the ANTARES
in the manner it was intended, we think you will be
delighted
IMPORTANT NOTE-
TOP Flite does not necessarily recommend the ANTARES
as a first R/C sailplane unless you have access to and use
experienced assistance in its construction and flying If
you are a beginner to R/C model aircraft, consider this
Flying this or any other radio controlled model aircraft is
a PRIVILEGE and not a RIGHT and this privilege begins
with the utmost safety considerations to others and your-
self as well An R/C model airplane in inexperienced
hands has the potential of doing serious personal or
property damage These safety considerations start at
the building board by following instructions, seeking
competent help when you are confused and avoiding
shortcuts These considerations have to be carried over
to the flying field where safety must come first and
limitations cannot be exceeded We urge you to
1. Send for and obtain your AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) membership which will provide insur
ance for your R/C activities — DO NOT RELY ON
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
2. Join an AMA sanctioned R/C flying club in your area
where you can obtain competent, professional
instruction in trimming and learning how to fly this
model
Check with your favorite local hobby shop for the re-
quired AMA forms or the address where they can be
obtained
"WARNING"!
A radio controlled model is not a "toy" Care and
caution must be taken in properly building the
model, as well as in the installation and use of the
radio control devise It is important to follow all
directions as to the construction of this kit as well as
installation and use of the engine and radio gear
The advice and assistance of a well experienced
builder and pilot is highly recommended Don't take
chances! Improper building, operation or flying of
this model could result in serious bodily injury to
others, yourself, or property damage.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTES
The ANTARES, like other Top Flite kits employs the use of
die cut wood to ease the task of construction, parts fit and
identification The dies used for this kit have been rigor-
ously checked for absolute accuracy and should provide
you with excellent fit Die cut parts should be carefully
removed from their sheets by first lightly sanding the
back of each sheet of parts and then carefully removing
each part Use a light garnet paper for the sanding and
keep a sharp hobby knife with an X acto #11 blade or
equivalent handy for assistance in removing any parts
that might not have been completely cut through on the
dies Parts which oppose one another and must be pre-
cisely uniform—such as fuselage sides ribs, etc —
should be carefully matched after their removal from
the parts sheets Matching is the process of holding the
opposing pieces together with either pins, tape or spot
gluing and lightly sanding the edges of the parts until
they are identical A sand ing block with light garnet paper
is most useful for this and other phases of construction
Your building surface should be at least large enough to
accommodate the wing panels This surface should be as
absolutely flat as possible and yet be able to accept pins
easily We have found that a product such as Celotex fiber
board works quite well for this purpose Another good
surface can be found in most well stocked hardware
stores, this is a 2' x 4' fiber board ceiling tile—these are
quite inexpensive and can be used for several airplanes
before needing replacement
As with most R/C kits that are constructed from wood, a
selection of tools—most of which can be found in the
average workshop—are a must to do the job correctly
Hobby knife and sharp #11 blades
Single-edge razor blades
T pins
Sanding blocks in assorted sizes
Sandpaper in various grits
Hand held hobby saw such as an X acto
Dremel tool or power drill and assorted drill bits
Straight edge, preferably metal at least 36" long
90 triangle
Soldering iron, flux (silver) and solder
Carbide cut off wheel for wire cutting
Small power jig saw, such as a Moto Saw
Razor plane
Tapes such as masking and cellophane
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