Top Flite TOPA0400 - Manual (Page 43)

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14. After the filler cures, sand it flush with the
plastic. Wet sand the entire cowl with 400-grit sand
paper in preparation for primer.
BUILD THE WING FILLETS
NOTE: There are many techniques to build a wing
fillet. Some modelers prefer to carve the entire fillet
from balsa. Others use a mixture of epoxy and
micro balloons to finish the fillet. If you have a
favorite technique, feel free to use it. The
technique described below works fine for aircraft
covered with MonoKote film.
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1. Remove the die-cut 1/32" plywood wing fillet
bases from their die blanks. Cut the “die-cut
bumps” off the aft end of the parts with a
straightedge and hobby knife.
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2. Tape the wing fillet bases to the wing saddle
as shown. Notice how the wing fillet bases overlap
the wing saddle and fit around the fuse behind the
wing saddle.
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3. Tape a layer of wax paper or Plan Protector
to the top surface of the wing in the wing saddle
area (the shims used to simulate the thickness of
the fillet bases in earlier steps should be removed).
Bolt the wing firmly onto the fuselage. Check to
make sure the wing fits properly along the wing
saddle, making adjustments as needed.
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4. With the wing bolted to the fuse, glue the
wing fillet bases to the wing saddle.
NOTE: The wing fillet may be built up with small
balsa blocks and triangle stock, or you may use
the technique described below.
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5. From the 1/16" balsa sheet cut a tapered
fillet sheet to fit between the fillet base and the
fuse side. Test fit it against the wing saddle and
trim to fit. A little concave curvature on the side
that contacts the wing fillet base helps. You may
need to make a few braces to fit under the fillet
sheet especially toward the aft end of the fillet.
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6. Glue the balsa fillet sheet in place starting in
the middle and working toward each end. The angle
of the fillet should be approximately 45Þ from the
middle forward and flatten out toward the aft end.
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7. Apply HobbyLite filler to the fillet. Trowel it on
with a spatula. Wet your fingers with water and use
them to contour the filler.
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8. Turn the plane over and build the small fillet
on the bottom side of the fillet base behind the wing.
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