Top Flite TOPA0410 - Manual (Page 8)

- 8 -
(Continued from page 5.)
1/2" x 15/16" x 18" = 12.7mm x 23.8mm x 457.2mm
1/2" x 1" x 3" = 12.7mm x 25.4mm x 76.2mm
1/2" x 1-1/4" x 30" = 12.7mm x 31.8mm x 762.0mm
5/8" x 3/4" x 6" = 15.9mm x 19.0mm x 152.4mm
11/16" x 11/16" x 18" = 17.5mm x 17.5mm x 457.2mm
Block Size Block Size
in inches in millimeters
5/16" x 3/4" x 7/8" = 7.9mm x 19.0mm x 22.2mm
3/8" x 2" x 6" = 9.5mm x 50.8mm x 152.4mm
1/2" x 3" x 12" = 12.7mm x 76.2mm x 304.8mm
9/16" x 2" x 12" = 14.3mm x 50.8mm x 304.8mm
9/16" x 2-1/2" x 24" = 14.3mm x 63.5mm x 609.6mm
3/4" x 3/4" x 1" = 19.0mm x 19.0mm x 25.4mm
7/8" x 1-1/4" x 9-1/2" = 22.2mm x 31.8mm x 241.3mm
1-1/4" x 1-1/2" x 8" = 31.8mm x 38.1mm x 200.0mm
1-1/4" x 2" x 2-3/4" = 31.8mm x 50.8mm x 69.9mm
GET READY TO BUILD
1. Unroll the plan sheets. Re-roll the plans inside out to
make them lie flat. Wax paper or Great Planes Plan
Protector placed over the plan will prevent glue from
sticking to the plan.
2. Remove all parts from the box. As you do, determine
the name of each part by comparing it with the plans and
the parts list included with this kit. Using a pencil or
ballpoint pen, lightly write the part name or size on each
piece to avoid confusion later. Use the die-cut patterns
shown on pages 6 & 7 to identify the die-cut parts and
mark them before removing them from the sheet. Save all
leftovers. If any of the die-cut parts are difficult to remove,
do not force them! Instead, cut around the parts. Use your
Easy-Touch Bar Sander or sanding block to lightly sand
the edges to remove any die-cutting irregularities.
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 parts in as you sort, identify and
separate them into subassemblies.
BUILD THE TAIL SURFACES
BUILD THE STABILIZER
❏ 1. Make a top and a bottom stabilizer skin using your
own method or the Hot Tip that follows to glue four 3/32" x
3" x 36" balsa sheets together to make two 6" x 36" sheets.
Top Flite selects balsa that is intended for sheeting,
though occasionally a few of these sheets may have a
small nick or split near the ends. If your kit contains a
few of these sheets, arrange them and glue them
together so the defects will not interfere with the final
shape of the skin.
HOW TO MAKE THE STAB SKINS
❏ A. Use a straightedge and a sharp #11 blade to true
one edge of both sheets. Do not cut all the way through
the first time but make several passes with your knife to
prevent the wood from splitting.
❏ B. Tightly tape the trued edges of the sheets together
with masking tape.
❏ C. Place a sheet of Plan Protector or wax paper on
your workbench. Turn the taped-together sheets over and
apply aliphatic resin (wood workers glue) to the seams.
❏ D. Use a credit card or something similar to
simultaneously press the sheets flat as you squeegee
the excess glue from the seam. Wipe the glue off your
squeegee so it’s ready for the next time. Immediately
proceed to the next step.