User Manual

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE
Hinge the elevators and rudder ❏ 1. Cut twelve 1" x 1" [25 x 25mm] CA hinges from
the supplied 2" x 9" [50 x 230mm] CA hinge strip. Cut off the corners so the hinges go in easier.
❏ 2. Test fit one of the elevators to the stab with four
hinges. If the hinge slots are too tight, they can be “loosened” by inserting a hobby knife and moving it from side-to-side. Note that it’s the back side of the blade that does the work.
❏ 3. Make a small slit in the elevator and stab on
both sides of all four hinges. These small slits will indicate the ends of the hinge slots.
❏ 4. Remove the elevator. Cut a small strip of
covering from each hinge slot in the stab and elevator between the slits. Drill 3/32" [2.4mm] holes, 1/2" [15mm] deep in the middle of all the hinge slots. A Moto-Tool with a cutting bit works well for this.
These “tunnels” will allow the CA to fully penetrate the hinge slots when it’s time for permanently joining the elevators to the stab later on.
❏ 5. Prepare the rest of the hinges and the hinge
slots in the stab and the other elevator and the rudder and fin the same way. Do not glue in the hinges until instructed to do so.
Glue in the stabilizer Before proceeding, a building stand is required for working on the fuselage. In the R&D shop we prefer the Robart
®
Super Stand II (ROBP1402).
❏ 1. The same as you did the wing, use a covering
iron to remove any wrinkles in the fuselage, stab and elevators. Remember to press down over sheeted areas (except where the wood bows inward). Hint: Use a pin to poke four or five holes beside each rib in the top and bottom of both elevators to allow air to escape while shrinking the covering.
Note: The following three steps describe how to prepare the hinge slots for gluing in the CA hinges. This procedure may appear to be “more involved” than one would prefer for an ARF, but you will be rewarded with close, clean hinge gaps and free- moving, securely hinged surfaces.
1"
1"
NOTES ABOUT CA HINGES
This kit is supplied with CA hinge material consisting of a 3-layer lamination of Mylar and polyester specially made for hinging model airplanes. When properly installed, this type of CA hinge provides the best combination of strength, durability and easy installation.Your giant P-51 and other giant warbirds like it have been thoroughly tested with these hinges, but it is essential to install them correctly. Follow the hinging instructions in this manual for the best result. The techniques shown have been developed to ensure thorough and secure gluing.
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