User Manual

❏ 9. Bolt the wing to the fuselage with two 1/4-20 x 2" [50mm] nylon wing bolts. Center the stab in the fuselage. Stand approximately ten feet behind the model and view the stab and wing. If the stab and wing align with each other, proceed to the next step. If the stab and wing do not align, but are close, place a small weight on the “high side” of the stab to see if you can bring it into alignment. If weight is not enough, remove the stab from the fuselage and lightly sand the slots in the fuselage as necessary to align the stab with the wing. Reinsert the stab and check the alignment. ❏ 10. When ready to permanently glue the stab into
the fuselage, wrap one side of the stab with a plastic bag or wax paper. This will protect the stab from epoxy when sliding it into the fuse.
❏ 11. Thoroughly coat the slot in the fuselage
where the stab fits and the top and bottom of the stab where it joins the fuselage with 30-minute epoxy. Slide the stab into position. Remove the protective plastic wrapped around the stab in the previous step. Wipe off excess epoxy. Recheck the stab alignment the same as was done in the previous steps. Do not disturb the fuse until the epoxy has fully hardened.
❏ 12. Stick a T-pin through the middle of four hinges
to keep them centered. After the epoxy on the stab has hardened, join the elevators to the stab with the hinges and remove the T-pins. Make a small gap between the stab and elevators—just enough to see light through or to slip a piece of paper through. Allowing enough time between drops to allow the CA to soak in, add six to eight drops of thin CA to both sides of all the hinges. Hint: Use a CA applicator tip so the CA can be applied directly to the hinges.
❏ 13. Join the rudder to the fin with the hinges and
glue them in the same way.
Install the cockpit Refer to this photo while working on the cockpit. ❏ 1. Use small scissors or curved-tip scissors (such
as Kyosho
®
or Great Planes) to cut out the cockpit
sides. Do not cut the lip from top. Trim the aft edge (the edge with the angle) of both sides so they will fit between the formers in the cockpit.
Installation of the included semi-scale cockpit kit is optional. If you prefer not to install the complete cockpit, all that has to be done is to paint the existing balsa cockpit area and add the instrument panel decal. Should you decide to install the cockpit, keep in mind that although this model is an ARF, the included cockpit kit is a starting platform. Should you wish to add more detail, study photos of a full-size P-51 cockpit, then decide how to proceed. Many of the mechanisms can be added or enhanced simply with a fine paint brush and a selection of plastic model paint. Whatever pilot you decide to use should be test fit before gluing any of the cockpit parts into position in case any modifications are required.
- 21 -