Top Flite TOPA0210 - Manual (Page 22)

❏ 32. Sheet the area between F-2D and F-3C with
3/32" x 3" x 30 [2.4 x 76 x 762mm] balsa sheet.
Sheet both sides first and sand them flush with the
top of the former, then sheet the top of the former.
❏ 33. Cut the forward deck sheeting template from
the plan. Cut two forward deck sheets from 3/32" x 3"
x 30 [2.4 x 76 x 762mm] balsa sheet. Place the sheet
in position from the firewall up to F-2D. When you
are satisfied with the fit, glue the forward deck
sheeting in place on both sides of the fuselage. Sand
the sheeting flush with the top of the formers, then
sheet the top with 3/32" [2.4mm] balsa.
❏ 34. From 1/4" x 3" x 24" [6.4 x 76 x 610mm] balsa
sheet, cut the forward dorsal fin using the template
on the plan as a pattern. Place the forward dorsal fin
in position behind F-3C. Place the fin assembly in
place on top of the fuselage. Make any adjustments
needed to the forward dorsal fin to get a good fit to
the fin. When you are satisfied with the fit glue the
forward dorsal fin in place.
❏ 35. Locate the two 1/8" [3.2mm] die-cut balsa
dorsal fin supports. The fin supports are die-cut
except at the very end of the support. Use a hobby
knife to finish the cut. These parts support the fin
assembly. It is important that when they are in place
the supports are exactly 1/4" [6.4mm] apart. Use
either the fin assembly or leftover 1/4" [6.4mm] balsa
to align and mark the exact position for the fin
supports. Glue the fin supports in position. Do not
glue the fin in position. (The fin is not glued in place
until after it has been covered) Note: Refer to the
photo at step 2 of “Mount the stab.”
❏ 36. After the supports are glued in place, slide the
fin assembly between the fin supports. Sand the fin
support to match the dorsal fin, as shown in the
above photo. Sand the fin supports to the shape as
shown in the cross-section at former F-5.
❏ 37. Locate the die-cut 1/8" [3.2mm] ply lower fin
guide. This tool will be used to hold the lower fin
perpendicular to the fuselage in the next step.
❏ 38. Center the lower fin on the bottom of the
fuselage. Use the lower fin guide to assure that the
lower fin is perpendicular to the bottom of the
fuselage. When you are satisfied with the fit, glue the
lower fin to the fuselage.
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