Great Planes Piper J-3 Cub 20 Kit - GPMA0158 - Manual (Page 3)

6 You must fly the model only with the help of a
competent, experienced R/C pilot if you are not already
an experienced and knowledgeable R/C pilot at this time
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Piper J-3
Cub 20 for your next project We are sure that you will find
a great deal of modeling satisfaction while building and
flying this 1930's classic
You will find the J-3 Cub easy to build and fly, very
predictable and fairly acrobatic, yet it has no bad habits
Traditional Great Planes interlocking construction makes it
simple to build a great looking and straight airplane that is
sturdy enough to take along every time you go to the
flying field
If you have chosen this kit as your first R/C model, it is
important that you find an experienced modeler to help you
throughout the building and flying of this plane He should
thoroughly check the plane over before flying it and help
you with the first flights The J-3 Cub lacks the self-recovery
characteristics of a good basic trainer such as the Great
Planes PT Series airplanes On the other hand, if you have
already learned the basics of R/C flying and you are able to
safely handle a "trainer" airplane, the J-3 Cub is an
excellent choice to sharpen your skills and learn the art of
flying a taildragger So, dust off your work bench, put a new
blade in your hobby knife, load some fresh sandpaper and
let's build a 'J-3 Cub'
Please inspect all parts carefully before starting to
build! If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if
you have any questions about building or flying this
model, please call us at (217) 398-8970 and we'll be
glad to help. If you are calling for replacement parts,
please look up the part numbers and the kit
identification number (stamped on the end of the
carton) and have them ready when calling.
1 You must assemble the plane according to the plans and
instructions Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model In a few cases
the plans and instructions may differ slightly from the
photos In those instances you should assume the written
instructions are correct
2 You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
3 You must use a proper R/C radio that is in first class
condition, the correct sized engine and correct
components (fuel tank, wheels, etc ) throughout your
building process
4. You must properly install all R/C and other components
so that the model operates properly on the ground and in
the air.
5. You must test the operation of the model before the first
and each successive flight to insure that all equipment is
operating, and you must make certain that the model has
remained structurally sound Be sure to check the nylon
clevises often and replace if they show signs of wear
Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, can provide you with
a top quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished model depends on
how you build it, therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model,
and no representations are expressed or implied as to
the performance or safety of your completed model
Remember: Take your time and follow directions to end
up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
There are several engines that will work well in the Cub 20
For a relaxed flying experience, an 0 S 15FP is a good
choice For a more spirited model an 0 S 20- 25FP or
26 Surpass (4-stroke) will work very well Your choice of
2-stroke or 4-stroke engine will determine the location of
the throttle pushrod exit, so you must acquire the engine
early in the building process, and plan ahead.
Note Items in parentheses (GPMQ4130) are suggested
part numbers recognized by distributors and hobby shops
and are listed for your convenience GPM is the Great
Planes brand, HCA is the Hobbico® brand and TOP is the
Top Flite® brand
D 4 Channel radio with 4 servos
D Engine 1 5 - 2 5 2-stroke
20- 26 4-stroke
D Propeller (A Top Flite Power Point® is recommended,
see the engine instructions for size)
D 6oz Fuel Tank - (GPMQ4102)
D 12" Medium Fuel Tubing - (GPMQ4131)
D (2) 2-1/2" Main Wheels - (GPMQ4223)
D (1) 1" Tail Wheel - (GPMQ4241)
D (4) 5/32" Wheel Collars - (GPMQ4306)
D (2) 3/32" Wheel Collars - (GPMQ4302)
D (2) Rolls MonoKote® Cub Yellow
Covering - (TOPQ0220)
D 1/2" Latex Foam Rubber Padding - (HCAQ1050)
D Cub Yellow LustreKote® - (TOPR7220)
D 1/16" Black Striping Tape - (GPMQ1460)
D Fueling Valve - (optional GPMQ4150)
D Switch and Charge Jack Mount - (GPMM1000)
D Screw-Lock Pushrod Connectors - (GPMQ3870)
D Flexible Cable Pushrod for Throttle - (GPMQ3700)
D 2" Pilot Figure - (optional - Williams Bros #184)
3