User Manual

ManualsBrandsTop Flite ManualsAircraftsP-51D Mustang 84.5 (Silver)

wrinkles. The best way is to glide the iron over the

covering until the wrinkles disappear, then go over the

area again, pushing down on the iron to bond the

covering to the wood. If the wrinkles don’t go away, the

balsa in that area may be bending inward. If this is

happening, don’t press down. Simply let the heat of the

iron shrink the covering. If the wrinkles momentarily

disappear, then immediately reappear, the iron may be

too hot, thus causing air bubbles. Lower the

temperature of the iron or use a sharp #11 blade to

puncture several holes in the covering, then reheat.The

suggested iron temperature is around 360 degrees F.

❏❏4. Cut the covering from the holes for the hinge

points in the trailing edge of the wing and the leading

edge of the flap and aileron.There are three holes for

the aileron and four holes for the flap. Note that the

holes in the flap and aileron are elongated.

❏❏5. Shorten one of the pinned hinge points by

cutting the last segment off one end. This hinge will

be for the outermost hole in the aileron.

❏❏6. Without using any glue, install three hinges into

the aileron. The one shortened in the previous step

goes in the hole nearest the outer tip. Note that the

pivot point of each hinge must align with the center of

the radius on the leading edge. To achieve this

alignment the hinges will be fairly deep in the aileron.

Also note that the hinges must be perpendicular to the

leading edge. If necessary, use an electric drill to run a

3/16" [4.8mm] drill bit into the holes to achieve this

alignment. Be careful not to drill through the sheeting

over the top and bottom of the aileron.

❏❏7. Again without glue, test fit the aileron to the

wing. Move it up and down a few times to align the

hinges—it doesn’t have to move very far—only 3/4"

[19mm] up and 3/4" [19mm] down (measured at the

widest part of the aileron at the trailing edge as shown

in the photo). If there is too much resistance, or if you

are not able to move the aileron up and down 3/4"

[19mm], widen the gap between the aileron and the

wing by pulling the aileron from the wing slightly, or

enlarge the hinge openings in the aileron.

❏❏8. Still using no glue, test fit the flap to the wing

the same way. 2-1/8" [55mm] of down deflection is

required (measured at the widest part of the flap).

We’ll glue on the flap and aileron separately.This

way you will have plenty of working time for

the epoxy.

❏❏9. Remove all the hinges. Add a small drop of

oil to the pivot point on the aileron hinges.

3/4"

HINGE PIVOT POINT

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