Top Flite TOPA0215 - Manual (Page 29)

- 29 -
D. When you cover large sheeted surfaces such as
the wing, bond the covering in the middle and work
outward, pushing out air as you proceed. Do not
move the iron in a circular motion, but move it length-
wise with the grain of the wood.
E. When you cover smaller parts with square edges
such as the elevators and ailerons, cover the ends
first with separate pieces of covering. Then, all you
have to do is wrap the covering around the top and
bottom and iron it down.
F. When you cover sharp junctions like where the
stab meets the fuse, cut narrow strips of covering
(3/8 to 1/2" [10 to 13mm] wide) and apply them in the
corners before you cover the major surfaces. The
larger pieces of covering will overlap the smaller
pieces. This technique also eliminates the need to
cut the covering after it has been applied.
Installing the Stab and Fin
❏
1. Before beginning the installation of the stab and
fin you will most likely find it more convenient to cover
them before installing them to the fuselage. Apply the
covering to them now if you haven’t already. It is also
a good idea to cover the elevator and rudder at this
time too.
❏
2. Attach the wing to the fuselage. Place the stab into
position on the fuselage making sure it is centered.
Measure from the tip of the wing to the tip of the stab;
adjusting the stab until the distance between the wing
and the stab is equal on both sides.
❏
3. Carefully mark the location of the fuselage
basswood stringers where they make contact with
the bottom of the stab. Cut away the covering on the
bottom of the stab where you have marked the
stringer locations.
❏
4. Place the stab back onto the fuselage. Stand
back 15' [381mm] and view the stab from the back of
the fuselage. Look at the alignment between the stab
and the wing. Be sure that the stab and wing are
aligned with each other. If they are not, sand away
some of material on the fuselage on the side of the
stab that is slightly high. Make these adjustments
until the stab is aligned with the wing.
❏
5. Set the stab aside. Now would be a good time
to paint or stain the open structure of the fuselage.
Ours was painted with Top Flite LustreKote
® paint. If
you choose to spray paint the structure, mask the
portion of the fuselage that you do not want paint on.
Spray on a couple of coats of primer, sanding
between coats. When you are satisfied with the finish
apply the color. You may also choose to brush on a
paint or stained finish. Just be sure that you use a
fuel proof paint.
❏
6. After the paint is completely dried, lightly sand
the area of the stringers that will be in contact with
the bottom of the stab. Glue the stab to the fuselage
with epoxy. Double check the distance from the stab
to the wing to be sure the stab and the wing are
aligned. Set it aside until the epoxy cures.
❏
7. Cut away the covering from the slot in the stab
for the fin. Insert the fin into the slot. Mark a line on
the fin where it contacts the stab. Remove the fin and
cut away the covering below the line you have made
on the fin.
❏
8. Put the fin back into the slot. With a builders
triangle, check to be sure that the fin is 90 degrees to
the stab. When you are satisfied with the fit and
alignment glue the fin into the slot in the stab with
epoxy.