Top Flite TOPA0135 - Manual (Page 43)

❏ 11. (Optional) Use the template on the plans to
make two sets of wing fillet braces from left over
1/8" lite ply. Glue the braces to the fillet and the
fuselage sides. This will make the fillet more
durable in case of rough handling during transport.
❏ 12. To make finishing of the fillet easier, remove
the wing from the fuselage. Cut a tapered piece of
1/16" sheet balsa as shown in the photos. Test fit it
against the wing saddle and refine the fit. A little
concave curvature on the side that contacts the
plywood wing fillet helps.
❏ 13. Make another of sheet balsa to fit behind the
first piece in the “corner” of the fillet. These pieces
don’t have to fit very accurately; we are just trying
to fill some of the space and save a little on the
amount of filler.
❏ 14. Now the fun part! Get out the balsa filler
(Hobbico HobbyLite recommended) and begin
building up a smooth fillet. This should be done in
at least three layers letting the previous layer fully
dry before applying the next. Hint: Wet your fingers
when forming the final layers and you will really be
able to “feather in” the fillet to the fuselage. This
will require minimal sanding in the end.
BUILD THE WING BELLY PAN
❏ 1. Bolt the wing to the fuselage and set the
model upside down on your building stand.
Reference the plans for the locations of the die-cut
1/8" plywood Belly Formers 3-C and 4-C then
mark their position on the bottom of the wing.
❏ 2. Test fit 5-E and make sure that when in
position at the trailing edge of the wing, it is the
same height as 5-D. Make adjustments to 5-E if
required then glue it to the wing only. Cut a 3/16"
square stringer to fit between 5-E and F-1. Glue
the stringer to 5-E and F-1 only.
❏ 3. Position 2-C, 3-C and 4-C, under the stringer
at their proper locations. You may have to bevel
the lower aft edge of 2-C so it will fit between the
wing and F-2. Glue 3-C and 4-C but not 2-C to
the wing.
❏ 4. Place two more 3/16" stringers in the notches
from 5-E to F-1 then glue the stringers to all the
formers except 2-C.
❏ 5. Adjust the position of 2-C so you can place a
shim such as a metal ruler or a piece of 1/32"
plywood between 2-C and F-2. Glue 2-C to the
stringers and the wing.
Skip to step 1 “Sheet the Belly Pan” if you are not
going to install the releasable drop tank.
❏ 6. Glue a 3/16" square stringer to the side of the
middle stringer between 2-C and 3-C (just like you
did for the tail wheel installation). Cut a notch in the
middle stringer to allow actuation of the Great
Planes release mechanism (remove the aft post
from the release mechanism). Glue another 3/16"
stringer to the other side of the middle stringer.
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