Top Flite TOPA0110 - Manual (Page 40)

Repeat steps 22-24 for the other side of the
fuselage.
25. Cut the two Aft Deck side pieces out of
the 1/8" x 3" x 30" balsa sheet. An approximate
pattern is provided on the fuselage plan sheet.
26. Glue the aft decks to the top of the
fuselage sides, then bend them and glue them to
the formers and the stringers.
27. True up the top of the aft deck sheeting
and 3/16" square stringers with a razor plane and
a sanding block.
28. Trace the shape of the top of the fuselage
deck onto the 1/2" x 3" x 18" balsa Aft Deck
Block. Rough cut the block to shape. Carve the
aft edge of the block so it will fit over the stab.
29. Glue the Aft Deck Block to the fuselage.
Use a razor plane and a sanding block to shape
t h e b l o c k a s s h o w n i n t h e f u s e l a g e c r o s s -
sections.
INSTALL THE DORSAL FIN
NOTE: A few early P-51D’s did not
have a Dorsal Fin. If you have a
particular plane/trim scheme in mind,
check to see if it has a dorsal fin.
1. Trace the die-cut 1/16" plywood Dorsal
Fin (DF) twice onto the 1/4" x 4" x 8" balsa sheet
provided. Note the 1/4" extension on the aft end
of the balsa pieces in the photo. Draw this
addition onto the sheet, and then cut out the
parts.
2. Draw a centerline on the aft portion of the
aft deck to aid in centering the dorsal fin.
3. Glue the 1/16" plywood Dorsal Fin (DF) to
the fin and aft deck with medium CA.
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