Great Planes Spitfire 40 Kit - GPMA0179 - Manual (Page 5)

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and
a length.
For example #4 x 3/4"
Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per
inch, and a length.
For example 4-40 x 3/4"
• When you see the term “test fit” in the instructions, it means
you should first position the part on the assembly without
using any glue, then slightly modify or “custom fit” the part as
necessary for the best fit. Do not glue until told to do so.
• When you see the term “fit” in the instructions, it means you
should first position the part on the assembly without using
any glue, then modify or “custom fit” the part as necessary for
the best fit. Glue when you are satisfied with the fit.
• Whenever just “epoxy” is specified you may use either
30-minute epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When 30-minute epoxy is
specified it is highly recommended that you use only
30-minute epoxy because you will need the working time
and/or the additional strength.
• Several times during construction we refer to the “top” or
“bottom” of the model or a part of the model. For example,
during wing construction we tell you to “glue the top main spar”
or “trim the bottom of the former.” It is understood that the “top”
or “bottom” of the model is as it would be when the airplane is
right-side-up and will be referred to as the “top” even if the
model is being worked on upside-down. I.E. the “top” main spar
is always the “top” main spar even when the wing is being built
upside-down.
• Where you see the term “glue,” it is at your option to select
the thickness of CA with which you are most comfortable. If the
step indicates a particular thickness of glue, be sure to use the
thickness recommended for strength, penetration, and/or
working time.
Fuse = Fuselage
Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer
Fin = Vertical Fin
LE = Leading Edge (front)
TE = Trailing Edge (rear)
LG = Landing Gear
Ply = Plywood
" = Inches
1. Unroll the plan sheet. Re-roll it inside out to make it lie flat.
Note: Do NOT cut the vertical fin plan from the fuselage
plan for assembly of the vertical tail.
2. Remove all parts from the box. As you do, figure out the
name of each part by comparing it with the plans and the parts
list included with this kit. Using a felt-tip or ballpoint pen, lightly
write the part name or size on each piece to avoid confusion
later. Use the die-cut patterns shown on back side of the center
pull-out section, to identify the die-cut parts and mark them
before removing them from the sheet. Save all scraps. If any
of the die-cut parts are difficult to punch out, do not force them!
Instead, cut around the parts with a hobby knife. After punching
out the die-cut parts, use your Bar Sander or sanding block to
lightly sand the edges to remove any die-cutting irregularities
or slivers.
3. As you identify and mark the parts, separate them into
groups, such as fuse (fuselage), wing, fin, stab (stabilizer) and
hardware.
Zipper-top food storage bags are handy to store the small
parts as you sort, identify, and separate them into sub-
assemblies.
Get Ready to Build
Types of Wood
Common Abbreviations Building Notes
5
1/64" = .4mm
1/32" = .8mm
1/16" = 1.6mm
3/32" = 2.4mm
1/8" = 3.2mm
5/32" = 4mm
3/16" = 4.8mm
1/4" = 6.4mm
3/8" = 9.5mm
1/2" = 12.7mm
5/8" = 15.9mm
3/4" = 19mm
1" = 25.4mm
2" = 50.8mm
3" = 76.2mm
6" = 152.4mm
12" = 304.8mm
15" = 381mm
18" = 457.2mm
21" = 533.4mm
24" = 609.6mm
30" = 762mm
36" = 914.4mm
Metric Conversions